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Her words warmed my heart. “Thank you.”

“You’re an actor now.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ll be. Someone famous in the store.” She glanced around and dropped her voice. “I won’t breathe a word.”

I chuckled. “I’ll put in a good word for your grandson. I can’t promise anything…”

“How wonderful. His name is Timmy Woods.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“I’m Ginny, by the way.”

“Oliver.”

She nodded. “I remember.”

“Thanks for, ah, everything. Being so kind,” I added.

She beamed at me, and I left the store, somehow uplifted by the interaction.

Then I headed back to Kassie’s house, wondering if there was any way I could start a dialogue with her and clear the air.

But her car was gone when I got there, so I headed upstairs, unpacked the groceries, and decided to have a nap.

I was exhausted.

I woke a few hours later and rolled off the bed. It was a great mattress—firm and supportive. And the linens were soft and thick. Kassie obviously took great care of the place.

With a sigh, I pulled out a salad and heated up a slice of lasagna I’d chosen at the store. It was decent and I was hungry, having not eaten anything but the pie all day.

I’d love another pie, but I had a feeling I shouldn’t ask.

She might slam the door on my foot next time.

I rinsed my dishes while looking out the window. The fenced yard was a good size, and the flowers and trees were well cared for. A gazebo in the far corner contained a grill, plus a table and chairs. Beside the house was a fenced-off, private area with another smaller grill and a tiny table, as well as a hot tub, which I assumed was for Kassie’s personal use only.

I went outside, letting myself into the backyard. It was well-kept and spacious. Kassie’s private area was shaded, the fence high. I avoided that space and headed to the gazebo.

The chairs around the table looked comfortable, and I sat down, relaxing into the thick, cushioned seat. I shut my eyes, enjoying the quiet.

A short while later, a noise made me open my eyes and sit up straight. Kassie was standing at the edge of the gazebo, a book in hand, a glass of wine in the other.

“Sorry,” I muttered. “I probably shouldn’t be here. I was just getting some air.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll sit on my deck.”

I stood, shaking my head. “I don’t want to disturb you or chase you out of your own gazebo, Kassie. I was going to go for a run, but I decided to sit a bit.”

“You, ah, run?”

“As often as I can. I’m hoping it’s more often here.” I inhaled the fresh air. “No one recognized me today except for Ginny at the grocery store, so I might have more freedom to run outside. I prefer it to the gym.”

“Any luck at the Y?” she asked, sitting down. “Or too shabby for you?”

“It was fine,” I snapped. “I’m not a snob.”