Page 51 of Book of Love


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“Come in.” She pushed open the screen door. “I was just about to have a delicious microwaved mac and cheese while watching a riveting game show. You’re welcome to either join me or fall asleep. Whichever comes first.”

She grinned. The twinkle in her eyes made his heart beat faster.

“That’s what you do on Friday night?” His tone was abrupt and hard. “Eat microwaved dinners and watch game shows?”

Her smile faded. “Well, noteveryFriday night. But rehearsal ran late, and I didn’t want to stop at the grocery store. What’s the matter with you? Why are you all scowly?”

Good question.

He paced into the living room as she closed the door. He turned back, letting his gaze skim over her body, clad in a blue, buttoned-up shirt and black leggings. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, and she had big, fluffy, purple slippers on.

God, she was cute. It was annoying. He wasn’t in Bliss Cove forcute. That wasn’t remotely a good enough reason why anyone would want to live here.

“Do you want a drink?” she asked.

“No.”

“Do you want to tell me why you’re here?”

He walked to the fireplace and stared at the framed photos on the mantel. Grace and her father, and another of both of them with an older woman who must have been her grandmother.

There were other pictures of people who were likely friends and extended family. He picked up a photo of a redheaded girl with pigtails and overalls standing proudly beside a black-and-white calf.

“That was Cupcake,” Grace explained. “When she was born, she had a rough time and wouldn’t nurse. My dad didn’t think she’d survive. I was so upset. We practically lived out in the barn, feeding her and taking care of her. My dad had the vet on 24-hour call. Not only did Cupcake make it, she became my best calf. I showed her a lot. That picture was taken after she won first place in a 4-H competition when I was ten.”

Lincoln set the photo back on the mantel. A beeping noise came from the kitchen.

“Mac and cheese alert.” Grace disappeared into the other room.

He followed. She took a plastic container from the microwave and set it on a plate.

“I saw your father earlier today,” he said, figuring it was best not to mention the Mousehole or the bacon burger.

“Really? Where?”

“Downtown.”

“Oh, he went out?” Her eyebrows rose. “That’s fantastic. I’ve been trying to get him to do more stuff around town. There’s a ton of activities at the senior center, but he resists every time. He won’t even stop in for a tour, much less sign up for anything.”

Lincoln wasn’t surprised. Ray Berry wasn’t the type who’d enjoy socializing through a “senior center.”

“I’m so glad you saw him.” Grace indicated the mac and cheese. “Sure you don’t want one?”

“I ate already.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Your father told me you turned down a scholarship offer from the Shakespeare Institute.”

She blinked. “I didn’t even think he remembered that offer.”

“Well, he did. He didn’t seem all that concerned about you having turned it down.”

“Why would he be?” A crease appeared between her eyebrows.

“Whydidyou turn it down?”

“I didn’t want to leave the area.”

“That’s it?”

“I was working at a high school down in Tulare County and planning to attend part-time grad school.” She stirred the mac and cheese. “I applied to the Shakespeare Institute because a professor suggested it. And yes, I was honored by the scholarship offer, but I couldn’t imagine living that far away and I wanted to study other authors and poets, especially women who haven’t been given their due. I also wanted to stay close to my family and keep my job, so I chose to attend Skyline. The Tulare school closed not long after I finished my degree, so I started teaching at Bliss Cove High.”

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