“Maybe I am,” I reply, turning back to my glass. “It’s not like I can avoid him forever.”
And just as I say that, Ezra materializes beside us, grinning like he’s just seen an old friend at a reunion instead of…what we actually are.
“Levi!” he calls out, his voice bright with that overzealous cheerfulness. “I had my doubts about you actually showing up this time.”
He pulls me into an embrace that lasts a beat too long. Ezra hugs like a Labrador who hasn’t seen a human in six hours. Enthusiastic, a bit smothering, and makes you wish you’d thrown a tennis ball first.
“Yeah, well,” I say, shrugging. “Small town, you know. Miss too many of these and they put your face on a milk carton and start a prayer circle.”
Ezra pulls back, still beaming at me like I’m the best thing that’s happened to him all day. “I’m really glad you came. Seriously.” He starts to leave, but I can see him lingering, until someone calls him from across the room and he’s gone as quickly as he came.
Dominic nudges me. “So, you and Mr. Fertilizer, huh? How long before he sprinklesyouwith his seed?” His eyes are sparkling like he’s uncovered a juicy plot twist.
I choke so violently on my wine I’m pretty sure I see stars. “Fuck, Dom! Warn a guy before you weaponize innuendo. I almost died just now!”
He grins wickedly. “Worth it.”
“You’re the worst,” I wheeze, grabbing a napkin to dab at my mouth. “You know it’s not going anywhere.”
Dominic raises an eyebrow. “I don’t know, bestie. You’re looking at him like youwantto be looking at him. There’s something you’re not saying.”
Dominic’s got that look on his face. The one that says he’s not going to let me dodge the question. “It’s not about Ezra,” I say.
Dominic’s lips twitch. “So, your type has officially shifted to men who could keynote a TED Talk on coffins?”
“What? No, I…come on…”
But he’s already on a roll. “Trading fiddle-leaf figs for formaldehyde, then? Because that’s both niche and deeply,deeplyconcerning.”
Despite his absurdity, my heart trips over itself at the mention of Hayden. Like it’s been waiting for someone to drop his name just so it can malfunction publicly. I clear my throat, attempting to sound casual. “You’re being ridiculous. Hayden’s…not my type.”
Dominic pats my cheek…firmly. Like he’s slapping some sense into me. “Keep lying to yourself if you have to. But, honey? He’s gorgeous.”
“I know,” I mutter.
“And intriguing.”
“Yup.”
“And tortured in a hot way.”
I groan. “I know, Dom. That’s the problem. He’s…too much. Too intense. Too everything.”
Dominic’s expression softens just a little. “Ah. So he’s your type in every way that scares you.”
I roll my eyes. “Something like that. I just…I’m not sure what I want.”
Dominic smirks, clearly pleased with himself. “Well, it’s not going to come from being confused. That’s the first thing I’ve figured out about this whole ‘finding your person’ thing.”
I’m about to respond when a cheerful voice cuts into our conversation. It’s Sophie Browning from Stonevale’s Office of Community Development, wineglass in hand and a bright, encouragingsmile plastered on her face. She’s been a lifesaver throughout my whole community garden endeavor, always eager and genuinely invested in seeing it succeed.
“Levi! So glad I caught you.” Her eyes practically sparkle with excitement. “Just checking in on the grant paperwork. Need anything from me?”
I nod quickly, trying to focus on her over the messy feelings I’m still sorting through. “Everything’s good at the moment. But thanks…I really appreciate you checking in.”
“Of course! We’re all rooting for you.” She gives my arm an encouraging squeeze before moving off into the crowd. Her words pull me back to reality for a second. Between gossip and wine, I forgot there’s still a whole plot of land waiting for me to turn paperwork into soil. It’s chaos I actually signed up for, even when I have to remind myself that the exhaustion means it’s working.
Something’s actually growing, even if I can’t see it yet.
