I consider my words carefully. “She hasn’t mentioned anything about this scandal of yours. And I haven’t asked.”
“I thought you’d be eager to bear witness to my downfall.”
Her words catch me off guard. “Why? Especially when it’s something I know you wouldn’t do?”
Catherine shrugs once. It’s clear she’s done talking.
Is this just about the rumors circulating about her and Crimson or is there something more? I frown at her while keeping an eye on the road.
This isn’t like the Catherine Hart I know.
But then, it has been years. She went through college, then university. She became a well-known social media manager for several famous people.
I, on the other hand, stayed in Sandburrow. I didn’t get any further education, other than a few online courses on business management. I read a lot, but it’s not the same thing.
The last time we spent more than half an hour together was way back in high school.
“We got twenty minutes yet to Lynn’s place,” I say, turning my full attention to the road now. “I was just starting a new audiobook. Mind if I put it on?”
Anything to fill the silence. She doesn’t want to speak anymore, that’s fine, but I can’t just keep sitting here with only the sound of the engine filling the cab.
Catherine adjusts her seatbelt and glances at me. “I’m sorry. I’m being very rude.”
I shrug. “It’s not like I’m your best friend.”
“What book are you starting?”
“It’s a collection of Robert Frost’s poetry.” I glance at her from the corner of my eye. The surprise on her expression rankles me, but I put it aside. I put on the audiobook, trusting she’ll say something if she doesn’t want it.
She stays quiet. Which again, isn’t like her.
What’s going on in her head? And is it just the rumors that have brought her back to Sandburrow?
More selfishly… is there a chance that she’ll stop hating me this time?
Chapter two
Catherine
Sandburrow.
It’s the perfect place for me to bury my head in the sand, right?
My lips twitch at my own private joke. I’m grateful that George put on Robert Frost, although his poetry is even more depressing than my current situation.
This is the last place I want to be. The tiny seaside town where everyone knows everyone, and, of course, everyone has a feud with someone else.
Missy Downey once dated Heather Chapel’s second cousin twice removed. But then Missy broke up with him because he didn’t change his socks. So now Heather of course decreed Missy to be her sworn enemy.
There’s nothing else to entertain people.
Which means I’ll be a great source of entertainment.
It’s even worse that I find myself here with George Callahan of all people.
He was my first kiss. And he ruined that, too. Too much slobber and an unfortunate connection… with our braces.
Disaster.