Page 13 of Shallow Remains

Rufus bumped it again with his nose as he stared up at her. She smiled a little and reached out to rub the top of his head. Maybe he’d sensed her anxiety or something.

“What kind of classes?” Willow asked.

She shrugged, fought the embarrassment creeping over her for interrupting and being weird. “Not really sure. Maybe some exercise classes or something.” That would be good for her.

“Really?” Xanthe asked in surprise. “You’re welcome to try out a yoga class with me. The studio always has room for drop-ins. People do that all the time and bring guests.”

“I’ve been thinking about trying a class there,” Willow said. “I get a lot of steps in with Rufus, but I want to do something that builds strength and reduces anxiety.”

“Same,” Maddy said.

“I’ll try a yoga class if you will,” Willow said to her.

“Count me in too,” Bronwyn said, flipping a thick twist of hair over her shoulder. Her roots were dark brown, each twist fading into bleached blond. She wore a small silver hoop on the right side of her nose, and her self-assured manner meant she rocked her unique look. “I’m here for another few days at least. When’s the class?” she asked Xanthe.

“I usually go Tuesdays and Thursdays at seven, so I have time to get home and eat something after work before heading out. It’s a nice way to finish off my day. I always leave more relaxed and centered,” Xanthe said.

Maddy could use both of those things. “I’m in.”

“Yay!” Xanthe grinned. “I’m excited, but what brought this on all of a sudden?”

Maddy glanced away, and of course, her gaze immediately zeroed in on Lachlan talking to Tripp and Grey across the room. Lachlan was a bit shorter than his black-haired brother, but his shoulders were broader, and she couldn’t stop looking at him. Thinking about him.

“I just think it’s time to make some changes,” she said. “And some connections. I could stand to make another friend or two.”

“Already done, because you can count Willow and me as friends,” Bronwyn said, hooking an arm around her shoulders in solidarity. “You can hang out with us whenever you want. Right, Will?”

“Of course, anytime. Hey, we’re having a painting party-slash bridal party here on Friday night if you’re interested.”

Xanthe nodded. “She’s gonna attempt to teach me to paint an orca that won’t look like a five-year-old made it.”

“You’ll be great,” Willow said, waving away her concern as she turned to Maddy. “You should come too.”

She’d never really tried much in the way of art and probably wouldn’t be that good at it. Wouldn’t kill her to try it out once though. She would get to spend time with Xanthe and the others. And it wasn’t like she had any other plans for Friday night. Or any other night for that matter. “Okay.”

“Excellent.” Willow’s brown eyes lit up. “I’ve got all the supplies here. You can paint whatever you want, and I’ll guide you. It’ll be fun.”

“Yeah it will,” Bronwyn said with a big smile. She seemed so full of life and fun, someone Maddy would like to get to know. “Especially since I’m making a trip to the winery beforehand to get us a few goodies to enjoy while we paint.”

“What time works for you guys?” Willow asked.

Xanthe looked at Maddy. “Six-thirty? I can swing by and grab you on my way home from work.”

“Sure, that’s fine.” When the others suddenly all focused on someone behind her, Maddy tensed slightly, a little buzz pricking the base of her neck.

“Hey, Lach,” Xanthe said.

Of course. Her inner radar was on point today.

“Hi. I came to steal Maddy for a second.”

What? She turned toward him, was unprepared for the little flip in her stomach when his big hand closed around her upper arm to lead her a few steps away from the others.

She didn’t say anything, couldn’t summon a single thought as she stared up into his clear green eyes. His short beard was neatly trimmed, a bit of red glinting through the brown. All the multiple tabs that continuously stayed open in her brain snapped closed.

“You said you were looking for evidence in the water off Cedar Point.”

What was happening? “I did.”