Page 30 of Broken Dreams
Grady guides me away from a puddle. “I didn’t put it together either, but when you told Devney, she told Sydney, who then went to my sister.”
“So here you are.”
“Here we are.”
He opens the door to Sugarlips and I swear, the entire diner freezes. The eyes of every single customer turn to me, and Grady and I stand here, not sure what to do.
I force a smile, wondering if I forgot pants or something by the way they’re all staring. “Do we go all the way in?” I ask him through my teeth.
“Is this normal?”
“Nope.”
He waves dramatically. “Hi, everyone.”
A chair scrapes and Sydney stands. “Go about your business, people, it’s not like we haven’t seen residents eat before.” She stares at them until they start to do as she says and then gives me a wink.
He leads me over to an open table against the window. People keep eyeing us, but I do my best to ignore them and focus on Grady. “That was eventful.”
“I had no idea it would be that intense.”
“Me either,” I admit.
I definitely didn’t think the town would be this invested in a budding relationship. Many people have dated. Sure, they all know my struggle and the hell I went through after Isaac, but I’ve settled here and done well.
“Although, maybe I should’ve since Brynlee almost tackled me when I got to the barn this morning.”
I laugh once and then Magnolia is at the table. “Can I get you two anything to eat?”
We place our orders and then return to the conversation. “Why did she tackle you?”
He shakes his head with a grin. “Because she heard it from Sydney.”
“Ahhh, you didn’t tell her?”
Grady leans closer so no one can hear. “I didn’t want to be obvious. If I told her, it would’ve been inviting her into my love life, which is the opposite of what I’ve been doing. Like you said, we’d proceed with caution.”
“And we wouldn’t tell people,” I say just as quietly as he spoke. “We’d just let them find out.”
“Like we are now.”
I nod once. “Exactly.”
Nothing about this, other than the friendship we have formed, is real. Still, it’s working like we hoped. They definitely believe there’s something going on.
Grady’s smile widens and then he leans back. “Are we still on for dinner Friday night?”
“Yeah, I have Chloe babysitting, so it works out. Where are you taking me?”
“I figure our first official date should be a nice dinner.”
I let out a giggle because the only nice place around here is Summit View. And I’ve already had a disastrous date there. “Well, at least this time we can openly laugh at each other.”
“Also, I’m paying, just so we’re clear.”
“You don’t have to—” I stop talking when I see the look on his face. It’s obvious that he doesn’t approve of the way Phil proceeded. “Did you win a tournament lately?”
“Yes, it was called, I need a girlfriend for money.”
