Page 58 of Matchmaking On The Menu

Peyton made Dannica’s life miserable in school. I’ll be damned if I give her another opportunity to make her feel less again.

Beverly’s smile sharpens. “Don’t tempt me.”

She gathers her things, heels clicking against the stone as she walks away, the sound carrying longer than it should.

Shelly exhales. “I cannot stand her.”

Mary scowls. “She’s unbelievable.”

I’m already standing and slinging my bag over my shoulder.

“Where are you going?” Shelly asks.

“I have to confirm something.”

Luke is exactly where he always is—under a car, boots sticking out. The radio is slightly off-station and crackling between songs, tools scattered in a way that looks like chaos but somehow isn’t.

Consistent and predictable.

“Luke.”

He slides out, wiping his hands on a rag. “Quadri? Everything okay?”

“I need a favor.”

He nods immediately. No hesitation. “What you need?”

And reliable.

“Did Beverly come in recently? Tire issue?”

Recognition flickers across his face. “Yeah. Couple days ago. She was in with Roger. Bossing him around like always.”

That tracks.

“Did she mention a stranger helping her out beforehand? Changing the tire?”

Luke huffs out a quiet laugh. “Didn’t stop talking about it. Thought Roger was going to lose it. Said she would’ve been stranded if he hadn’t shown up when he did.” He pauses. “Mentioned his voice too. Like… an audiobook narrator or something.”

He says it like it’s nothing. Luke can rebuild an engine blindfolded, but anything without moving parts tends to pass straight through him.

I file it away anyway.

“Did she say where it happened? Where he might live?”

Luke tilts his head. “You sweet on him or something?”

I inhale too quickly and immediately regret it, coughing once as I recover. “God, no. I just like to know who’s in my town.”

He doesn’t look convinced. Fair enough. I adjust.

“Luke.” I step closer, resting a hand lightly against his arm, just enough to hold his attention. His eyes flick down, then back up to me, a little thrown. “If I tell you something, will you help me out?”

He hesitates. “I’m not really one for gossip.”

Dear innocent Luke.

“It’s not gossip,” I say. “It’s contained.” I lower my voice. “Dannica was kissed by a masked stranger at the festival. I’m trying to find him.”