Page 42 of Facial Recognition

Brooks’s lip twitched. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“Are you in?”

He debated for a second or two. “Okay.”

“I need you to be more enthusiastic than that.”

He rolled his gorgeous eyes. “Fine. Okay!”

“That sounded like it hurt, but I’ll accept it. Now follow me. I’m driving.”

“I don’t think so.” He grabbed my arm and tugged me back. “I remember how you used to drive. We can take my truck.”

“Hey, I’ve never been in an accident or hurt anyone.”

“Which is a miracle,” he quipped.

“I only hit the trash cans two or three times, tops.”

“It was more than that. Not to mention you almost made the drivers’ ed teacher retire. I heard the poor man had to start taking tranquilizers after you took his class.”

I playfully smacked Brooks’s arm. “You’re lying. It was one Valium. And it wasn’t my fault that squirrel ran out onto the road. I only swerved into the other lane for a few seconds. The oncoming car wasn’t even close to hitting us.”

Brooks chuckled deeply. “I don’t think anyone else in that car remembers it that way.”

“You can’t believe everything you’ve been told. Don’t they teach you that in law school?”

“Among other things. So where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

“Why do I have a feeling I might regret this?”

“If you do, I’m going to be very disappointed.”

We stopped at the edge of the sidewalk before we went across the parking lot.

Brooks smiled at me. “The last thing I want to do is disappoint you, Grace.”

My insides shivered, even though I knew in the end, being disappointed was exactly what I was going to be. Yet, I proceeded. “Let’s go have some fun, old friend.”Chapter Sixteen“I can’t believe you talked me into this. I should be prepping for client meetings tomorrow.”

“Don’t you have a paralegal to take care of that?”

“I have one paralegal and two legal assistants.”

“Wow. Color me impressed.”

“I wasn’t bragging.”

“Well, you should. I’m proud of you.”

Brooks’s tan cheeks turned a nice shade of blush. It was adorable.

“But there is more to life than work. Look around you. It’s a beautiful night, you are surrounded by the best people in the world, and you’re getting ready to watch one of the most classic movies of our generation, Back to the Future. Not to mention, we have strawberry spinach salad—dressing on the side—for you, and peanut butter cups for me.” I was taunting him. Peanut butter cups used to be his favorite candy, but they were on the no-fly list with Morgan. I swear she was trying to control every aspect of his life. I felt like I needed to save him.

Brooks looked around at the park near Pecan Orchard’s town square. The park was filled with happy families sitting on blankets, all celebrating the end of the school year. A movie in the park was a tradition on the last day of school. I hadn’t been to one in forever. The older I got, the more they kind of depressed me. I had thought by now I would have had some of my own kids in school.

“This place never changes.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He shrugged and grabbed a fork out of the bag.

Before I could tell him that a lot of people still cared about him in this town, the point was made for me. Our neighbor from down the street, Miss Ellen, spotted us. She was as cute as a button, wrinkly, and all of four feet, ten inches tall, with dyed pink hair. I wanted to be like her when I grew up.

She waddled over with her hand across her heart. “Look who it is. Brooks and Gracie together again.” She threw her tiny arms around Brooks. Since he was so tall and she so short, there was hardly a height discrepancy with Brooks sitting down. She kissed his head. “Hubba, hubba, did you get so handsome. How are you, darling boy? We’ve missed you on Poplar Street. I still tell everyone to this day, no one ever mowed my lawn better than you.”

Brooks seemed at a loss for words. I had to help him out. “He became a big-time lawyer.”

“Just like your daddy. Bless his heart, we’ve all been praying for him. How is he?”

Brooks cleared his throat. “He’s coming home tomorrow.”

“It’s a miracle. Thank the Lord for your quick thinking, sweet Gracie.” She looked between the two us. “It’s so good to see you kids. I always had a feeling you would end up together.”

“We’re not together,” I spluttered.

“We’re friends.” Brooks loved throwing around that word.

Miss Ellen patted his head. “That’s how it starts.” She gave him another big squeeze. “Don’t be a stranger, and don’t let this one get away either,” she said, pointing at me. “I’m off to see my grandbabies. Bye-bye.” She scooted off before we could respond.

“Sorry about that. I hope it doesn’t cause any trouble with Morgan.” Miss Ellen, though wonderful, was a gossip.

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