Page 55 of Trust

“Are you channeling Grams?”

“Perhaps a little. Just remember that love comes in all forms, and being open to what comes along will make your life richer.”

“Any chance of you embracing that sentiment and taking on our handsome sheriff, once and for all?”

“It takes a lot to risk your heart once you know how devastating it is to have it broken. And neither Mitch nor I are ready to endanger our friendship.”

“But someday that could change, right?”

“Anything is possible.”

The door creaked open, and Bea walked in with her brother, Jordan. “Hey, ladies, I’m delivering your number one stock boy five minutes early.”

Olivia smiled at Mitch’s kids and watched Jordan slide off his headphones. “Not interested in hearing the world today?”

“Too loud,” Jordan replied.

Elaine pushed herself up and took the teenager’s hand. “Would you like to work in the back today and unpack the new shipment?”

“Yes. I’m better at stocking the shelves than you are.”

“I can’t disagree,” Elaine smiled and headed toward the stockroom.

“Being on the spectrum has its advantages because you can say what you think, and nobody expects you to wrap it up in some polite, socially acceptable package,” Bea stated with envy.

“Is your namaste slipping today, friend?”

“A little.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not really. Just feeling a little bruised by the world.”

“I was just talking to my mom about the possibility of taking on your dad and got a big wait-and-see, which is very disappointing.”

“Neither of them is ready, so leaving them be might be the best choice.”

“I guess.” She took her friend’s hand. “Do you want to come over tonight for movies and wine?”

“I can’t, but I would love to take a rain check. Dad is out of town, so I’ve got Jordan for the next couple of days.”

“You know that he’s always welcome. I have all his Star Wars DVDs in the cupboard and can make him a gluten-free pizza.”

Bea squeezed Olivia’s hand. “That sounds lovely, but the chance of him changing his schedule is slim to none.”

“I figured as much but wanted to put it out there.”

She looked around the store. “Where’s Zane?”

“Doing errands.”

“I saw you two walking hand in hand earlier and loved seeing you with such a happy smile.” She made a heart shape with her hands. “I think Zane is going to surprise you because every time he’s in your company, his blue aura gets all dreamy purple. And your yellow aura gets replaced with a juicy red one.

Olivia leaned against the counter. “He’s been saying the most extraordinary things, and I’m afraid if I start believing half of them, then he’ll not only be delivering a ton of physical pleasure but a soulgasim.”

“Whoa.” Bea straightened a stack of tarot cards. “That’s not what I thought you’d say.”

“It’s not surprising,” she swept her hair off her face, “Who wouldn’t be a ball of red fire if they were within a foot of the man? I doubt there’s a woman alive who wouldn’t feel the same way.”

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