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“Oh, good gravy.” Emberly hops over to the table and scooping up the bowl, stirring rapidly.

“That’s not suspicious,” I mutter, readjusting my bracelets.

She ignores me, calling out, “Good afternoon, Reverend Green! Wyatt. What brings you here?”

“Good afternoon, Emberly. Tabitha.” Uncle Bob nods and gives us his signature pious smile. Gag. “I’m glad you’re here, Tabitha,” he continues, walking slowly to where I’m standing. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

Here we go. “What’s new, fam?”

He lifts his chin. “I want you to know I’ve noticed some things.”

“Is that so?”

Yes, I’m sure he’s noticed Chad’s truck parked in my driveway all night. Did he also see Chad’s cruiser violently rocking behind a bush today at lunch? If this cruiser’s a-rockin, it means don’t come a-knockin.

I almost burst out laughing—but I control myself.

“You’ve been making a real effort this year, Tabitha. I want you to know I’ve noticed. Emberly’s mother has noticed, and I’m sure God has

noticed as well.”

Not what I expected. Of course, my mouth goes off. “Did God tell you that himself?”

Bob continues unfazed. “I was so pleased to see you with little Colette at the church festival on Friday.” He delivers these words like one of his Sunday homilies. “I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know you’re getting your life right with the Lord and making good decisions for a change.”

“I’ve been working a lot.” His tone, his words, the way he looks down his nose at me, all of it is tightening my stomach into an angry little ball.

“I also approve of you seeing Deputy Tucker.” He rocks back on his heels, nodding. “Chad Tucker is an asset to our community, and I’m sure he’ll be a force for good in your life.”

My jaw is clenched, and I flash a look at Wyatt standing beside him rubbing his chin. “Is Wyatt on the approval committee, as well?”

Emberly coughs a laugh, and I know she of all people is very aware the effect my uncle’s words are having on me. I might have to find some pot to smoke or set something on fire.

“Er, no.” Wyatt cuts in. “Emberly, I was on my way over to tell you I posted a job notice for somebody to paint these old storefronts. Hopefully, I can get a crew in here before too long. Give us all a good facelift.”

“Well, Hallelujah!” I glance at my best friend. “I was beginning to think you were pocketing that money.”

Emberly’s been sending fifty bucks a month to Wyatt for “beautification” of these old buildings since she moved in here, and it’s the first time he’s made any signs of using it.

“Emberly Warren!” Wyatt straightens up fast, pressing his palm against his chest over his heart. “That would be dishonest!”

“It’s been two years.” I jump in, riled up and ready to fight. “That means between Daisy, Em, BP and you, you should have close to five thousand dollars now.”

“It’ll take most of that to pay for the labor and supplies.” He’s still offended, and my uncle is standing back with his hand on his stomach watching it all unfold. “It takes time for things to happen.”

“There’s a sermon in those words, Wyatt.” Uncle Bob is still giving us that holier than thou smile. “Perhaps this painter will be a blessing in disguise. God brings people into our lives for a reason.”

I don’t have time for this.

Snatching my purse off the table, I step over and give my friend a quick kiss on the cheek. “You good here? I need to make sure Travel Time is ready for tonight.”

“I’m good.” She knows I’ll go off if I stay here much longer, but she catches my arm before I run out the door, lowering her voice. “Don’t let that speech freak you out. From what I’ve seen, Chad might be perfect for you.”

My jaw is still tight, and I cast a glance toward my uncle. “We’ll see.”

Chad is definitely perfect at keeping me off my computer. I’ve got to work double-time if I’m going to be ready for midnight. My focus needs to be on Rani and AJ—not Chad and Andy… and these condescending, approving townies.

“How’s it looking?” My headset is on, and I’m sharing a screen with my two clients in Seattle.