“Small world, isn’t it?”
“I’ll say.”
“Well, I’m off to get some lemonade. I hope you’ve got sunscreen on or you’re gonna get scorched being out here all day.”
I stop waving my brochure and nod. “I’m covered. Thanks, Madison.”
“No problem. I’ll see ya later.”
I try to be nonchalant, slipping on sunglasses as I watch Ridge and Adam talk from a distance. I don’t want to make it obvious I’m spying. But Adam’s rigid posture and Ridge palming his shoulder are concerning. It almost looks like Mr. Hollywood is consoling my California two-stepper.
They hug one last time, and Adam turns, swiping his wrist under his nose before disappearing inside the barn crowded with folks purchasing lavender-scented candles and soaps. When I realize Ridge is walking straight toward me, I quickly gather my fanned-out brochures on the table and look busy stacking them into a tidy pile.
“Hey, Keri,” he says with a bona fide Hollywood grin.
I smile and push my sunglasses up. “Hey, Ridge. How are you? How’s the property?”
He takes a deep breath. “Life is great. The property is fantastic. I can’t complain. How about you?”
I don’t know what it is about Ridge Wilson, but the award-winning actor has a casual grace that puts you right at ease. I appreciate that about him—that he’s one of us and not some highfalutin celebrity showing off in public.
“It’s been slow,” I moan. “I haven’t had a sale since I sold the Milton property to you and Beverly.”
He frowns, his handsome face still a wonder to behold up close. “Really? I find that hard to believe. Heartsboro is a gem. I’m never leaving.”
I giggle. “Glad to hear it. Because you love it so much, would you consider writing a short testimonial for my website?”
His wide grin is back, his perfect white teeth catching the sunlight with a diamond ping. “Absolutely. I’d love to do that for you.”
“Great.” I grab a business card and hand it to him. “My email’s at the bottom. No hurry.”
He nods and tucks the card into his back jeans pocket. “You got it.”
“Can I ask you something else?”
“Sure.”
I swallow hard, unsure if I want to know the answer. “How do you know Adam Woodbury?”
He exhales and bites his lip. “As you know, he’s a photographer. We worked on a photoshoot in LA years ago.”
My eyes go wide. “Adam photographed…you?”
Ridge laughs. “He did. But I’ll let him tell you all about it.” His attention diverts beyond me. He pats my arm and walks off. Confused, I turn around and see Adam standing a few feet away.
“Hi.” The one-syllable word comes out of my mouth in a rush of hot breath.
“Hi, Keri.”
“I thought you were a no-show.” I nervously slide my sunglasses into my hair.
“I’m here now.”
“I can see that.”
I can also sense a melancholy tone in his voice. Whatever he and Ridge discussed must have been serious.
“I like your dress.”
