Page 7 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

Max and I glance at each other, our eyebrows raised in silent communication. We both frown, our attention fully captured by the conversation at the next table.

“You should not be going alone,” Zoe insists, her tone serious. “I wish I could join you in your ex-quest, but . . . some of us have to work.” There’s a hint of regret in her voice, but it’s overshadowed by concern for her friend.

I take a bite of my sandwich, chewing slowly as I listen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and tangy mustard is a welcome distraction from my own problems, but I can’t shake the feeling that this overheard conversation is about to take an interesting turn.

Max leans in, his voice low. “Is she seriously going to track down her exes? With a photo album?” He shakes his head, a bemused grin tugging at his lips. “That’s either the bravest or the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

I nod, my own lips twitching with amusement. “Maybe a little of both,” I murmur, my eyes still fixed on the women. “But you’ve got to admire her guts.”

Lily leans back in her chair, a wistful smile on her face. “I’m between projects, but if anything, I can work while on the road,” she says, her voice filled with excitement. “First stop, Brian. Remember him? High school sweetheart turned PE teacher?” she continues, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.

“A PE teacher . . . you hated PE, why would you want to reconnect with him?” Zoe snickers, rolling her eyes. “But sure, take a trip down memory lane. Don’t listen to your older sister.”

“You could at least pretend to be happy for me, be a little more positive,” Lily says. “I need to reconnect with my past to understand my future.”

Zoe sighs, shaking her head. “You let Cleo get in your head,” she says, her tone a mix of exasperation and concern.

“Can you blame me?” She protests. “If I don’t find someone who is worth bringing to the wedding, I’m stuck with the pervert, womanizer . . . What else has she said about him?”

“Self-centered?” Zoe asks and somehow it seems like this quest is a lot more than just wanting to reconnect with the past but run away from her family.

I’m not judging her. This is exactly why I’m here searching for a solution to my problems. Max and I smirk as we listen to their conversation. Apparently, Lily and Zoe are sisters—along with Cleo. I frown because the names sound familiar.

Glancing at the two women one more time I realize I’ve seen them before.

“Dom’s new family?” I mumble.

Max shrugs. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I think those are Cleo’s sisters.”

He nods. “They are, you just heard them say that.”

“Cleo, Dominique’s fiancée,” I clarify.”

“And she’s trying to avoid her family,” Max says, rubbing his chin. “Interesting. We should stop Lily from doing something stupid or . . .”

“No.” I stop him. “We’re not intervening. I’m trying to stay away from my family, remember?”

We continue listening to the plan and the laid-out roadmap through her past romances. It’s both intriguing and unsettling, this nonchalant approach to something so personal. But there’s something about this woman’s plan that catches me. I find myself leaning forward, my sandwich forgotten as I strain to hear more.

It sounds a lot better than my plan to pretend my temporary demise while my parents are visiting. I’m not sure how I’ll make my comeback, but we can make shit up—we always do. My mind starts to whir with possibilities, the gears turning as I consider this unexpected inspiration.

“Best of luck, Carmen San Diego of the dating world,” Zoe says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Thanks, but I doubt I’ll need it.” Lily’s reply is bright and cheerful, seemingly oblivious to her sister’s skepticism.

“I was being sarcastic,” Zoe says, annoyed. “This is the worst idea ever.”

Max leans forward, mumbling so no one can hear us. “You should do it.”

I blink. “Do what exactly?” I ask, matching his tone.

He tilts his chin toward the table close by, a grin spreading across his face. “We own a security company—you could take really good care of her on the road.”

I stare at him, my mouth falling open in shock. “Are you insane?” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one is listening. “You want me to what, stalk Cleo’s little sister across the country while she reconnects with her exes? That’s too fucking creepy.”

Max shrugs, his grin widening. “Think about it, man. It’s the perfect cover. Your parents can’t possibly object to you taking on a new client, especially one who needs personal protection—bonus points, she’s about to become family.”

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