Page 86 of Windlass

“That one.”

Ivy sagged beside her. “Thank god.”

“Huh?”

“That’s the one I thought she’d like.”

“Did you already order it?”

“What? No. I just—I’d like to think I know her, you know?”

Stevie abruptly, horribly, pictured hereself in Ivy’s position, looking at rings—but for a woman who would never say yes. In a voice that might have been normal, she said, “Makes sense.”

“And the band? Platinum? Gold?” asked Ivy.

“That’s on you. Whatever’s in the picture looks nice.” She handed the phone back to Ivy.

“You’re an angel.” Ivy flashed her a brilliant smile.

“Let’s not get crazy.”

Ivy looked like she was about to stand, but paused, staring at Stevie thoughtfully.

“Uh oh,” said Stevie. “What’s that look for? You promised you were done psychoanalyzing me.”

After a pause, Ivy said, “Lil told me not to ask you this.”

“Well, now you have to tell me.”

“What’s up with you and Angie?”

“What do you mean?” It was a lame response, and the raised eyebrow she received said as much.

“I’ve known you for, what, almost a year?” At Stevie’s shrug, she continued. “Something’s different.”

Dust had gathered on a pair of boots Stevie had left in the corner. It accumulated quickly in the barn, sifting down from the rafters and blowing up with the wind. Jaq could dust if she ran out of other chores. She had no answer for Ivy. The lie she’d planned in case anyone asked had been good. Only she couldn’t remember it now. She remained horrified by the image of standing before Angie with a ring, and Angie shaking her head no, tears in her eyes, but saying no all the same.

“Nothing.”

Ivy waited.

“Nothing serious,” she amended, which was the truth. Angie hadn’t come home until late last night. She’d been at Stormy’s watching a movie or something, or at least that was what she’d said in her text and confirmed this morning, but something about the way she’d said it had rung a distant alarm bell. However, Angie had looped her fingers into Stevie’s belt loops, which sheknewdrove Stevie crazy, and dismissed Stevie’s doubts. They came back, now.

“Can I say something completely out of line?” Ivy asked. “And itisout of line. Stop me now if you’d prefer.”

“And not know what you were going to say? I’m incapable.” And sweating. Ivy’s “tough question” routine wouldn’t be out of place in an interrogation room.

“Curiosity—”

“Killed the cat, yes. I have nine lives. What terribly inappropriate thing are you going to lay on me, Dr. Holden? No Holden back.”

“Never heard that one before.”

“Didn’t think so.”

“Are you sure?” Ivy asked. When Stevie nodded, Ivy continued, rubbing her shaking hand with her steadier one again. “Don’t waste time.”

“She’s not a waste of time.” The words were out before she could clock their implications.

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