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I’m taken aback by that. Why would she think I wouldn’t want to know more about her? Sure, I haven’t known her for long, but I can’t deny the instant connection between us. Some people you speak to like you’ve known them for years, and Collins definitely falls into that category.

“I’m all ears,” I reassure her.

She rests her elbow on the table, supporting her cheek in her palm as she looks at me from the side. “I guess I have been fortunate in some ways and not in others. Life’s been a bit of a mixing pot.”

I take another sip of tea and let her speak, already relating to that statement on a visceral level.

“I won’t bore you with too many details, but my grandparents effectively raised me in Ohio.”

I set my cup down quickly. “No kidding. I’m from Ohio! Where are you from?”

Her eyes light up at that. “Just outside of Cleveland. You?”

“Cincinnati,” I reply.

“So, we didn’t attend the same kindergarten and then forget about each other’s existence?”

I snort. “No. Anyway, you were saying about your grandparents.”

“Yeah, so they raised me and then died.”

I look around as she falls silent. “Is that … is that the end of the story?”

She lifts a shoulder. “Pretty much. Died when I was eighteen and left me a stack of cash. I was an only child, so I didn’t need to share it. Since then, I’ve used it to travel. Both around the US and to countries a lot of people haven’t visited. Didn’t bother with college since it’s a load of bullshit. Then got into bikes. Bought my first one after my grandparents died and nearly killed myself on the freeway one night. Finally put some of their money to good use and qualified as a mechanic. Rest is history.” She takes another sip of coffee. “But, yeah, the money’s running out now, so jobs are becoming more necessary.”

My mind whirls at the influx of information. I don’t want to ask what happened to her parents since that feels a bit invasive.

“So, yeah,” she continues, “I guess I see myself as a bit of a free agent. I don’t have any family, and people generally let you down, so I keep to myself. Seems like the easiest way to go.”

Arguably, there’s a lot of sadness packed into what she just said. But I don’t really see it reflected in her demeanor. I think Collins is the type of person who has genuinely found peace with who she is and the life she leads.

A bit like Jack in that way.

Reaching across, she picks up the half scone she previously refused and takes a bite.

“What do you think?” I ask.

She moves her head from side to side. “Comme ci, comme ça. It’s alright, I guess.”

“Well, whatever you do, tell my boyfriend they’re the best thing you’ve ever tasted, okay?”

“Here’s the first confession in our friendship.” She sets the scone back down and wipes her hands together. “Remember how I told you I have zero interest in sports?”

I nod once.

“Well … that’s not strictly true, not in the appreciative sense anyway.” She winks at me. “Pro athletes do have fine butts.”

“Yep, I can definitely confirm they do.”

She frowns at a thought she’s having. “I couldn’t enter into a relationship with one though. I think I’d be happy just to palm it every now and then.”

I burst out laughing. “Like a firm-butt-with-benefits kind of arrangement?”

“Yeah.” She smiles and then throws her head back. “Ugh, it’s been way too long.”

“You kind of only have yourself to blame for that, you know?”

Her head whips to me. “What do you mean?”