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“I have the best bullshit detector in three states,” she says, before adding in a slightly sour voice, “except when it comes to my ex, of course”
Maddie and her ex-husband, Serge—a Croatian hottie sheto be a pastry chef—split up six e broke down and confessed to Maddie that he’s gay He said he would always love her as a friend, but that he had to move on and live authentically, no ht about it
Two days later, he started divorce proceedings and , one of the lifeguards at the resort where he and Maddie both worked
She pretends she isn’t devastated, but I know better I ht not have the best bullshit detector in three states—or even in one if e by—but I know my baby sister
So inside Maddie is broken Her blue eyes don’t sparkle the way they used to, and even her ses
“Hey,” I whisper, suddenly wondering if tonight is too ile sis “If you don’t want to be here, we can leave It’s no big deal”
She shakes her head, sending her dark-chocolate curls tu around her shoulders They’re the sahlights yesterday in an effort to perk upwith her “It’s is up with Jake”
At the mention of his na to do with the chill in the winter air
“I’m not sure this is the best way to do it,” Maddie continues, “but you’ve got money in your purse and I’m here to help you spend it”
I nudge her shoulder withto let ht extra cash just in case”
Maddie snorts “You’re crazy I’ like a ten-year-old on a sugar high, let alone bid on a beefcake of my very own”
I bite back a grin “I know But I can’t wait Thank God for Methodists”
“A the throngs of wo into the Methodist fellowship hall
Only the Methodists would allow the firefighters to hold a “Hunk-for-a-Month” charity auction in their large basement The Baptists across the street are undoubtedly scandalized by the idea of half-nakedfans of dancing, let alone oiled-up firefighters strutting down a makeshift cathile local women hoot and holler and bid on the man they want to be their date for the next month of Fridays
I, however, am not scandalized
I am deter a hole in my red leather purse to buy a chance at a fresh start with Jake Hansen
Jake Hansen
Another shiver of foreboding shimmies across my skin I’m a nervous wreck, but all the anxiety will be worth it for a chance to ht with Jake