Page 111 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“I’m afraid I don’t have much to build on. I’ve met him just once, and only very briefly.”

Carrie nods. “He’s a busy bee.”

“Have you thought of moving to the Gold Coast, since your family is here? Or are you attached to your workplace?”

“That too. But frankly, I think the distance is good for us.” After a small pause, she goes on, laughing a little. “I was very protective of Gabby when he was a child. And a teen. I could hardly let go when he told me he wanted to move here. I think I inadvertently smothered him. He came completely out of hisshell after moving away from home. Living with Ash definitely contributed too.”

“Oh. I didn’t… I can’t imagine he’s ever been anything but…” How should he describe Gabriel? A ray of sunshine in a cup of extra-strong coffee?

Carrie seems to know what he’s trying to say. “He’s an introvert at heart. He just loves people too much.”

Sounds about right. It’s something Ellis adores about him, while wishing Gabriel would learn to be more of an asshole. He’s too good for this world. “Yeah. Even if they don’t deserve it,” he says, voice rough.

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Carrie says easily. “He’s a good judge of character.”

“So he says,” Ellis says, unable to hide a smile.

Cocking her head, Carrie studies him with intrigue. “He told you, didn’t he? About himself?”

Ellis nods. “He did.”

“And you haven’t known each other long.”

“A few weeks.” Has it only been that short of a time? So much has changed, it’s insane.

“But you believed him?”

“It’s hard to be skeptical when you experience what he can do first hand.”

Carrie makes a sound of approval, but a reproachful look overtakes her features. “He struggled a lot as a child. The sensitivity, the empathy… Poor boy was so confused. Didn’tknow what was happening to him. I didn’t do a good job preparing him.”

Ellis’ heart aches. It hurts to imagine Gabriel as anything but happy and confident.“You knew from the start, then?”

Something about her changes, an air of melancholy wrapping around her. “He takes after his daddy, after all.”

“But his dad couldn’t help?”

“Hard to be of help when you walk out of your kid’s life.”

The information takes Ellis by surprise. Even more surprising is that Carrie doesn’t sound resentful, or angry. Just…sad.

“You haven’t talked about this, have you?” Carrie takes a guess, probably because Ellis has gone quiet.

“Gabriel said they don’t talk.”

“That’s a very simple way to put it. What happened is—”

“Carrie?” he intervenes gently. “I think it’s better if he tells me. On his own terms, when he’s ready.”

She stares at him, long enough that Ellis starts to worry he fucked up by cutting her off so harshly when she wanted to share something personal with him. But then she smiles, looking almost proud, and says, “Gabby sure knows how to pick them. Damn, if I was twenty years younger…”

“Oh my god, Carrie!” Ellis cries, getting whiplash from how fast this woman can switch gears.

“Gosh, you’re cute.”

Ellis shakes his head, refusing to believe this is his life now. “Your family is nuts.”

She laughs, patting his thigh again. “Sorry, sweetie. You’re so easy to tease. But don’t worry, you’re safe. I don’t get the ‘I’m-into-MILFs’ vibe from you.”