Page 218 of Banter & Blushes

“Well, you are looking at my physical fitness,” she laughed at the very idea of working out in a gym. “I walk every morning around town and I try to walk in the evenings depending on the weather on the beach.”

“Ah, well, it’s working for you,” he grimaced at his comment. “And now I know where to find you,” he tried to recover from his remark, which somehow just sounded creepier. “I mean…” he trailed off not sure what he meant at that point.

Luckily, it made her laugh. “You definitely know where you can find me.” She felt her eyes lashes bat a few extra times.Wait, was she flirting with him? Again?

“I’m glad I do.” He answered without thinking as they came to a stop in front of a large Victorian house.

“This is me. Time to start my day. Thanks for walking with me,” her bright eyes flashed at him.

“Thanks for the invite,” he scanned the front of her well-maintained home.

Walking up the steps she looked over her shoulder, “I hope you have a wonderful day.”

“I already am.” He smiled watching her go inside.I already am.

CHAPTER 7

Josephine leaned on the counter from her spot on the stool. Taking a sip of her tea, she waved at Jill to lean in closer.

“So,what do you think about Mitch and our Elva?” She asked, giddy as could be.

A grin took over Jill’s face. “You should have seen her bounce in here this morning. She was practically glowing. She said he walked her home from her morning stroll this morning.”

Lowering her voice a little more, “maybe they’ll do all the work for us.”

“Do you think so?” Jill wasn’t sure.

Joe added a little more honey into her cup before whispering, “maybe they need a little…” she looked around to make sure no one was listening, “nudge.”

Her head turned at an angle. “How so?” Even though she watched Elva do this year after year, she was still pretty green around the edges of matchmaking herself.

Both ladies thought for a minute in silence. “Oh, how about an event?”

“Event?”

“Yep,” she nodded. Taking out her phone, she started sending a text.

Jill leaned her elbows on the counter. “It’s like watching an awkward dance. It’s so obvious they like each other.”

“Who likes one another?” Elva appeared from her office and stood behind the counter, her arms crossed over her chest. She had a sneaking suspicion of what they were talking about.

“Oh, well…” Jill stammered.

“Just someone.” Joe took another sip of her tea. “How was your walk this morning?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“Ladies, seriously? I am sure there’s much more interesting gossip around here than my morning walk.”

“You mean the walk you took with Mitch this morning?” Cal stepped up to the counter to pick up his to-go breakfast order. “I heard about that.”

“How in the world?” She laughed loudly. “Why is my life suddenly so interesting?”

“Now you know how we all feel.” Jill stuck her tongue out at her boss before walking away.

Taking his wrapped up sandwich from the counter, he couldn’t help himself. “Aww, we all just want to see you happy.”

“I’m plenty happy!” She smiled, unsure of how else to show that.

Joe swirled a splash more honey into her cup. “You can always be happier.”

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