Page 49

I paused. I’d been too scared to look. “There’s not?”

“Nope. I heard from Mark that there isn’t even a tan line.”

Was he with their mother? Or were they broken up?

I shook myself out of my thoughts. “I don’t care.”

“At least he’s not married. That means there’s some good in this.”

“I don’t think I can handle being positive right now. Let me be angry in peace.”

“Fine,” Kerry said. “But can you see the good in this? I’ll buy all the linen candles and the fall ones.”

I blinked. “Really?”

“Yes. I need them for self-care. I’m taking Tommy out of town for swim lessons and I’m so busy. A little pick-me-up for my nights would help.”

I knew what she was doing. She was trying to cheer me up. Many people in town did the same thing.

Normally, I’d call them out on it, but this time, I gave in.

“Thank you, Kerry.”

“I can be nice.” She winked. “Maybe I’ll even get a crystal while I’m at it. Why don’t you tell me about them?”

“You’ve never been interested in crystals before.” I narrowed my eyes.

“I’m turning over a new leaf.” She smiled. “Haven’t you been waiting for the chance to educate me about these things? Besides, I’ve been so busy with Tommy that I barely see anyone. I just need some girl time!”

This was once again out of pity. Usually, I would fight harder against these kinds of things. But Gabriel coming back was such a shock that I was willing to take what I usually wouldn’t.

“You have to actually listen.”

“I’ll do my best.”

With a shake of my head, I led her over to the crystal wall and explained what each one meant. She did a good job of nodding along, and I was tempted to believe she actually listened to me.

I talked to her for far too long, but by the time I was done, I felt more like myself and Kerry had way more than she intended to buy.

She took it all to the register with a smile on her face.

I’d just handed over her receipt when the door opened again.

Both of us turned to see Atticus.

“Don’t,” I hissed when Kerry’s eyes lit up.

“I bet he knows more!” she hissed back. “And it’s my gossip time!”

“You got information. Let me talk to him, please.”

“But—”

“You said you were being nice.”

Kerry whined, but slowly went to the door. She only gave Atticus a wave before she walked out. Through the windows, she was trying to look back inside.

“Can I get the vanilla candles?” he asked.