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“Liam finally proposed last Friday. He drove me all the way up to the Dairy Queen in Fireside and right in the middle of dinner, he pulled out a black box.”

My lip goes between my teeth, and I start to laugh, too. “I’m not sure many people would consider a proposal at the DQ the height of romance.”

“Oh he knows how much I love those dip cones. I dream about them some nights.”

“You’re not pregnant, are you?”

Her eyes flash wide. “No! We haven’t even… you know.” She clears her throat and hurries on. “We could have gone to the Blue Crab or one of those fancy restaurants out on the strip. But that’s never been our thing.”

I consider the tall plumber with the floppy brown hair who hangs back quietly at most events in town.

Donna’s voice is quiet as she adds. “I’m sure you think it’s stupid, since you’re so sophisticated and all.”

“Not a bit!” Reaching out, I pull her to me in a hug. “I was actually thinking how sweet that is. If Liam pays that much attention to the little things you like… well, he sounds like good husband material to me.”

She returns to the box and carries it along the line of refrigerator cases. “Help me with the door, will you?”

I’m turning it all over in my mind as I open the large glass door. “He sounds a lot better than the assholes I seem to pick…”

“Still no word from Travis?”

“Of course not. That player is never coming back.”

Donna makes a sad face. “I can’t believe he did that to you. Daisy is so sweet, and she has that little Melody… Well, it’s just a shame, that’s all.”

“Maybe he’s dead.”

“Tabitha!” The door slams shut with a muffled thud, and Donna laughs louder. “You say the craziest things.”

“I’m just saying. The way he drove that bike.” I wish he were.

“He was a bit careless.” Her voice is quiet shock as we walk slowly back to the desk where she works.

“Careless doesn’t come close to what he was. Heartless. Worthless…” Something else flickers in my mind. “So you and Liam have never… done it?”

Clearing her throat, she quickly takes her seat. “It’s never been a good time.” She’s acting way too suspicious, but she charges on before I can question it. “God doesn’t want us to, right?”

My lips curl. “I don’t know. A lot of that stuff was said when people got married at fourteen. God might understand adult needs.”

She takes her seat, picking up her pencil. “You sound like the old ladies in my Sunday school class. You know, I think Ms. Roxanne is going to a sex club for her vacation?”

“Don’t even say it!” My hands fly up, and I turn on my heel. “I’ve got a fruit tart to deliver.”

I beat a hasty retreat to the door, calling goodbye and best wishes over my shoulder as I push through the door. The last thing I want in my mind is images of wrinkly old farts frolicking on a nudie beach.

I’ve got bigger fish to fry… and a mystery date to prepare for tonight.

Six

Tabby

Standing in front of the mirror, I go back and forth between my kitten heels and my black Vans. Chad has been so freakin mysterious and absent all week. I have no idea what’s going on—other than I’m supposed to wear something I don’t mind getting dirty.

Not much in my closet fits that description. I don’t dress to get dirty ever, and as much as I’ve been trying to fight it, I do want to look cute for my date tonight.

I’m standing in my denim capris and a black, sleeveless sweater going back and forth on my shoes when the doorbell rings. A kaleidoscope of butterflies takes off in my stomach, and I growl at them to settle down.

I don’t know why I’m doing this.