Page 36 of Saltwater Promises
“I didn’t think that you were, um, trying to…” Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t repeat it.
“But you’re upset.”
She took a deep breath. “No. I just thought it was odd. That’s all.”
He was quiet for a moment. When he finally spoke, he moved closer to her. “I never meant to upset you.”
“I wouldn’t say that I’m upset.” How could he be an expert in flying, sailing, and wine pairings, but have absolutely no insight into the human heart?
“You’re not a good liar.”
“And you are?”
He smiled. “Comes with the job.”
“Does the job also come with a pathologic inability to open up to anyone?”
A look of astonishment crossed his face. “I’ve always been open with you.”
As open as a maze. She rubbed her forehead. “Ah. Well…it puzzles me.”
“Is this about the case that I’m looking into now? I will tell you about it, just not yet.”
“No, Mike,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t care about that. Not really.”
“Then what?”
She’d been wrong. She thought she could bring up their kiss, that ancient history, and finally get his side of the story.
But she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t get herself to say the words. He did tell her, after all, that their reunion was just a coincidence.
What else did she need to know? Did she want him to spell it out for her? That would only be more embarrassing.
“It’s nothing,” she said, straightening out the blanket. “Don’t worry about it.”
The hostess came by and dropped off the cheese that they’d been waiting for. Lynn half listened to the explanation of the pairings, and by the time the hostess left, she’d calmed down.
“What should we start with?” she asked.
At least she didn’t have to regret not confronting him all of those years ago. There was nothing there to address.
