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“All I’m saying is, there are always two sides to a story. Judging Hayden without knowing his side of the story isn’t any better than accepting gossip at face value.”
“Who said there’s even a story? What Hayden does is his own business.”
“I have another theory.” Dani’s expression was coy as she popped another slice of fruit or whatever it was into her mouth.
“Feel free to keep it to yourself. What are you eating, anyway?”
“Mango and something ultra-healthy called noni. I get it fresh every morning at this great market called Shely’s Fruteria. They sell the best fruit grown here on the island.”
“What’s noni?” Anything to redirect the conversation.
“It’s a small, round green fruit that’s part of the coffee plant. Supposedly, it smells like cheese while it ripens.” Dani checked her watch. “All I know is, it’s delicious. The locals make juice from noni and claim it provides a natural energy boost.”
“Not that you need any help in that department.”
“Never hurts to store up. Okay, I only have a few minutes before I need to go. Whenever I mediate situations at work, I see firsthand how things can easily be misinterpreted. I’m guessing you don’t like the idea of Emory with Hayden for two reasons.”
Violet drew in a breath but remained silent.
“Number one, you believe she’s dug her claws—I meanset her sights—on him. Number two, pushing aside what happened between Emory and Sean in the past, ifyoucan’t have Hayden, then you don’t anyone else to have him.”
“You arewayoff-base, Dani.”
“Hey, I call them as I see them. Are you aware you talk about Hayden almost every night when you come home from the station? You’re either fussing about him or telling me something he said to a caller you considered outrageous or insightful. He’s helping coach the high school soccer team, right?”
“He is. And, yes, Emory’s coaching the girls’ softball team.” Violet wrinkled her nose. “Don’t look at me that way, Danielle. Hayden and Emory can dance a jig on top of that wedding cake if they want. It means nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
“Exactly!” Dani grinned. “You look like a cute little bunny when you wrinkle your nose.”
“I meant . . ..”Give it up, Violet.If she insisted Hayden meant nothing to her, she wouldn’t be honest. By virtue of his job at the station, the man meant somethingto her, not only because she was more or less obligated to support him publicly.
“Thanks for the chat,” Violet said. “I’ll let you get back to the noni and your fun adventures. Enjoy it for me, too. Take lots of pictures. I want to see it all.”
“Sure thing, but promise you’ll call me the minute anything happens.”
Defining “anything” might be tricky. After a quick goodbye, Violet disconnected the call.
Don’t hold your breath, Dani.
Chapter Four
“WHY SO GLUM?”
Sitting in the station’s kitchenette, Violet looked up at Hayden. “I’m not sure how I can look glum while I’m eating.”
“Well, you don’t look especially joyful. Not that you ever do when I show up.” He motioned to the other vacant chair at the table. “May I?”
“Be my guest.”
“Need some help?”
“Maybe. I was thinking about one of my calls last night.”
“Let me grab my sandwich, and then you can tell me about your conundrum.”
“You’re here earlier than usual, aren’t you?”
Hayden pulled his lunch bag from the refrigerator. “I had a meeting with Chuck.”
