Page 24 of The Broken Heart Playlist
“Everyone’s been very welcoming,” he adds.
The dubious look that passes over my sister’s face says she doubts thateveryoneincludes me. She would be right.
“You know, Brown Oaks is known for its hospitality,” Tess says breezily.
I narrow my eyes at her. She’s up to something. Whatever it is, I’m sure it won’t be anything I’ll like. Which, I believe, is the point.
“With that in mind,” she continues, “would you like to join us for dinner this Saturday?”
I feel color rise to my cheeks. “Tess.”
“Kate.” There’s steel in the smile she directs at me. “Of course, you and Lisset can come along too. In fact, I insist.”
“Let’s not overwhelm the man,” I manage to get out.
Tess glances at Gideon. “Do you feel overwhelmed?”
“Not at all.”
My hands clench into fists at my sides. While I can be straightforward, I’m unable to say what I really feel right now, not in front of Gideon, and my meddling sister knows it.
“Thank you for the invite,” he says. “Dinner sounds great.”
Tess beams. “Great.”
After they exchange numbers, Gideon gives Uno’s leash a gentle tug. “I better get going. It was nice meeting you.”
“You too,” Tess echoes.
I keep quiet.
The moment Gideon moves out of earshot, I turn on her. “Really? You invited him to dinner?”
“I had to make up for your rudeness,” she retorts. “Someone has to save you from your self-destructive tendencies.”
She’s right. It shames me a little. “You ought to come with a muzzle,” I mutter. “It’s safer for everyone.”
“Why are you so against him?”
“I’m not against him, per se. I just don’t want to get to know him.”
“Not every man is an Oliver,” Tess tells me. Her gentle tone is almost unbearable.
“No, but every mancouldbe,” I retort. I avoid saying my ex-husband’s name to spare myself the bitter aftertaste.
“It’s been four years since your divorce,” she points out, as if I need a reminder.
“I know.” Four years. A long time. Also, not nearly long enough.
“Four sad, drought-stricken years,” she emphasizes. “And that man over there is your rain cloud. Your nimbus.” Her eyes widen. “Oh, that gives me a brilliant idea for a Valentine’s Day card.”
I rub my chest. She’s beginning to give me heartburn.
“On a lighter note,” Tess continues, trying to stop me from disappearing into my head, “they do say that dogs reflect their owners.” Her eyes track Gideon’s retreating form. “I’m starting to believe it’s true.”
“The long, mopey face,” I murmur, picturing Gideon’s greyhound. “Yes, I see it.”
Tess playfully bumps my shoulder. “That dog is an ex-racer. He’s all sleek strength. And did you see those hind-quarter muscles? Your Gideon Walker is all speed and strength.”
