Page 16 of Sidelined By Love

She suddenly looks like a stiff wind could knock her over, and her mouth opens and closes a few times, though no sound manages to escape. Finally, she whispers, “You didn’t?”

“Why would I?”

One of her shoulders lifts beneath the blanket-cape. “No one else has had a hard time believing them.”

“Then no one else has paid attention. I needed about three minutes to watch you with the waitstaff at last year’s Christmas party to know you don’t have a malicious bone in your body.”

Suddenly the pink in her cheeks deepens, spreading all the way down her neck. “I wouldn’t go that far. I had some verymalicious thoughts about Joe Kellyn—Marissa too—after that night at the restaurant.”

“Maybe you get a pass this time.” I can’t bite back a grin.

“I may not have known he was married.”

That truth lands like a left hook.

“But I should have asked around. It was stupid of me. And I ended up hurting someone I don’t even know.” Zoe digs her toe into a crack in the sidewalk.

All I can think to say is, “None of us should be judged on our worst mistakes. If we are, I’m in deep trouble.”

“Well, thanks, I guess. I just didn’t want you to think the worst of me.”

I could never. “I still can’t help you.”

“You’re sure?”

Guster suddenly tugs on his leash, and we’re finally on the same page. “I’ve got to go,” I say as I trot away. Zoe’s face is mixture of confusion and hurt, and I call out once more before turning my back to her. “I’m sorry.”

Six

Zoe

So this is what a $200 million, multi-year contract will get you a few miles outside of the Springs. I pull into Grant’s driveway, my mouth hanging open. I probably shouldn’t be impressed. After all, I’ve attended my fair share of parties at mansions in Beverly Hills, even filmed at a real-life castle inItaly. But this house is something else. It’s not overly large, but somehow it fills the massive lawn, which is mowed into a perfect diamond pattern.

I bet Grant isn’t the one responsible for that.

But the man does have good taste. The two-story house looks like it’s been transplanted from a farm in the Midwest to the end of the winding driveway, no neighbors within sight thanks to rows of pine trees. It’s all white siding and a beautiful wrap-around porch dotted with purple and silver Adirondack chairs—naturally. Three dormer windows break up the steep gray roof. Maybe there’s a window seat in one of them, the morning sun falling through, the perfect place to read a script.

Not that I’ll ever find that out. That’s not why I’m here.

But I can’t stop staring. It’s not the house’s size that makes it memorable. It’s that it’s inviting. Down-right welcoming.

None of the mansions I’ve ever been to have felt half so warm. And I haven’t even stepped out of my rental car. Time to change that.

I push the car door open, but it barely budges, so I add my foot to the fight, wrestling against the wind. When it’s finally open far enough, I slip out, and the door slams shut with no assistance from me.

Giving up the fight to smooth down my hair, I square my shoulders, march along a line of pavers, and hop up the three steps to the porch. I stare at the dark blue front door for a long moment, taking a few deep breaths before lifting my hand to knock.

The sound echoes along the porch, but all inside is silent.

I glance over my shoulder to confirm that Grant’s truck hasn’t moved. Still parked right next to my car.

So, I knock again, this time with a little more oomph.

“I’m coming!” The voice calling out from the other side of the door is decidedly female. And sounds terribly young. Checkingover my shoulder one more time, I make sure there’s not an extra car in the driveway.

There’s not. Though it could be behind one of the three garage doors.

Suddenly the door flies inward, and I make eye contact with a blond girl who looks like she’s in middle school. Her mouth drops open wide, eyes filled with shock. But before I can say anything, the door slams in my face and the girl has a full-on meltdown on the other side.

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