Page 75 of Forever Fickle

“Hey! You did?” Glory exclaimed in shock, looking at Alpo and Romeo, who both grew very still.

“I needed someone to marry me quickly for my grandmother’s will – and Ryan volunteered. It was a mutual agreement that actually worked out for us,” Sophie finished, smiling. “How did you meet Hot Cakes?”

“I picked him up at the airport when he arrived in town…”

“And that was it,” Alpo said firmly, looking at Karen. “I never pushed, prodded, or tried any funny business… now did I? It was all you and Hot Cakes, not us.”

“She’s lovely,” Glory interrupted. “Hot Cakes would have to be blind to ignore her – and if he’s got as many girls tripping over him as my husband claims, then I just needed to put the two of you together.”

Karen stared at them in surprise… before feeling nervous. Did Jace know – and was this why he’d pressed so hard to start a relationship? Was this all pretend?

“Did Hot Cakes know any of this?”

“No,” Alpo said, glancing at Romeo who held up his hands in innocence.

“I didn’t tell him Glory was trying to fix him up.”

“I didn’t either.”

“I don’t think anyone told Hot Cakes,” Alpo replied quietly, looking at her. “He was just himself and whatever happened between the two of you was free of any of our meddling.”

“I do not meddle,” Glory huffed.

“He didn’t know you were trying to fix him up… with me.”

“No. I promise.”

“First the sign… and now this?”

“What sign?” Glory said in confusion and saw Alpo’s face fall – and Karen saw true devastation for the first time on the man’s face. He hadn’t intended to hurt her, and she had him in her crosshairs at that very moment – and they both knew it.

“Karen…”

“Alpo helped us meet,” Karen said softly, looking at Alpo and taking mercy on the man, praying he was telling her the truth. She wouldn’t know until she talked to Jace and only hoped that Jace was as innocent as she was.

“Hunter? Alpo?” Glory said curiously. “What’s Karen talking about?”

“She and I have become friends, like she’s a little sister to me,” Alpo said quietly, not looking away from Karen, who nodded slowly.

“He helped me meet Jace…eh, Hot Cakes, and is quite a gentleman about it. He said you would be so happy to know that Jace and I are incredibly happy.”

Thank you,Alpo mouthed.

Karen nodded, smiled at Glory, and then went on eating her slice of cheesecake like nothing happened. As soon as the group of friends started talking about who to introduce to Caboose, Karen texted Alpo silently.

I hope Jace didn’t know… and please don’t do something like this to me ever again – or Glory will know all the details, my friend

Twenty minutes later, Alpo replied.

Never again – I promise. I’m pretty sure no one told Jace, if so? It wasn’t me, I swear it.

Karen nodded, swallowing hard. Now it was time to ask Jace… and pray she wasn’t about to get her heart broken in the process.

* * *

Hey Honey,

When you call tomorrow, can we talk for a few minutes? I wanted to make sure we had enough time on your calling card. I miss hearing your voice and think this is something we should discuss, not email back and forth.

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