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Surprise ran through Liam's eyes. "Well, good," Liam said. "I figured you'd either move or stop fighting the current at some point."

"The current of…"

"Friendship, neighborly interest—the Ocean Shores family," Liam finished. "It's not for everybody, but most people eventually end up a part of things. It's hard to fight, but you've been doing a good job of it."

"I've had a lot to deal with. It's nothing against anyone."

"Sure. I get that," Liam said with an easy, agreeable nod. "I'll see you later then."

"Later," he echoed, following Liam out the door.

As he went back to his apartment, he passed by several people starting to set up for taco night. He usually avoided eye contact, but today he found himself responding to the manager's warm smile with one of his own. Josie, the quirky sixty-something manager, gave him a surprised look, telling him she hoped he'd join them for tacos. He said he would, which shocked her even more.

Maybe Liam was right about the futility of fighting the current. But it wasn't the current of friendship at Ocean Shores he was concerned about; it was Olivia's arrival and the uncertainty of his own future that made him feel like he was being carried farther away from where he wanted to be.

Chapter Three

Olivia was sitting on the couch, watching cartoons on the television when Hunter returned to his apartment. She gave him a wary, distrustful look, and he realized she was probably feeling the same way he was—that her life, her situation, was completely out of her control. She had to rely on him for her happiness, and she barely knew him. That had to be scary. And he needed to make things right for her. He would do whatever he had to do, including eating tacos with a bunch of people who seemed determined to bring him into their so-called family, whether he wanted to be there or not.

After giving Olivia a reassuring smile, he walked into the kitchen where Emmalyn was putting away groceries.

"I've put sliced fruit, veggies, yogurt, and a string cheese in Olivia's new lunchbox, which is in the fridge," Emmalyn said. "All you need to do is make a sandwich in the morning. Turkey and cheese with a little mustard. Olivia said she doesn't like mayonnaise. Can you handle that?"

"I can," he said dryly, wondering just how much of an inept idiot she thought he was.

"Good. Her backpack is also ready to go. She told me she took a shower this morning, so you don't have to worry about that until tomorrow night, but I put her soap and shampoo in the shower."

"You've thought of everything. You've certainly organized her life more than her mother did," he said, irritated with Bree's lack of responsibility. He knew she was grieving, but still… How could she have left Olivia with him so completely unprepared?

"I don't want to judge her too harshly," Emmalyn said quietly. "She lost her husband, and obviously she's in distress."

"I agree, and I want to help her. But she could have stayed here and let me help them both."

"I wish she'd done that, too. I feel bad for Olivia. She hasn't said much, except that her mom cries a lot, which breaks my heart. It's like Olivia has to be the strong one. It's not fair to put that on a kid, especially a six-year-old."

The passion in Emmalyn's voice surprised him, and he wondered if she was only thinking about Olivia, because it felt like there was something else going on, perhaps something to do with the secrets she'd hinted at. But asking that personal question might invite personal questions in return, and that wasn't a road he needed to walk.

Emmalyn grabbed her buzzing phone from the counter. A frown tightened her lips as she looked at the screen. Then she sent the call to voicemail.

"You can take that if you need to," he said.

"I don't need to, and I don't want to."

"Boyfriend?" he couldn't help asking.

She quickly shook her head. "No." Her phone buzzed again, and she declined the call once more. "I should go back to my apartment. I need to grab my cookies for taco night. Shall I meet you in the courtyard in fifteen minutes?"

"That sounds good," he said, knowing that even fifteen minutes alone with Olivia would probably be a challenge, but he couldn't tell her that. "Do I need to pay someone for this taco dinner?"

"Dinner is on Gabe and Madison. Some of the other residents are bringing apps and desserts. There's always a donation jar on the table, so you can toss in some cash if you want to. It's very easy and informal."

She had no idea how difficult it actually was to join their party. He'd spent the last seven months in isolation, and he felt like he'd forgotten how to be social, how to talk to people.

As Emmalyn walked toward him, she suddenly paused and put a hand on his arm. He almost jumped at the unexpected and warm touch. It suddenly felt like forever since anyone had touched him in a way that wasn't related to his rehab.

"Sorry," she said, dropping her hand. "I was just going to say I'll introduce you around tonight. It won't be as awkward as you think."

"I appreciate that. When it comes to parties, I'm a little rusty."