Page 64 of Every Beat of My Heart

She tipped her head to the side. “That was nice of him. Is that something the fire department does?”

“Apparently, they’ll ensure fire detectors are installed or batteries replaced after a fire. Jameson loves to do the house calls.”

Violet fluttered her eyelashes. “Oh, his name is Jameson. He sounds attractive.”

“You can tell that from a name?” I asked dubiously.

Violet nodded. “And the way you talk about him.”

“That night, Owen’s friend was busy, and Jameson offered to throw the football with him. You know Eric never did it no matter how many times Owen asked.”

Her brow furrowed. “I never liked him.”

“I know.” We’d met after I’d already married Eric, so Violet held her tongue until I asked her opinion on what she thought of me leaving him. She was all for it and helped me get a good attorney.

“You deserve so much better.”

I sipped my wine, needing something to soothe my dry throat. “What about you? Have you met anyone?”

She laughed. “Most of the guys that come into the shop are with their wife, girlfriend, and/or their kids.”

“You chose your profession. You could have done a barbershop. One that only caters to men.”

Violet’s eyes widened. “I like how you think, but I have no interest in cutting hair.”

“What other male-dominated businesses are there? Mechanic. I bet there are some hot guys who work there too.”

“You’re forgetting that I already own one business that takes up all my time.”

“But you love it.”

“I love being my own boss. I just hope it’s successful so I never have to work for anyone else again.” Violet shuddered.

She’d had some issue with her last job. She wouldn’t talk about it, other than to say she was happier working for herself.

We sipped our wine and watched a boat slowly motor into the alleyway, turn around, and head back into the harbor.

“How’s Owen enjoying football?” Even though she didn’t have kids, she seemed to adore them. She always asked after Owen.

“He loves it, and in a surprising twist, Jameson is his coach.”

Violet blinked. “The fireman?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s quite a coincidence.”

“He substitute teaches at the middle schools on his days off too.”

Violet’s eyes widened. “This just keeps getting better and better. A fireman and a teacher. The important thing is that you still see him.”

“Just at pickup. Not so much around the school. He doesn’t hang out in the staff lounge. I heard that he eats and plays basketball with the kids at lunch and recess.”

Violet frowned. “Is he a big kid, or is he trying to bond with them?”

“I haven’t asked him about it. But he seems to enjoy bonding with kids.”

“I think you’ve got a winner there.” When I fiddled with my glass, Violet asked innocently, “Are you seeing him? Why didn’t you lead with that?”

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