Page 43 of Take My Heart
‘He’s a local. His parents own an orchard in town, the one your boyfriend in college always talked about.’
‘Oh, yeah, what was that guy’s name? Dirk? Dennis? I can’t remember.’
‘I think it was Kirk. Anyway, Brody has a snow plowing business and he just happened to be driving by when I was stranded on the highway. Good thing he saw me or I might still be out there, freezing to death.’
‘Are you sure you can trust this guy?’
‘Yes. He’s really nice. And he’s letting me use his phone. Even Cam wouldn’t let me use his phone.’
‘How old is he?’
‘Twenty-six.’ I smile. ‘I really like him. He’s fun. We had nothing to do and couldn’t go anywhere so we went in his backyard and had a snowball fight. Oh, and I made a snow angel! Can you believe I’ve never done that?’
She doesn’t answer.
‘Jill? You still there?’
‘Why do you sound so happy?’ she asks in a suspicious tone.
‘I don’t sound happy.’
‘Yeah, you do. You started talking about this Brody guy and your voice changed. You sounded like you do when you go in that store and get all excited about the furniture. That’s really weird, by the way.’
‘It’s not just the furniture. It’s how they display it. I like that stuff. Decorating. Arranging rooms.’
‘See? That’s the voice you were just using when you were talking about that guy.’
‘I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe he makes me happy.’
‘You’re not falling for this guy, are you? You just met him. And you’re engaged.’
‘I’m not engaged. And I’m not falling for Brody. He’s just a really nice guy. And he’s different.’
‘Different how?’
‘He’s not like the guys we’re used to. He’s not like Henry. Or dad. He’s not like Cam. He’s more laid back. I don’t feel nervous around him.’
‘You’re nervous around Dad?’
‘Sometimes. You know how critical he can be. Cam’s the same way. If I misused a word or mispronounced it, he had to point it out and correct me. I always hated that. I couldn’t relax. I had to watch everything I said. With Brody, I can say what I want. I used the wrong word today and he didn’t even notice. And I don’t have to worry about how I look in front of him. Since being here, I haven’t worn makeup or done my hair and I don’t even care. And neither does Brody. It’s freeing, you know? To not have to worry about that stuff?’
‘But nothing’s going to happen, right?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘With you and this guy.’ She pauses. ‘You’re not thinking of doing something stupid, are you?’
‘Like what?’
‘Like getting over Cam by fucking some other guy.’
‘No. Of course not. Brody and I just met. I barely know him.’
‘Yes, but you also just walked out on your wedding. You’re not exactly thinking straight right now.’
I roll my eyes. ‘I’m not sleeping with Brody.’
‘Is he hot?’
