Page 94 of Homecoming

“Be nice to him. If you’re not feeling it, let him down easy.”

“That’s the problem. I might be feeling it, and I have no idea what to do about that.”

“Ever since you and Chris broke up, I’ve been hoping you might find someone who appreciates what a special, wonderfulperson you are. It sounds to me as if Myles might be that person.”

“I’m not sure I can bear to go down that road again with anyone. The last time was so brutal.”

“Yes, it was, but to hold Myles or anyone else accountable for what someone else did is super unfair to him and to yourself. Not everyone is a Chris or a Matt. Sometimes there’s a Dan or a Myles in the mix who show you a different way.”

Dan put his hand on top of hers and gave it a squeeze.

“You’re right. Of course you are, but isn’t it just easier to be alone than to risk all that bullshit happening again?”

Kara looked at Dan as she said, “It’s easier, but it’s not better. When it’s the right person, it’s well worth the risk.”

“Thanks for listening. I appreciate you.”

“Love you, kid.”

“Love you, too.”

Kara put her phone back on the charger.

“Let’s keep talking about all the ways you’re ridiculously happy after taking a chance on a handsome rogue who drove you to drink with his sexy wit and handsome face.”

“Do you ever get tired of listening to the sound of your own voice?”

He thought about that for a second. “Nope.”

Kara laughed. “Windbag.”

“You love me.”

“For some strange reason, I do.”

“Thank goodness for that.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I heard from Walter, who heard from a friend of a friend that theIslanderis writing a big story about your family.”

Kara grimaced.

“I wasn’t sure if I should tell you that before bedtime, but I figured you’d want to know.”

“Yeah, I do want to know. Did you tell my dad?”

“He already knew. They called him for a comment, but he chose not to participate.”

“When is it going to be published?”

“Online in the morning and in this week’s paper.”

“I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s big news around here that two of the Ballard Boat Works sons are being held on murder charges. Anything our family does is big news due to how many people the company employs.”

“I’d like to see the company if we get the chance. I’m curious as to what it looks like.”

“We can go by there.”

“I’d also like to see the house where you were raised, meet your other siblings and check out Acadia.”

“All of which is doable.” Kara gnawed on her bottom lip. “Do you think the Kelly and Matt saga will be part of this story?”

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