Page 21 of The Broken Heart Playlist
“I don’t think you realize how stunning you are.”
I keep quiet, because I can’t think of a suitable reply to her statement.
Tess slips her arm through mine. “Also, Joel’s not much of a talker, like you. Just think, you can spend all your time glowering at one another. It’ll be so sexy and weird.”
Despite myself, I laugh. I can always count on Tess to say something that’ll either tick me off or lift my mood.
Fifteen minutes into our walk, I glimpse the tall, familiar figure of Gideon in the distance walking his dog. Awareness of him prickles my skin.
Gideon spots us, and I realize it’s too late to change course. We’re the ship approaching the iceberg.
I know the second Tess catches sight of him, because her entire body perks up, like it’s been pumped full of helium. She’s craning her neck, trying to gain a better glimpse of him, but she looks like she’s doing some kind of interpretive dance.
I feel the small slice of panic I so often feel around my sister. My smart-mouthed sister who has no filter.
“Forget Joel,” Tess says. “Who is this fine male specimen walking toward us?”
My steps falter a little. “Why are you talking like that?”
“This hunk of a man is giving off Thor vibes and I’m totally running with it.”
“No one speaks like that.”
“Quiet, woman!” she commands.
I stifle a groan. “Stop, please, I beg you.”
Tess flashes me an impish grin. “Me, Sofia, and Kenzie are rewatching the Thor movies on our ladies’ nights.”
“And now we all have to suffer.”
“I’m sharing the love.”
“More like pain.”
“Well,” Tess demands, “do you know who this guy is?”
“Yes,” I admit reluctantly, knowing what will inevitably ensue. “That’s Gideon Walker.”
Realization sweeps across her face. “Your new neighbor?”
“Unfortunately.”
She throws me an accusing look. “You’ve been holding out on me.”
“How so?”
“You said he was handsome, but you neglected to mention just how gorgeous he is.”
“Is he?” I try for indifference, but Tess sees straight through me.
“Nice try, sis. I know there’s nothing wrong with your vision.”
“It doesn’t mean we have the same taste.”
“He has a beard,” Tess says dreamily. “And not a wild and wooly one either.”
“Beards are overrated.”
