Page 123 of Make-Believe Match

“How was Thanksgiving?”

“Fine, I guess. Lonely.”

“Oh, Lex. I’m sorry. I wish I knew what to say.”

“Say it’s my fault for falling for the wrong guy. For confusing what was pretend with something real. That’s how desperate I am to be loved.”

“It’s not your fault,” she said firmly. “And youareloved.” Then she sighed. “But I know what you mean. You want to be loved likethat.”

“I want to be loved like that,” I echoed. “I want someone who can’t live without me. No, you know what? I want someone whocouldlive without me but doesn’t want to. I want him tochoosea life with me, because I make him happy.”

“You’ll find him, honey.”

“Maybe someday,” I said, although the thought of being with anyone but Devlin made my stomach hurt. “But first I have to get divorced.”

“I bet it will be quick. You weren’t married that long. Doesn’t that make it easier?”

“I have no idea. But nothing about this is easy.” I lifted my left hand and stared at the band I couldn’t bring myself to take off. “Nothing.”

* * *

At lunchtime, Gran poked her head in and tried to coax me downstairs for a turkey sandwich.

“I’m not hungry, Gran.”

“I don’t care. I’m your grandmother, and I need to feed you. You’ll make me feel bad if you don’t come down and eat.” She paused. “Besides, I want to talk to you.”

Sighing, I hauled myself out of bed and followed her downstairs. At the table were two sandwiches and two cups of tea. Ignoring the food, I picked up the tea and took a sip.

Gran sat across from me. “Alexandra, I’ve been thinking.”

“About what?”

“About the will.”

“What about it?”

“Maybe it’s outdated.”

“It’sone hundred percentoutdated, Gran.” I set my cup down. “But you and Grandpa were right. I can’t run this place on my own. It’s too much.”

“You once mentioned a partner,” she said. “Now that you’ve got your business loan and your blueprints and your renovation going, maybe you could find someone.”

“Maybe.” But I just wanted Devlin. It wasourbusiness loan andourblueprints andourrenovation. I wanted to share it with him.

“Would you prefer to sell?”

My head came up sharply. “What? No! No.” I frowned. “Sorry, Gran. I’m out of it today. I would love the opportunity to find a business partner and continue with the remodel and reopening if you’re up for letting me try it without a husband.”

“I think you’ve earned a shot to make your parents proud,” Gran said with a smile. “I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

“Thank you, Gran.” My eyes teared up, and I blinked them away. “I appreciate that. But what about Tabitha? She wants money. She’s going to fuss.”

Gran waved a hand in the air. “You leave Tabitha to me. I’ll give her the pearls early. Between you and me, they’re imitation anyway. Fool girl can’t even tell the difference.”

Despite my broken heart, I laughed.

* * *