Page 24 of One Sweet Match Up

“What?” Zoe asked, but put her hand up to him. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.” She turned her attention back to the photo, her eyes resting on a looped chain that draped over Mary’s shoulder.

She dropped her drink, her heart plummeting to her stomach. “It can’t be,” she whispered, not taking her gaze off the photo.

“Zoe . . .” A hand patted her arm. Donovan’s hand.

“Oh my gosh,” she said, stepping out of the small puddle covering her black boots, the soda she dropped now soaking into the carpet.

“Are you okay?” Donovan asked, reaching down to pick up the cup.

“I’m so sorry.” Zoe clutched the purse strap, her fingers gripping it tight.

“It’s just soda.” Josh took the cup from Donovan. “It happens all the time. You should see this place after the seniors get ahold of it,” he joked. “And I’m talking about the older variety. I’ll go get some towels and you a new drink.”

Zoe glanced back at the smiling woman holding the rectangular box. If only she could ask her to turn ever so slightly to confirm the reason she couldn’t speak coherently.

“Zoe.”

This couldn’t be Mary’s, could it?

“Zoe,” the voice repeated.

She snapped out of her fog and shoved her popcorn bucket into Donovan’s chest. “Sorry, I’ve got to go.” She raced down the corridor, her boots barely touching the theater carpet as she bolted for the exit, ignoring Josh and Caitlin at the concession counter.

Zoe wasn’t holding just anyone’s purse.

She was holding Mary’s purse.

Holy crap!How did she get it? Mysteriously acquiring one of Mary’s personal belongings was far worse than some stupid card.

Once outside, she yanked the purse from her shoulder and threw it down on the ground. Sinking onto a nearby bench, she buried her head in her cold hands.

Why was any of this happening to her? All she wanted was to open a business and start a new life. Maybe meet someone and fall in love. That’s all.

“Are you okay?”

Zoe lifted her fingers to see a concerned Donovan standing directly in front of her. At least, it looked like concern. Was he capable of that emotion? “I’m fine. I just needed some air. Never mind me. You can go back inside.”

Donovan sat down next to her, stretching his legs out. “Fresh air sound good. We can talk a bit.”

Right. He wanted to shoot the breeze in ten-degree weather like it was the first day of spring. Unlikely. “No, really. I’m fine.” She pointed toward the theater entrance. “Go. Before the movie starts.”

He ignored her, leaning down and picking up the purse. “You dropped this,” he said and started to hand it back.

Blocking his attempt with one hand, she shook her head. “It’s not mine.”

“It isn’t?”

“No. It definitely doesn’t belong to me.” Frustrated, she bit down on her lip. “Leave it. I’m sure the owner will come for it.”And take the purse back with her to the other side if I’m lucky.

“What if there’s something valuable inside?”

Zoe blew out a cold, aggravated breath. “I already checked. It’s empty.”

“You sure about that?” Donovan’s eyebrows furrowed. He held up the bag and placed a hand on the bottom. “It feels like there’s something in there.”

“That can’t be.” Zoe’s eyes went wide, and she snatched the purse from his hands. The new weight obvious. Steadying her trembling fingers, she unlatched the clasp and peered inside. “Oh, for the love of God.”

“Is it your wallet?” Donovan asked.

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