“Why didn’t you say something to Gary, if you’re upset about it?”
“I did, but he wouldn’t listen. He thinks I’m interfering for selfish reasons. But the truth is I care about both of you. I think you’re setting yourselves up for a disaster.”
Though the sky was overcast, Steven reached into his pocket and retrieved his sunglasses as they approached another couple walking the opposite direction. The couple walked past, showing no signs of recognition.
“I appreciate your concern, but our relationship isn’t a long-term thing, anyway. I’m pretty sure Gary doesn’t even like me anymore.”
“That’s not the impression I got from Gary.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m saying Gary argued with me, because he wanted to date you. I told him it was a bad idea. Don’t get me wrong… He’s my best friend and a great guy. But he’s broken quite a few hearts in the last couple of years. Ever since—”
“Since Deanne broke up with him,” Katie supplied.
“He told you, huh?” Surprise registered on his face, but he recovered quickly. “Just do me a favor and be careful. I don’t want either one of you to get hurt.”
Gary must’ve decided to listen to Steven’s advice. Likewise, Katie didn’t want a serious relationship with Gary. She ought to be glad he’d ended it before they got any more attached to each other. So why did it make her throat feel like a rock was stuck halfway down?
Because of that stupid kiss—that’s why!
As they turned onto Main Street, bustling with tourists, Steven groaned aloud. Looking for the source of his consternation, Katie spotted a woman coming toward them on the sidewalk… none other than Lucille Sanderson and her fluffy white dog. In her crisply ironed dress and high heeled shoes, she looked like she ought to be on her way to church.
“Uh-oh!” Katie said.
“Any chance she won’t recognize me?” Steven murmured as they drew closer.
“No way.”
He might’ve gotten away with it, if Lucille hadn’t already seen them at Sweet Caroline’s the other night.
He took a deep breath, his chest expanding to stretch against his shirt. “Her name was Lucille, right?”
“Yes. What are you going to do?”
“You’ll see.”
Lucille waved her hand as she stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking their path. “Mr. Gherring, I’m so glad to run into you. My name is—”
“Lucille!” A brilliant smile split his face as he lifted her hand to his lips in gallant fashion. “The pleasure is mine.”
“Oh, my!” She giggled, flushing red from her neck all the way to her hairline. “You know my name, Mr. Gherring?”
“Please, call me Steven.”
“Steven,” she repeated, tilting her chin down and blinking her lashes, the thick black mascara contrasting with her blond hair.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve been looking for you, Lucille.”
“You have?”
“Yes. I noticed your beautiful dog.” He dropped to one knee and held his hand out for the dog to sniff.
“Her name is Princess,” Lucille said, her bright red lips spreading in a proud grin.
As Steven petted her, Princess danced in excitement, jewels sparkling on her blue collar, the exact same shade as Lucille’s shoes.
“You must tell me what breed she is,” said Steven, as he rose to his full height.