Page 86 of Pin-up Girl

“Exactly like that.”

I appreciated him letting me know, and this was the perfect chance to have a different conversation with him. “About what you saw last night…” Did I care if the entire town was talking about Clint and Brodie and me?

No. They were going to talk about whatever the fuck they wanted, but it might matter for one of them, or Dee.

“What did I see?” Rohde raised his eyebrows.

How to phrase this? “All the people in my apartment.” I kept my voice as quiet as possible. “I was hoping that could stay between us.”

“I know you think I live and die by the gossip, but only when it’s good and juicy and won’t hurt my friends. Besides, a year or two ago it was salacious when…” He glanced back at the register, and I almost heard him thinking when three people were all hooking up. “But now? Some of us are feeling like outcasts, being single twice over.” His wink added to the light, teasing tone.

I grinned. “You’re the best.”

“Damn straight I am. Speaking of, I don’t suppose this is your way of telling me you have two friends to hook me up with.”

“Well…” As far as I knew, Rohde had no interest in men.

“Female friends.”

Yup. “Alys and Evie are taken.” I shared the list out loud. “Sylvie should probably not be taken for a while.”

“I swear to God, if you say Elaina…”

I wrinkled my nose. The thought hadn’t crossed my mind for even an instant. “Dude, she’s your sister.”

“And I am not Luke Skywalker.”

Freaking Star Wars geeks. No one was perfect. “That leaves Ravyn.”

“Yeah, no. I swear we get a call to her house at least twice a week for a cat in a tree or a stray on the property. I cannot wrap my head around— I don’t want to talk shit about your friends, so I’ll leave it at no thanks.”

I shrugged. “Guess you have to find your own dates then.”

“Or find friends with more single friends.”

I laughed. “Good luck with that. We’ll be old soon.”

“Speak for yourself.”

I let Rohde out, and opened the store at the same time.

Business was usually slow unless I had an appointment, and it left time for my mind to wander. I was worried about Sylvie. If I brought her breakfast and coffee, it was unlikely she’d talk to me. Nothing had motivated her to open up yet.

But that didn’t mean she didn’t deserve kindness. I just wished I knew how to help her.

My phone chimed, and her name was on the new text.

Sylvie: Please just play along.

What the…?

Before I could reply and ask for clarification, Sylvie walked in the front door with Grandma.

Well fuck me.

“We’re here to find a different dress for Sylvie,” Grandma said to me. “Something more appropriate for her special day.”

Was she still going through with it? After last night? Sure, some break-ups didn’t take, but… I warred with myself over asking outright and doing as Sylvie had asked. I gave her a look.

---