Page 9 of Loving Carter

Why does Kellan think Skylar wants to be single? Sure, she’s not involved with anyone at the moment, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t interested in dating.

Does it?

Truthfully, I’ve never asked her about her love life, at least not recently. When we were teens, we analyzed each other’s dates. Even now, we’ve talked a few times about my love life, and she’s kidded me about it like she did today. But I can’t remember talking about her love life since she moved back to town.

Man, I’m a lousy friend. I ought to know more about Skylar’s life now. Maybe when she comes for Tuesday dinner, we can talk about her life and how she’s really doing.

But will she appreciate that or think I’ve lost my mind? Probably the latter.

Kellan tosses the apple core into the trash and looks at me. “So what’s the verdict? You want to meet Evie or not?”

Absently, I nod. That unsettled feeling I’ve had all morning is getting worse. I’m not sure what’s causing it, and I haven’t a clue how to stop it, but I know one thing—sometimes I really am a dork like Skylar said.

***

Skylar

ILOOK AT CARTER ANDtry not to roll my eyes. The meeting hasn’t even started yet, but he’s already charmed everyone in the room. The group is intently listening to him, hanging on his every word.

The attendees include the owners of the local dance studio, twins Tina and Nina Paterson. Next to them sits our bombastic mayor, Bill Dunlap. On his right is the owner of the café, Ty Galvan. By him is the head librarian, Denise Moor, who’s shushed me more times than I can count. Finally, at the far end of the table is Hugh Stevens, the auto repair shop owner.

Right now, the group is laughing at some remark Carter made and looking at him like he invented low interest rates.

He’s charmed them all right. Not bad for a man who doesn’t want to be here.

“I’m so glad you could meet with us,” one of the sisters says to Carter. “I know how busy you are with your ranch.”

“No problem,” he says.

Hey, we’re all busy. Why single out Carter? I open my mouth to say something but then decide to let it go. I’d be a puppy chasing my own tail. No way could I convince the sisters to stop making Carter out to be a saint.

Instead, I focus on a bigger problem—telling the sisters apart. I haven’t a clue which one just spoke, even though I’ve known these women for years. They’re identical twins who not only look alike, but dress alike, even now that they must be in their sixties.

“We really are happy you’re here,” says the other sister.

Carter smiles at the group. “Glad to help.”

I barely manage not to laugh. He’s so full of it, and he knows it. He might be smiling to the group, but behind that smile is a smirk. I know it. He finds all this fawning over him amusing.

“How nice of you, Carter, to grace us with your presence,” I tease. He shifts his gaze to me, and now I can clearly see a smirk. I press on and say, “Here I was worried you might try to weasel out of helping.”

He feigns indignation and slaps one hand on his chest. “Me? No, I’d never miss the meeting. It’s very important, and I think we’re all nice for doing this.” Turning to look at the mayor, he asks, “Now, what exactly is a business expo? Has Endearing ever had one of these before?”

Bill flips open the large green notebook in front of him and says, “The business expo will highlight all the stores in town, and it should bring in new customers. Since we’re a small town, to keep the stores thriving, we need to publicize ourselves. For that reason, the town used to have a business expo every year.”

I dig in my purse and pull out the small notepad I carry with me. “Really? I don’t remember any sort of expo.”

“It ended a while ago,” Bill says, clearing his throat and avoiding looking at anyone in particular.

Carter leans forward and asks, “What’s a while?”

Bill studies a page in the notebook, then with a sigh, he admits, “Early in the century.”

I’m confused. “Seriously? I don’t remember a business expo.”

“Notthiscentury. The other century. The last business expo was held in 1933,” Bill says.

What?

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