Page 29 of Trust

“About as good as you’d expect.”

“Well, don’t fret. The way he looked at you yesterday suggests he’s all but enamored with your fine mind, razor-sharp wit, and delicious kindness.”

“Half the female population of Haven managed to cram their numbers into his hand yesterday, so his momentary interest might very well have disappeared.” She pushed herself away from the window. “He’s been sitting in his truck for five minutes with his head against the steering wheel.”

“He could be doing some light meditation.”

“Zane is like one long exposed nerve, and the chances of him being into breath work is about as likely as me discovering a love of math.”

“Maybe he’s composing a nice sonnet to seduce you with.”

“Are you even trying to make me feel better?” She frowned. “He’s probably having an old-fashioned freak-out and coming up with a sad sack of fibs to get rid of me. Men like options, and, as of yesterday, he had a pocketful.” A gust of disapproval found its way through the glass of her phone, and she knew Margret wouldn’t let that comment go.

“You are not an option, Olivia Elaine Bennett. And any man who thinks that is not worthy of your time and attention. The only people worth investing in are the ones who see your value and show it in deed and action. If this boy is incapable of seeing you’re a treasure, then he’s not the one. Period.”

“Zane is not a boy. He’s a full-grown man with a chest full of regret, a heart filled with pain, and a mind tortured by memories. I may simply not be his cup of tea.”

“And if that’s the case, better to know sooner than later.”

“Are we sure about that?”

“Yes, my sweet girl.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.” She smoothed out her shirt. “I guess it’s time to go out and face the music.”

“Indeed.”

Seeing the top of Zane’s head resting against his steering wheel told her it was likely a tune she would care for. “What did you call for, anyway?”

“I want you and your sister to come to lunch tomorrow so we can concoct a plan to get your mama and the sheriff out on a date again.”

“Our attempts at playing cupid last year failed miserably. Is it something we should try again?”

“Absolutely. My daughter may have the disposition of a mule, but that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome it and make a second chance at love possible.”

“I suppose the six months that have passed since our last attempt might very well be enough to lull her into a false sense of complacency.”

Grams snorted. “Exactly. Be here at twelve, and let’s see what kind of devious…I mean, effective love trap we can come up with.”

“Alright.”

“And Olivia…”

“Yes?”

“Don’t be afraid to rename the prince in your story. If Zane isn’t the one, another will be along shortly.”

“Love you, Grams.”

“Love you more.”

She slid her finger across the glass and ended the call. “Alright, neighbor, let’s see what the next best move will be.”

Making her way across the gravel driveway, she hoped the conversation she was about to have wouldn’t require a tube of cookie dough and a bottle of wine to get over. When she got close enough to see Zane’s pained expression, it was clear that adding a bag of white cheddar Cheetos would be prudent and necessary. “Damnit,” she muttered quietly. “So much for hot kisses on the porch.”

She slowed her pace in an attempt to put off the inevitable it’s not you, it’s me speech and pushed her Keds through the small rocks. “I’m going to assume that your forehead scrunched up like a Shar-Pei puppy and your mouth forming a firm line of ‘hell no’ will not bode well for me.”

Zane pushed open the door to his truck and dropped his feet to the ground. “Allen said you needed your windows caulked.”

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