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“Whoever told you that is spot on,” Kayla says. “And Tess is even worse. That girl is always finding an excuse to stop by the reference desk and talk to you. Most of the time there’s no real reason. She didn’t need a librarian’s help when they were building the community room. And she sure didn’t need your help planning the teen center. If anything, you were a distraction.”
“I was a distraction?”
Me. Spencer Crane?
“I know women.” Kayla’s mouth tilts. “I happen to be one. And Tess has been interested in you for a long time. This isn’t out of the blue, Spencer. And it’s not sudden. Not for either of you.”
Something opens up in my stomach. Not lasagna. A pit of fear. For the first time since Tess and I admitted our feelings for each other, I’m letting myself think about how much I stand to lose.
It’s all well and good to be excited about what might happen between us when camp is over, but that’s also been a buffer between me and my feelings. I haven’t truly jumped all in yet. Our camp job has actually been a safety net.
“What?” Kayla asks, appraising my expression.
“I’m afraid to take things too fast with her,” I admit. “Of letting my heart get ahead of me and having it slammed back in my face.”
“Awww.” Kayla’s eyes soften. “That’s kind of precious, Spence.You’rekind of precious. And you’re also the one who just told me to trust my gut.” She cocks her head. “So. What does your gut say?” Before I can answer her, my phone starts vibrating next to the plate of lasagna cubes.
Not a text. It’s a call. From Frank.
My gut twists. My brother’s not a phone guy, and he knows I’m at work. Something’s either really good or really bad. And Frank’s not a good news guy.
“I’ve gotta take this,” I say, picking up my phone. My voice is sand paper in the middle of a desert. When I answer, I can’t even speak.
“Spencer,” Frank says, my name sounding like a growl. “I stopped by the ranch after the shop closed to talk to Clive.”
Wait.That’swhat he’s calling about? The car? I exhale, relieved. “I’m sure the baby will be in good hands with him,” I say. “I’m fine with you selling it to the wannabe Colin Firth.”
“That’s not why I called, man.” Frank pauses, and I feel like the world’s dropping out from under me again.
“Then what’s the emergency?”
“Dude.” Frank grunts. “Troy is here. With Tess.”
