“So how are we supposed to slow down?” she asked.
“By agreeing to do it and sticking to that.”
“Even when we’re crazy wild for more?”
“Even then.”
“Pinky swear?”
He laughed. “My sister used to make me do that. By the way, she wants to meet you.”
“What?” Vi was confused. “How does she even know about me?”
“Your name came up. She’s interested in meeting the granddaughter of the woman Malcom wants to marry.”
“Or used to want to marry—we’re still in the dark, and from what we know, things seem pretty iffy.”
“With them, we can’t be sure of anything. ”
“We haven’t discussed that yet. Isn’t that why we’re here?”
“Maybe I wanted to see you, too. Let’s walk.” They stood up and continued along the path. “If you want to meet my sister, you’ll have to come to her house. She’d like that. You’re good company and she’s starved for contact with people.”
“That’s right, she’s bedridden. I guess so, but it’ll have to be on a weekend. I’m going to be really busy at work.”
“A corporate vice president. It bears repeating that I’m proud of you.”
“I’m proud of me, too.” Admitting it made her feel bold and confident. She decided to use some of that self-assurance to ask a question. “At the club last night, you told Devin we’re together. Why did you say it?”
“Because he needed to back off.”
She’d hoped to hear something more, that he wanted them to be a couple, even for a little while. Wrong, and she tried to hide her disappointment. “That’s what I thought.”
“Hold on, there.” His turn to push his shades up to the top of his head. “Are you saying you want us to be together?”
“You’re not interested in anything long-term. I’m not sure I am, either.” Untrue, but a little fib couldn’t hurt. “But yes, I’d like that, as long as we keep our heads on straight.” And she held on to her heart, or at least buried her feelings.
“I can get on board with that. Do you want to go riding with me sometime? I keep thinking about your comment that youused a bike mostly for chores. The ride I have in mind would be strictly fun. Hey, we should bike to see my sister.”
“How far away is she?”
“A mile or two from my place. You could drive over and we’ll leave from there.”
Vi liked the idea. “Let’s do it. I’ll rent a bike from your store.”
“I’m thinking you can test-drive my favorite new model, the same kind I rode to your place during that storm. I want your take on it.”
“Even if I’m out of shape?”
“It’ll be a good way for me to gauge whether it’d work well for all levels of cyclist.”
“I’m flattered you chose me.”
“She said yes!” he said and grinned. “Now, about the grandparents. You’re the idea whiz kid. What’s your suggestion?”
“I’m a whiz kid,” she said, gleefully blowing on her fingernails and rubbing them on her upper chest.
“You sure are. Your idea to rehire employees either as temps or permanently got you a huge promotion. Tell me what you’ve come up with for Grandpop and Caroline.”
