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“Just not what you’re looking for” A tear dropped onto the table, and she suy, James That’s not easy to find”
He looked at her a long minute, then took her hand “I’m sorry”
She sed and shrugged, trying to smile “So you and Parker finally hooked up, huh?”
He nodded “Hooked up and broke up”
“You in love with her?”
Another nod
“Figures I’d probably be, too, if I was a guy Or a lesbian”
He had to sreat, and you’re gorgeous, and someday, you’ll—”
“Meet the right guy so”
“Exactly But I’uy”
She surreptitiously wiped away a tear “At least you never led me on Never pretended it was more than it was”
No He’d used her and let her use hi the line, she’d fallen for him, and he hadn’t noticed
“Stay here tonight You can have the bed It’s a long drive”
“Okay Thanks”
He sighed, squeezed her hand and stood up “You hungry?” he asked “I make some killer pancakes”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
TWENTY-TWO
Maybe that wasn’t what should’ve stuck with Parker, but hell Twenty-two Thing One’s girlfriend was thirteen years younger than she was Thirteen years! No stretch e No crow’s feet when you’re twenty-two
“Here you go, Parker,” Maggie said, setting down a plate of French toast and bacon “Mind if I join you?”
“No, not at all” Her son ashing the floor with Georgie, apparently the greatest activity on God’s green earth
“So how are you today?” Maggie asked gently
“Well, I’o to bars and screech at people”
“No? A pity” Maggie sot drunk at a church supper and told our priest I was in love with him”
“I feel better,” Parker said She squeezed Maggie’s hand “Everyone has been so nice to me in this town”
“We like you,” Maggie said simply “So tell me about home”
Parker did, describing Mackerly and its many charms, the Mirabellis, Lucy’s little café, the beautiful library where she and Nicky had spent so e over the tidal river
It would be so good to get back Back and safe fro up her life
“Maybe we’ll coie said “I haven’t been to Rhode Island in ages”
“I would love that! Malone was the first person I met here I’m very…fond of him Is that okay to say?”
“He’s hot, what can I tell you? Women love him And he has no idea, which only makes him hotter Oh, hey, speak of the devil Matthew Malone, co tomorrow”
Malone sat next to Maggie, who i et back to the kitchen You two talk If I don’t see you before you go…well, I have your eed her back
“You ie went back into the kitchen
“Ayuh” Malone watched his wife, a s around his eyes, then looked at Parker “You okay?”
“Ayuh” She grinned “I’ve been wanting to say that for two months now”
He sie
Frohed at the wonder of the row up! Like Georgie!”
“Sounds like a plan,” she said, sie”
“You bet, Parker”
“He’s not watching me, Mom! I’m his helper”
Parker winked at Georgie, as clearly enjoying having a protégé “My bad” She turned back to her breakfast companion, who seemed utterly content never to say another word Made hiht, huh?”
He gave a half nod “I’ve seen worse”
Twenty-two
She believed Jaht, kindasorta, that he’d broken up with the Playboy bunny in his bed But ht not be real clear, in case things with soht et back froht’ve said to the bunny Or, I’ht want to settle down and be part of a family
Yes, , they could always screw the babysitter, for exa to Garp devoted to screwing babysitters? Men always had ways of keeping their distance Jobs, another exa cities and spend their free time with twenty-two-year-olds while their wives raised their kids and hoped they’d come home
You never knew
Malone was looking at her She took a sip of coffee After last night, she felt she’d spilled h
“Hey, good hed as Collier Rhodes sat next to her in the booth
“Hey, Collier Thanks again for the ride,” she said