Page 85 of Summer Love

"Should I tell our readers that you're no longer single?" I asked lightly.

" I'm not single but it's a complicated situation."

" Would you mind if I took a look at your woodworking shop? Do you have an online store you'd like to link to?"

"I don't know if I'll have time to handle the increase in sales that would garner. Maybe it's a better idea to mention it as a hobby."

"Whatever you want." I wasn't sure Valerie would want a link to a store in the magazine anyway. "Is there anything else about you that you'd think readers would be interested in?"

"I enjoy reading. But that's not that interesting."

"I think that's interesting. Most guys say they like video games or working out," Kinsley said.

"That's Brady. He loves video games."

Kinsley's phone buzzed. "Looks like they're ready for you now, Dalton."

Dalton lumbered off the chair and said, "Let's get this over with."

Brady sat in the chair next and tipped his face up so the makeup artist could do some touch ups.

"I'm talking to everyone to get a bit of insight into your personality to add to the article," I began.

Brady scowled. "Not much to know about me."

"Dalton said you like video games," I prompted gently.

"Yeah, but we all know that's a waste of time."

"Is there something else you do in your free time?" I asked him, wondering why he'd said it that way. Were his parents against him playing? Was it more than a hobby?

"Yeah, I go swimming for exercise and game online with friends." His gaze was slightly uneasy as he looked from me to Kinsley, who'd just reappeared.

"I think we all want to know if anything has ever happened between you and Hazel?" Kinsley asked, and I shot her a warning look. This was supposed to be my interview. She shrugged. "What? Everyone has been wondering for years about those two."

Brady shifted uncomfortably in his seat, and I didn't think it had anything to do with the application of makeup. "We're friends."

"Friends who haven't kissed?" Kinsley prompted.

"I'm sorry about her. You don't have to answer that." But I was curious. I hadn't realized that Hazel and Brady were still as close as they had been as kids. I thought they'd grown apart at some point.

"Dalton used to drag me to the library all the time, and Hazel was there," Brady began.

"Is that how you two became friends?"

His cheeks turned pink. "I guess so. We were in the same classes at school. Lived close to each other. Close enough to ride a bike back and forth. Meet up on the beach. You know, kid stuff."

"Are you two still close friends? I just got back into town, and we haven't talked about it," I said to put him at ease.

"We are."

"But you've never thought of her as more than a friend?" Kinsley prompted.

He shook his head. "I wouldn't want to lose our friendship. It’s not worth it.”

Kinsley's phone buzzed in her hand. "Your turn, Brady. I'll walk you over."

I wanted to get more information about his relationship with Hazel, but I could always talk to her about it.

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