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“He’s divorced.”
“Okay… Tell me more.”
“High school sweethearts. They were a couple of years ahead of me, and she kept herself to herself, but honestly? I never really liked her. She seemed pretty snooty to me. I never understood what he saw in her.”
“Verrry interesting. What else have you got?”
“Well, I haven’t been around that much since I left for college, so I’m not exactly sure what happened. I was here between work contracts and they were fine, went away for two years, when I came back, they were done. I don’t know exactly when, or why.”
“But he’s not seeing anyone now?”
Emma gave it some thought, her blue eyes pensive, a small frown between her brows. “No, I don’t think he is.”
“Doesn’t usually have lots of girlfriends?”
“No, not at all. I don’t think sleeping around is really his thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he dates, but it’s not like he always has a parade of women on his arm.”
“Interesting.”
“He’s a great guy. If you’re interested, you should ask him out.”
Ally snorted. “Oh, not me. He’s way too clean cut for my taste. Zee, on the other hand…”
I cleared my throat nervously when both women turned to look at me expectantly. I had no idea what to say. I’d paid way more attention than I should to Emma’s answers, since Matt’s private life was absolutely none of my business and I didn’t want to ask any of the questions that were suddenly tumbling through my head. What did his wife look like? How long ago was the divorce? Was she still in town? Oh God, would I bump into her? I was being ridiculous, I knew, so I just took a sip of coffee and didn’t say anything, hoping they would get the hint.
“Like I said, he’s a great guy. I say go for it.”
“Good to know,” Ally said, taking a generous bite of banana bread. “This is delicious, by the way.”
I almost slumped with relief when I realized Ally was finally happy to change the subject and let me off the hook.
“You really think so?” At Ally’s enthusiastic nod, Emma smiled again. “Like I said, I’m not much of a cook. I had no idea what I could make for a high-flying New York chef that would be okay.”
“Anything is great, and this really is yummy, thank you.” I smiled.
“Glad you like it.” Emma took another bite, chewing contemplatively. “Can I ask you a personal question? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
“Okay,” I said cautiously.
“How is your mother?”
A little confused, I replied, “I haven’t seen her since I got back. But I’m sure she’s okay…I guess…” Looking at Emma curiously, I said, “Why do you ask?”
Emma cleared her throat. “Um, well, it’s not really any of my business, but…” She seemed unsure how to continue.
“We already know Zara’s mom’s a class A bitch. Don’t hold back.”
“It’s true,” I corroborated.
“Oh, okay then. Well, she only visited Ruby once that I’m aware of. I was over here helping her clean out her files. They sat out in the living room, so I heard the whole conversation from the desk. All she talked about was this house, how it could be ‘monetized’, how there was cash in the walls or something, how she knew a guy who could draw up all the paperwork.”
“Sounds about right,” I said, putting my coffee down. It had lost its taste.
“After she left, Ruby had a good old laugh. When I asked her what was so funny, she said Jane Munro was in for a big surprise and that she hoped it would make her pull the stick out of her ass.”
Ally and I burst out laughing. “That sounds like her,” I said affectionately.
“Anyway, I hope it hasn’t caused any tension between you and your mom.”
