Page 99 of Tangled Up In You

"Austin was cool. But we only stayed there about a year."

"What did you do for work in Austin?"

"I worked for a nutritionist for a while, who was part of a natural wellness practice. That gave me some insight into herbs, vitamins, and superfoods. We moved to San Francisco next, where I worked in skincare. I learned a lot about skin conditions, ointments and lotions. Oh, and I learned how much money people are willing to spend to look younger."

"And did they actually look younger?" he challenged.

"Sometimes they did, but I have to say I think it was always part of a bigger picture. Like they start focusing on their skin, but they also do other things. They drink more water. They get outside. They de-stress. The years fall away, and maybe the lotion gets the credit."

He smiled as he munched on a piece of vegetarian pizza. "I like that you can see the bigger picture."

"I like that you're trying to see the bigger picture, too. I felt like your mind was really closed when we first met. It feels more open now."

"My perspective had gotten too narrow," he admitted. "You helped me see that. I just had to get into a freezing cold lake for that to happen."

She laughed. "You wouldn't have gotten in that lake if you hadn't already opened up your mind."

"Are you kidding? The second you took off one item of clothing, I was going in that lake. And it was definitely worth it."

His words and the appreciation in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. "It was worth it," she said softly. "I was surprised you could be so spontaneous."

"It surprised me, too."

"Because you'd forgotten that you used to be that way," she said. "Before Gina died."

"I was never that spontaneous, but I was certainly more before she died than after. Let's get back to you."

She groaned. "We already covered my romantic history."

"There has to be more."

"You know I moved around a lot, and I don't believe in long distance, so, no, there isn't more."

"What about friends? Who is your best friend?"

"Before I came back to Whisper Lake, I'd say it was Layla. I only met her when I moved to San Francisco, but we became close. Then she went and had twins, so our friendship took a back seat to diapers and bottles and all that, but she's a good person. Now, I'm feeling like Chloe and the rest of the gang could be friends, including your sisters, who are awesome, by the way."

"They're not bad. A little nosy, but otherwise okay."

"It's just their way of protecting you, like you protect them by being all big-brotherly and judgmental."

"Is that what they said?"

"Maybe not in those exact words. Who is your best friend, Adam? I know you have a lot of friends after seeing you at your birthday party yesterday, but who are you closest to?"

"Probably Brodie now. We work together and he's my brother-in-law. I like Justin, too, don't get me wrong, but Brodie and I probably have more in common."

"I can see that. What about childhood friends?"

"I've kept up with some over the years, but I don't live near most of them."

"Do you ever think about leaving?"

He shook his head. "No. I like it here."

"It doesn't feel too small to you?"

"It's growing every day. But even if it wasn't, I like feeling a part of the community I serve. I worked in Denver for a while, and a few other cities in Colorado before I came here. Whisper Lake has the right mix for me."

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