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“Where?” I blinked through watering eyes.
“My truck. It’s the only place we’ll have any privacy.” He gave me a crooked smile. “If you’ll grab our drinks, I’ll get the plates.”
A few minutes later, we sat in his pickup. Windows open, I breathed in the fresh air. “Much better.”
“Sorry about Bea.” He grimaced. “I’ll have a talk with Rosie.”
“Please don’t make waves.”
“You mean, don’t ‘make a stink?’ ” His eyes twinkled. “Too late. Bea’s already done that.”
“She has, hasn’t she?” Chuckling, I nodded. “That cinnamon smell’s stronger than sulfur.”
“Cinnamon…that’s it.” He pulled out his phone, checking online. “As I recall, her cologne is custom made with something that not only smells like but sounds like cinnamon. Here it is…cinnamaldehyde, a common fragrance in perfumes…and mosquito repellant. Yup, it’s her essence, all right.” Shaking his head, he tucked away his phone and turned on the radio.
A country-western tune came on the air.
“Do you two-step?”
“Not really.” I shook my head. “Never learned.”
“If you’re still here Friday night, I know a place with live music.” He leaned toward me. “And I’d be happy to teach you.”
Tempted, I entertained the idea but shook my head. Don’t start something you can’t finish. “Thanks, but if the car’s ready, I’ll be long gone.”
“And if the parts haven’t come in or the car’s totaled, then what?”
“I take life one day at a time.”
“So, you’re waiting for a ‘sign,’ is that it?” He sat back, as if challenging me.
“Not necessarily.” I pursed my lips, annoyed he reduced my agenda to superstition. “I’m trying to squeeze the plans I’d made before the accident to fit the current circumstances—cram square pegs into round holes.”
“What about the Mercury dime?” He caught my gaze. “Wasn’t that you who proposed I get the patio bar, while you get a share of the winery? And now you’re walking out on our deal?”
“No.” My shoulders slumping, I groaned. “I didn’t say that.”
“So, you’re not leaving?”
“I didn’t say that, either.” Sighing, I reached into my pocket and handed him the coin. “Here. Take it.” Then pulling back my shoulders, I held up my hands. “It’s no part mine, anymore.”
“Oh, no, you don’t.” He shook his head as he grinned from ear to ear. “You’re not weaseling out of our agreement. No, ma’am! A deal’s a deal, and we shook on it.”
“Okay, I’ll play along…” I gave a begrudging chuckle. “But only until the car’s fixed, then I’m out of here.”
Despite my bravado, my words sounded hollow, even to me. Deep down, I was glad for this delay. I’ve known him what—forty-eight hours? Yet…Losing myself, I leaned closer.
“Not leaving already, are you?” Rosie approached the driver’s window, wearing a pout.
I flinched.
Luke gave me a subtle wink before turning to his aunt. “No, the porch was crowded, so we ate here.”
“Come in when you’re done.” Rosie waved us inside. “I have something for Maeve.”
****
“Good, you’re back.” Fifteen minutes later, Rosie bustled toward us and pressed a small, velveteen pouch into my hands. “Gifts should go full circle.”
