Page 60 of In a Word, Yes

“Isn’t the paper free to residents?”

“That’s beside the point,” I quip.

Wyatt flicks the air dismissively. “Thanks. I have to look for the humor in some of them,” he says, “but truthfully, it isn’t that hard to do.” And there it is, plain as day. Humility.

Along with an annoyingly cute chin dimple.

Twenty

pilgrimage(n.): journey to a shrine or a

sacred place

The following morning brings more blue skies but still no word from Ian about his mysterious nonappearance. It’s one of those hot-cold days Dickens described as “summer in the light, and winter in the shade,” and despite my sage beanie (which, contrary to my delusional coworker’s assertions, is not in any way elf-like), I’m dying for the cozy warmth of Sweet Reads.

Not so much the dreaded mission that brings me here.

The drink line extends to the door. I squeeze inside. No choice but to hover only inches from the Grumblies’ table.

Behind the counter, Ian serves up ready smiles and chats as easily as ever, all while measuring and steeping those ambrosial teas he creates. He wears no visible bandages. No limbs set in plaster casts. No obvious signs of a sudden medical emergency requiring heli transport to parts unknown.

I can’t help but think that when it came time for our little non-date at the Trading Post, he just plain forgot about me.

And here’s what’s astonishing. I’m not even offended. I’m ...relieved. How elucidative.Ooh, now there’s a great word. It even contains my name.

Clearly, where I’m concerned, Ian Witherspoon’s heart is one hundred percentuninvested. We get to continue residing in the friend zone, and I’m more certain than ever this is where I want to remain. Only one thing stands in the way: the requisite awkward convo. One teensy-weensy, infinitesimally brief moment of discomfort, and then,poof, the air will be clear in time for writers group tonight.

But first I have to endure today’s hot takes from the Grumblies. And there is a whole lot of rehashing going on. Gravelly voices rumble behind me.

“...intersection must’ve been engineered by the same brainiac responsible for the Hindenburg.” I don’t need to look to know that’s the stocky one with a white beard who’d be a shoo-in to play Santa Claus.

“...that bunch ’a ninnyhammers down at city hall...”

“...what in the Dickens can they be thinking...?”

“...someone put stupid juice in their sippy cups...”

Finally, Ian’s eyes catch on mine. His shoulders slump. He whispers something to Savannah, rushes around the end of the tea bar, sidesteps a number of patrons, apologizing to each one, and lands squarely in front of me.

“Lucy ... I’msosorry.” He hovers close, smelling like all the things. I catch smoked black tea, cinnamon, and something bright. Bergamot perhaps. His volume is too close to normal for my comfort. I hate being on display.

“Are you miffed?” he says. “You should be miffed.”

A woman two spots ahead of me in line pivots slightly, angling for a better hearing trajectory. Ack. That’s no random woman. It’s Billie.

“I can explain,” he says more discreetly. “I wanted to call, but—can you believe it—somehow I don’t have you as a contact.”

I grant Ian a soft smile, eager to put him out of his misery.Still, there remains the niggling question of why he didn’t ask Savannah for my number.

“No worries,” I say. “Really, none whatsoever. It all worked out. I ended up having some time to myself with a book.”And a mutual friend, I don’t say. “It turned out lovely.” In my eyes, Ian will always be a stand-up guy. He just clearly had other priorities. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” I add. “You’re okay, right? I was worried that—”

“Yes, yes, I’m good. All good. It’s just that—” He sweeps a glance around us and for the first time notices Billie, who has dropped the ruse. She openly watches us, lips curled in a smug little half-grin as if we’ve invited her to participate.

“Let’s talk later,” he whispers. “Can we talk? Would you be comfortable giving me your number?”

“You’re welcome to get it from Savannah.”

“Actually, I try not to share my private business with employees.”