It’s not a common name, and if she grew up here, there is a good chance I at least know of her, but I can’t figure it out at the moment.
Strolling through the aisles, I find a ton of options. I pull a few plants aside and look around for a cart or wagon to start my collection.
“Need a hand?” a deep voice says.
I look up and see those same bright blue eyes that Rina has, and now I know why they looked familiar.Dean.
“Hey! If you happen to know where I can find a wagon, that would be great.”
“I do indeed.” He turns and heads to the back, and comes back a minute later. “Do you have a pile started?”
I nod to the makeshift pile of plants I made.
“Do you work here?” I ask, confused.
He hesitates, and I see … a flash of guilt, maybe? It’s gone too fast for me to decipher.
“I see you’ve met—”
I turn toward Rina, but she has her eyes on Dean. Confusion is written all over her face.
“Dean,” he finishes for her.
I look between the two stuck in a silent conversation as they stare at each other.
“Umm, yeah. We’re actually neighbors,” I add, trying to defuse the sudden tension.
Rina crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her head to the side, lifting one eyebrow. “How interesting.”
“Yep, very interesting. I was just helping her get a wagon for her plants,” Dean adds.
“Uh huh.” Rina stares so hard, I wouldn’t be shocked if Dean reduced to ash at this point.
“So, I’m just going to grab some more plants. Thanks for the help.” I sidestep them both and pull the wagon behind me as I head over to the lettuces.
That was strange, but I’m not trying to get in the middle of any drama. I would assume they are siblings, just based on their features, but I could be wrong. Maybe they are dating, and I have been drooling over a manthat’s actually taken. Honestly, with my luck, it wouldn’t shock me at this point.
I hear them whispering on the other side of the aisle, so I move farther away. This is why being semi-reclusive is my jam right now. I hate getting involved in drama. I’ve never really had good friends in my life, so I don’t know how to not be awkward. Larkin is used to my tough love and lack of filter, but everyone else just assumes I’m a bitch. It’s just easier to avoid people and not let them see the squishy inside.
Soon, I forget all about the awkward encounter and am immersed in too many options for my garden. I’m debating the merits of different peppers when Rina steps up next to me.
“Sorry about all that. Are you finding everything you need?”
Guess we’re just brushing over the entire conversation. Fine by me.
“Absolutely. I think I’m probably getting too much, but everything sounds so delicious. Now, the real challenge will be to keep everything alive.” I let out a self-deprecating laughter.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine. Now, let’s get you set up with everything you need to actually plant all of this and get them thriving.”
When all is said and done, my car is packed to the brim with plants and soil. Making the drive home, my mind turns to Dean again. Rina and he have to be siblings. There was definitely something else going on with the two of them, but I’m not sure I even want to know what it is. Curiosity has never boded well for me, and I don’t plan on sticking my nose in anyone’s business anytime soon.
Unloading my car doesn’t take long, and when I’m done, I decide to save the actual planting for tomorrow. It’s officially evening, and I have a video game date with my nephew.
“You really suck at this game.”
“Language!” I laugh.
“Oh, please. You talk like a sailor. I’ll make you put a dollar in the next time you’re here.”
