Page 32 of Unburied

“That’s good.”

Silence descended over them for a second, and she forced a smile. She was just about to tell him goodbye when he spoke again.

“I’m actually really glad I ran into you.” He stared at her, and her stomach twisted. She already knew what was coming. “You haven’t responded to any of my messages or anything…”

He trailed off, and guilt ate away at her insides. He looked so sincere, so sweet. She hated to hurt his feelings, but the quicker she got this over with, the quicker he’d leave her alone. “I'm sorry I've been kind of flighty here recently. I just… I think you’re a great guy, but I don't think things are going to work out between us.”

His face fell, and he gave a little nod. “I had a good time on our date,” he offered. “Maybe we could still be friends?”

She aimed for a smile but knew it fell flat. She knew how those things worked. “I want to be totally transparent with you.” She took a deep breath. “I think you should know that I'm interested in somebody else.”

“Oh.” Her heart twisted as his face fell further. “I understand.”

She was sure it was hard for him being in a completely new place, knowing hardly anyone. He looked so pitiful that she couldn’t help but apologize. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

“It’s not your fault.” He shook his head and smiled, though it was strained. “You’re a great girl, and whoever the guy is, he’s lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.” She felt a pang of uncertainty as memories from the other night came rushing back, watching Mason flee like his heels were on fire. She shook the thought from her head. Over the past few days, he’d been more attentive than ever, though he continued to keep his distance at work like she’d asked. He’d practically begged to tell her brother about them, and that more than anything told her how serious he was.

He tipped his head toward the exit. “Well, I should get going.”

She smiled at Tyler and offered a little wave. “See you around.”

She headed toward the garden, a strange sensation causing her stomach to flutter. It was odd running into Tyler here, of all places. Her steps slowed. Why would he be here? During their date, he said he’d only been here for a couple of weeks. She’d assumed from the context of the conversation that all of his family was back in Colorado.

A tiny shiver moved down her spine, and she couldn’t help but toss a look over her shoulder. The place where Tyler had stood was now empty, but she had to wonder… Was he following her? Almost as quickly as it had come, she dismissed the possibility, laughing at the ridiculous direction of her thoughts. He’d been here first; there was no possible way he could have followed her.

She exhaled deeply as she headed toward Ellen’s favorite spot. She hated hurting people, especially nice guys like Tyler. He seemed like a truly good person; she just… wasn’t attracted to him.

Ellen’s familiar face came into view, and she braced herself for whatever greeted her. Ellen sat in the shade, a book spread open in her lap, and Vivi approached cautiously. “Ellen?”

Her head lifted, and the clarity in her eyes made Vivi’s heart dance in her chest. “Vivi! So good to see you, sweetheart.”

“You, too.” Vivi bent to give her a hug. “Sorry I haven’t been by for a couple of days.”

Ellen snapped the book shut and set it beside her. “You’re young and busy. You have better things to do than spend your time with an old woman like me. Sit, sit.” She waved Vivi over to join her before she could even respond. “Tell me, how do you like your new job?”

“It’s been great.” Drama with Mason aside, that was. But she didn’t mention that.

Ellen eyed her. “Is Knox treating you well?”

“Always,” Vivi promised. “He’s the best big brother.”

“He’s a good man.” Ellen nodded. “All those military men are.”

“Yes, they are,” Vivi murmured, thinking of Mason.

Ellen’s face took on a dreamy quality as her gaze slid over the lawn. “Eugene was so handsome in his uniform. I’ll never forget the day he shipped out…”

Vivi listened for several minutes, enraptured, as Ellen talked about her late husband. She knew of him, of course, but he’d passed away years before Ellen had taken her in. Ellen had spoken of him only briefly from time to time, but for the most part, their relationship was a mystery to Vivi. It was so good to see her happy.

Ellen’s smile grew as she turned to Vivi. “Remember that?”

Vivi jerked back to attention. “What’s that?”

“Those men were two peas in a pod, weren’t they, Edna?”

Vivi blinked, feeling as if she were floundering. “I⁠—”