Page 27 of Beyond the Stroke

“God, their hush puppies are to die for.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty good.” I play with the strap on the brace.

“You must be new to Coral Cove.”

“I’ve been here a few months.”

“Where do you live?” She asks.

“RV park. I have a camper van.”

“That’s cool. I’ve always wanted to travel more. I bet you love being able to pick up and move at a moment’s notice.”

“It’s nice.” When I’d fixed it up and left Tennessee, the freedom of it had been the only thing I wanted, but after a few years on the road, I’d been craving more consistency. That’s when I found Coral Cove.

“Are you going to be staying in Coral Cove for long?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

After a short drive, Winnie pulls up to the lot at the back of the restaurant.

“Thanks for the ride.” I start to get out of the car, but she calls me back.

“Summer, wait.”

“Yeah?”

She pushes her sunglasses up to the top of her head. “Woman to woman, I have to warn you about Rory.”

My chest constricts at her edgy tone. A rush of displeasure that Rory, who I don’t know at all but can only see as being a good guy, might have a bad reputation.

On one hand, it doesn’t matter what she has to say about Rory. I don’t need anyone to warn me about the guy. My parents’ toxic marriage and my ex-boyfriend, are all the warning I need to stay far away from relationships.

The other part of me is curious about what she has to say.

“Yeah?” I ask.

She sighs dramatically. “Rory Shields is a chronic over-helper. You drop something? He’s picking it up before you even realize it’s fallen. Struggling with a grocery bag? He’s already carrying it. Feeling cold? Boom…he’s wrapping you in his hoodie before you can protest. It’s relentless.”

I get it. Winnie wants me to know that Rory is just a nice guy. I’m not special and he’s super helpful to everyone. That’s fine.

“So, you’re saying Rory bringing me to get my wrist checked out is totally normal and to not read into it because he’d do this for anyone?”

Her lips twitch before they split into a mischievous grin.

“Oh, no. He definitely likes you. And the way he looks at you?” She fans herself. “I had to splash some cold water on my face after I did your X-ray.”

I blink, thrown off by the shift in the conversation.

“We should hang out sometime.” She glances at her watch. “I’ve got to get back, but I’ll have Rory give you my number.”

Before I can protest, Winnie pulls out of the lot and onto the street.

He definitely likes you.

What is this, fourth grade? Check yes or no?

Pfft.

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