Page 50 of Romeo

Driving away after she walked safely to her car was harder than it should’ve been. I was more than halfway back to Nebraska when my phone buzzed.

Ma Belle: That guy didn’t come in today. Two days in a row.

A satisfied smile tugged at my mouth.

Me: Maybe he finally got the hint.

Ma Belle: Maybe.

Me: You sound relieved.

Ma Belle: I am.

Me: Good. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.

Ma Belle: Thanks for listening.

Me: Anytime, Cher.

I set the phone back on the seat beside me.

She thought he’d lost interest.

Good.

That was exactly what she needed to think.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Fiona

I was sitting at Granny’s kitchen table, pretending to do homework, when my phone buzzed.

Jasper: Important question.

I stared at the screen with my pencil hovering over my calculus textbook.

Me: That sounds dangerous

I put the phone down and tried to return to the equation in front of me. Thirty seconds later, it buzzed again.

Jasper: Favorite flower?

I frowned.

That was the important question?

Me: Why?

Jasper: It’s for important research.

Me: What kind of research?

Jasper: The old ladies are taking a poll.

A laugh slipped out before I could stop it. Of course they were. I pictured the women at the Silver Shadows’ clubhouse sitting around with coffee while Jasper got volunteered to gather completely unnecessary information.

Me: Peonies and ranunculus.