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“Mrs. Harper is sure a piece of work,” Jack said.
“I don’t get that kind of thing. Quinn’s an adult; surely she can make her own decision?”
“It’s the grandbaby thing, to my way of thinking,” Jack said.
“Well, it’s just plain wrong,” Luke muttered.
“Know it, and like I said, keep your distance from Quinn Harper. Although…” Jack looked thoughtful. “She’s cute, and you did have that look on your face.”
“What look? There was no look.”
“Totally a look.” Jack smirked. He and Benji were carving in scary teeth now. Luke looked at it longingly, then worked on the mane of the unicorn his nieces wanted.
“Hi, Luke!”
“That woman,” Jack said under his breath as Ophelia, the owner of the organic health food shop, reached them.
“Be nice.” Luke said the words from the side of his mouth.
“Do you need my help?”
“No, we got it but thanks.”
Ophelia was overly helpful and opinionated. She was community minded, and while she believed she had the health of every resident in Ryker Falls at the forefront of her mind, it was often rammed down their throats with plenty of big words and the belief that raw vegetables cured everything.
“I’m having a dinner tomorrow night. You’ll come?”
She wore yoga pants and a long lemon coat with furry boots.
“Sorry, I’m busy,” Luke said.
He’d made the mistake of dating Ophelia for two weeks. He’d also slept with her, a monumental fail on his part. She’d told him it was casual and that she was into freedom and open relationships, and then started picking out a cozy home for them to move into together.
“Next time.” Her smile was forced, but she leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
“I don’t think you should kiss my uncle.” Grace stared at Ophelia as if she couldn’t quite work out where she’d come from and why she was here.
“You know Ophelia, Gracie. She owns the store where you get your smoothies, down by the rec center.”
“Are you the celery stick?”
“Great, so see you round, Ophelia,” Luke said quickly. Jack pulled Grace toward him and started whispering in her ear. “I need to get this pumpkin finished.”
Ophelia gave him a tight smile and left. After she’d gone, Jack fell onto his back and howled with laughter.
“Gracie, that’s just a nickname your mommy uses.”
“Why?” she asked Luke.
Why indeed?
