Page 32 of Crazy in Love

“Can I ask you something?”

“You mind?” He tilted his head toward the chair.

“Of course not. Sorry, I should have offered sooner.” He sat gingerly and rubbed his thigh. “How’s the leg healing?”

“Not great. Sometimes it just spontaneously tightens up, and I gotta get weight off of it.”

“I’d bring up yoga again, but I know how you feel about it. If you don’t want to come to my class, there are videos and books that could teach you.”

“Pass,” he said. “So, what’s your question?”

She shrugged, set the letter aside, and sat at her desk. “What’s it like on the outside? Is it any easier to meet people?”

He chuckled. “You mean men? The internet not putting up its best and brightest?”

She reached for the deck of tarot cards and shuffled them absentmindedly. “Yes, Nick. I mean men. I hate online dating asmuch as anyone, but how else am I supposed to meet someone? Other than leaving GVF.”

“I’m no love doctor, but I think it’s tough no matter where you live. To find someone that suits you, that is.”

“I want more than someone to suit me,” she said. “I want a man who’s crazy in love with me and me with him. Crazy, stupid, over-the-top in love. You know what I mean?”

“Not really. And you’re setting the bar pretty high.”

“But why settle for less? I’m wondering if I should just pack it all in and move to greener pastures. I love Green Valley Falls but don’t see how I’ll ever find what I want here.”

“It might be easier to meet people in a big city, but it’s no easier to find the perfect person. If that’s even a thing.”

“Is that why you left?” She drew a card and had to hide her surprise when the Lovers stared back at her. She didn’t need the fine print for this card’s explanation. And she pulled it with Nick sitting right in front of her.

“No. I mean, a sea of women was a bonus. But it was the job that got me out.” He paused. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She crammed the card back into the deck and pushed out Amara’s words.You should date someone totally different from your usual type. Certainly that didn’t mean Nick. Did it?

“What’d that card say? You’re not casting spells, are you?”

“Very funny. I found these in a drawer and am just messing around. I don’t even know what most of ’em mean.” She set the deck aside. “So, when do you go back?”

“To work? I’m not sure yet. To Boston? As soon as I can drive. Gotta wait till my leg quits cramping up for no reason and make sure I have the strength to brake. That reminds me. Did Hope text you about using your car to take me to PT this afternoon?”

“Yes. I told her it was fine. You’re a brave man, Nick Walker.”

“Driving with Hope or riding in that pink matchbox car?”

“Faith?” The call came from down the hallway. It was Tess.

Faith jumped at her name, and a shot of guilt flashed through her. Having anything to do with Tess’s brother was a terrible idea. The very thought of it must be quashed.

Tess stopped short upon entering, eyes darting between Faith and Nick. “Hey, Bro. What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was asking Faith about ordering a book for me.”

Tess was her best friend, and Faith could tell finding them together was unsettling, though she couldn’t imagine why.

“You ready to eat?” Tess asked. “I’m starving but don’t have much time. Karla’s?”

“Sure,” Faith said.

“You in?” Tess said to Nick, who shrugged.

---