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Sam eyed my water glass, which was nearly full, because he’d been refilling it every time it dropped below half. “Can I get you anything else to eat?”
He’d already offered everything under the sun. Toast with butter and jam had been the only thing that sounded palatable. I’d eaten two slices, choking them down. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. I shook my head and said, “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
Waving away my gratitude, he mumbled something about being neighborly, then said, “The color’s come back to your face.”
Norman snuffled, and I bent to run a hand over his head. “Are my cheeks bright red? Because I’m thoroughly embarrassed. I can only imagine what people are saying.”
I’d wanted so badly to hide my health problems, then I ruined everything by getting lightheaded from not eating. Now everyone was going to be on alert around me, wondering if I was going to faint at the drop of a hat.
It hadn’t been a seizure. I was certain of it. I didn’t black out. At all times I knew where I was, whoIwas, who I was with—all things that were always fuzzy after previous seizures.
“You would be the talk of the town,” he said breezily, “except you already were.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
He laughed, a low, gentle rumble. “Welcome to small-town life.”
I took a sip of water. “It doesn’t seem fair. Everyone knows everything about me, but I hardly know anything about them.”
Well, except for what Jolly had shared.
“It’ll come around to you eventually. Always does.”
How many people knew his story? I had the feeling it wasn’t many, no matter what he said.
I slid off the chair. “I should get going. I’m real sorry for taking up most of your morning.”
“Don’t be. I’m glad to help.”
Norman bounced to his feet, his tail wagging lazily. I crouched down to give him a good petting and let him lick my chin.
Sam stood, too, watching. “He’s shameless.”
“I love him. Yes, I do,” I said to Norman, dropping a kiss on the top of his silky head. “You’re the goodest boy ever, aren’t you?”
His whole body shimmied with joy.
I gave him one last pat, then stood, glad my legs held. I felt better, yes, but not great. Obviously two pieces of toast weren’t enough to cure what ailed me, even with the amazing jam.
Over Sam’s shoulder, I studied the trio of instrument prints and zeroed in on the violin—which, depending on what kind of music was played on it, was also called a fiddle.
“The other night when I asked you about the fiddle, I had the feeling you lied to me. Why would you lie about playing? Especially when it’s lovely?”
I needed to get the lie out in the open if there was going to be any kind of friendship between us. I wanted to trust him.
“I’m sorry for that, truly, but you caught me by surprise with the question.” Sorrow filled his dark gaze, highlighting the golden flecks. “It’s not… It’s not something I’m ready to share yet.”
That look in his eyes tore my heart to pieces. I headed for the door before I did something stupid like hug him. “That’s okay. Maybe one day. Just no more lying, okay?”
“Promise,” he said solemnly, his long strides beating me to the door. He pulled it open. “But before you go, Ava, I’d really like to know how you heard me playing. I only play in a soundproof studio. Hardly any noise gets out. I double-checked.”
It was my turn to be taken by surprise. Flustered, I stepped out onto the porch, buying some time. I didn’t want to tell him about the seizures or how one of them, a big one, had altered my hearing and sense of smell. I didn’t want anyone here to know about the epilepsy. I wanted to benormal. But I didn’t want to lie, either. I opened my mouth, closed it again. Felt tears rising in my eyes.
“That’s okay. Maybe one day,” he said, echoing my words.
Slowly, I nodded and turned to go.
“Oh, wait a sec.” He ran to the kitchen, opened a cupboard, and pulled something out. He hurried back and thrust the item toward me. “For you.”
