Page 35 of Love and Memories

Travis had knocked out his entire to-do list for his off day, and his traitorous thoughts turned to Isabella. He’d barely stopped thinking about her since he dropped her off at Anna’s house.

He could ask Beau if he needed an extra set of hands today, or he could call Matt Benson. He’d probably have some extra things that needed done out at Silver Falls Ranch.

Travis stepped into the kitchen and halted. Gage and Hadley were locked in a close embrace and looking into each other's eyes as if they were hypnotized.

Nope. Travis would get lunch in town before watching the lovey-dovey PDA going on in the break room. He turned on his heels and marched right back out into the hallway.

“Travis! Come back! We’ll keep our hands to ourselves,” Hadley yelled after him.

Tim turned the corner and passed Travis on his way to the break room. “Do I smell pork chops?”

If Tim was around, it was probably safe to say there wouldn’t be any necking going on. The guy was in his early fifties and despite his inconspicuous looks, he loved snooping around and liked eavesdropping. Everyone at the shop knew to hold their secrets close when he was around.

Travis stepped back into the break room. Gage and Hadley had separated, and Tim was loading up a plate with pork chops and green beans.

Beau entered the room and slapped Travis on the back. “Are you staying for lunch?”

“Yeah. You got any work for me this afternoon?” Travis asked.

“Shoot, I could put you to work full-time if you’d let me.”

Travis chuckled. “Tempting, but I already have two jobs. Can’t really commit to a third.”

Beau stopped and narrowed his eyes at Tim. “Didn’t you already eat lunch?”

Tim shrugged. “That was an hour ago, and I didn’t know there’d be pork chops.”

Beau jerked his thumb toward the door. “Get back out there and replace the alternator on that pickup.”

Tim stuffed the last bite of meat into his mouth and stood with his plate. “I’ll get it done,” he said around the food he chewed.

Gage handed Travis a plate. “You okay, man?”

“Yeah. Why?”

Gage studied Travis for a second. “You seem mopey.”

“Mopey? I’m not even sure that’s a word.”

“You were quiet at the gym this morning, and you’re not exactly wearing a friendly face either.”

“Gee. Thanks. You’re so good for my ego.” Travis jerked the plate out of his friend’s hand and stabbed a pork chop with a fork.

“I’m not here to shower you with pretty words,” Gage said as he chose his own pork chop. “Are you sick?”

Travis lowered his plate and glared at Gage. “I’m fine.”

Hadley appeared at his side. It was as if a magician had pulled her out of a hat. “Hi,” she said with a wave. “Here to weigh in on the convo. I agree with Gage. You look mopey.”

“Can’t a guy get his lunch in peace?” Travis asked.

“Is it Bella?” Gage asked.

Hadley gasped. “Bella! Yes, that’s gotta be it. How’s she doing? Wait, is there something going on between you and Bella? Why haven’t I heard about this development?”

Gage stared wide-eyed at his fiancée as she propped a hand on her hip and waited for an explanation. “Um, I didn’t know it was a thing either. Lucky guess.”

“There isn’t anything going on between us,” Travis interjected. “I’m just worried about her.”