Page 28 of Whispers of Redemption

Jake rolled his eyes. “What about that gorgeous redhead you were chatting with at the mural unveiling? I felt like you two seemed to have a real connection.”

Wade snorted, recalling Cassie. Her attitude, her arrogance, not to mention her complete disregard for following rules of any kind. “She definitely doesn’t meet my criteria.”

But even as he said the words, he couldn’t deny there was something about Cassie that kept pulling him in. With her flashing green eyes and strong, rebellious spirit. She intrigued him. Of course, there was no way he was admitting that to his brother.

Jake shook his head. “For once, can you get rid of your checklists and just go with the flow?”

Wade looked at his brother. “I’m not you, Jake. I’m not a ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy. Checklists and rules are what helped me keep us together and on track when we were younger, and they haven’t failed me yet. Besides, I’ve never been smooth with women the way you always were.”

Jake laughed. “You don’t have to be, bro. You just need to take the plunge and ask somebody out. Once you truly connect with someone, the rest will follow. Trust me.”

One corner of Wade’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “You think you’re smarter than me, baby bro?”

“Oh, for sure. Smarter than you, stronger than you, handsomer than you...oof!” Jake said, breaking off and laughing as Wade gave him a quick sucker punch in the gut.

“Look, I’ll ask someone out when it feels right, okay?” Wade said. “But right now, get your butt in my car. I’ve got to go to work.”

CHAPTER 10

“Getting ice cream cones outside would have been a lot quicker,” Ani grumbled as she sat down on the crowded bench to wait for a dining table inside the Dairy House.

“I know,” Cassie said. “But I need real food this time, which means we’re sitting at a table.”

Ani had selected ice cream again for their weekend lunch date. While the Dairy House ice cream cone line had been shorter than usual, it seemed like everyone in town had decided to seek a full meal, and right now, every table of the fifties-style diner was full. A jukebox filled with old classics stood near the entrance and the walls were adorned with giant images of the restaurant’s original employees, back from when it had first opened in the late 1940s. The floor was a classic pattern of bright red and white checks, with red Formica and chrome furnishings completing the nostalgic vibe.

Ani slumped against the wall behind her and buried her face in her phone while Cassie’s eyes roamed over the eclectic mix of diners.

Suddenly, she heard her name above the buzz of the crowd and scanned the room for its source. Wade’s grandfather, J.P., was waving at her from across the room. He sat at a table with Tilly and the two older women she and Ani had met at the beach the day they’d discovered Angel. J.P. motioned for her to come join them.

Cassie shook her head and pointed at the oblivious Ani, whose thumbs were flying over her cell phone screen. J.P. immediately hopped up and snagged two empty chairs from surrounding tables. He placed them at the ends of their table for four, then motioned her over again. Cassie saw there was no graceful way to avoid this.

“C’mon,” she said, waving a hand between Ani’s eyes and her phone screen. Apparently, we’ve got a table.”

Cassie and Ani navigated around scurrying wait staff, then took their seats at opposite ends of J.P.’s table.

“It’s always so crazy in here at this time of year,” Tilly said with a smile. “But I was craving their delicious clam chowder and a Cherry Bon Bon sundae. We’re so glad you could join us and avoid the wait.”

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