Page 64 of Hungry Hearts

“Flynn? No. We’re friends. We’ve always been friends.”

Laney snorts. “Always?”

I frown at her. “Yes. Always.”

“I remember a few brawls between Adam and Flynn, both claiming to have found you first...”

“They did what?” Juliana asks for me.

“It was back in your middle school or early high school days. When Flynn moved into the neighborhood and had the hots for you. Adam set him straight and told him he saw you first.”

“Adam never told me that.”

“I could have told you that.” Juliana snorts. “Flynn’s always had eyes on you.”

“Because Adam asked him to watch out for me while he was away.”

“Mmhmm...” Juliana drains her wine.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Hey.” My sister holds up her hands in defense. “Just calling it as I see it. And I heard it. If you’re ready to move on, go for it. But...”

“But what?”

She taps her finger over her lips. “I don’t think Flynn is the one for you.”

“Why not?” Laney asks, refilling our glasses. “He’s cute, loyal to the family, and has been in love with Maia for years. The fact he hasn’t put the moves on her out of respect only notches him higher on the perfect potential boyfriend list.”

“True. It would be scumbaggish of him to hit on Maia so soon after she lost her husband.”

“Guys. I’m not interested in Flynn like that. I love him like a dear friend, but I’m not in love with him.”

“Could be if you gave it a chance,” Laney says.

“There’s someone else,” I blurt out.

“Say what?” my sister gasps.

“You’re seeing someone?” Laney’s eyes grow big as saucers.

“It’s new. I like him. A lot. He’s really sweet and funny and he gets along great with Ruby. She adores him.”

“Holy shit. You introduced him to Ruby and we’re just now hearing about him?” My sister sets down her wine glass so hard I worry she’s cracked it.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you in the dark. I wasn’t sure how everyone would take it. Your family in particular,” I say to Laney. “Ruby invited him to the party.”

“He’s coming over?” Laney asks.

“I can’t wait to meet him.” My sister smiles warmly at me.

I shake my head. “No. I asked him not to since I wasn’t sure how Marge and Bill would take it.”

“And Flynn,” Laney adds.

“What does Flynn have to do with it?” I try not to think about the first time Flynn met Ryder, warning him off by insinuating I was married.

In his defense, I’m sure Flynn was doing what Adam asked: keeping watch over me.

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