Page 16 of As They Are
It was perfect timing that they were blooming too. Irises could mean a lot of things, like hope, wisdom, or valor. She wouldn’t know the meaning, and I wasn’t sure if she would care to know the explanation.
“That sounds cute, but I work with my hands.”
“They need weeding.” I planned to do it myself, but I’d hand it off to someone if it would help them. A small deviation, but worth it.
“It’s been years since I evenlookedat a garden. I usually hire landscapers because I’m so exhausted.”
“Exhausted from what? Your construction job?”
The door to the store slammed open, causing both of us to jump.
“Oh myGod!”Kerry raced inside, running up to Wren. “You’re Wren Hackett!”
“That’s me.” Wren’s voice was quiet.
“That’s it!” Dale called. “You’re from that show.”
I turned to Wren, eyebrows raised. Her lips were pressed together once again, every inch of her body tight. “Yep. I am.”
“I just finished the first season!” Kerry said. “I’m a superfan. You and Jude are so adorable together.”
“Yeah. We are.” Her voice lowered. She was with someone? I didn’t know that, but it made sense. A woman like that didn’t stay single. I took another look at her. She stood straighter and smiled at Kerry as if putting on a mask. There was a tiny crack in it, though. One of her hands didn’t sit still, and she was picking at one of her cuticles. “I’d heard some people in town had seen it.”
“Oh, Ilovewatching home renovation shows! But yours was incredible! And then I find out Mollie knows you?” Kerry fanned herself. “It might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Second to actually getting tomeetyou, of course. I’m Kerry, by the way.”
“Wren,” she replied. “But you already know that.”
“Have you had breakfast yet? The diner makes incredible food.”
“I haven’t. Maybe I could head there next.”
“You could come with me! My husband is finally in town and can watch my son. I’m free as a bird.”
“I ... suppose I should get to know people.” Wren’s eyes cut to me. I’d just given her the same advice, but I meant for her torelax.Kerry didn’t seem to be relaxing her.
I stepped forward to ... what, save her? Invite her to the clinic for a checkup? I had no idea what to say. Yet I felt the need to dosomething.
“Yes!” Kerry said, linking her arm through Wren’s. “Wow, you’restrong.I thought all of that lifting was show business, but obviously not.”
“Nope. I did all of this before.”
Kerry began walking, taking Wren with her.
“Wait, you forgot your light bulbs!” Dale called.
“Oh, I’ll come back.” Wren’s eyes met mine again. “I suppose I’ve found something else to do.”
She smiled at me, and my gaze followed her as she and Kerry walked outside. Her smile didn’t waver and she looked happy.
But her hand never stilled.
“I’ve never won a bet before,” Dale said. “But I think this time I might.”
I blinked back into myself. “Gambling can be addictive.”
“Chill out, Dr. Connor. I’m not gonna go to the slot machines. I just finally have inside info.” He leaned forward with a smile on his face. “And when you make a move on Wren, I’ll berich.”
“No,” I said. “Absolutely not. I’m not gonna make a move on anyone. For many reasons.”
