Page 14 of Until Kendal

She laughed like I'd said something funny. "No. I wasn’t ready, but he knew right away, or so he says.”

Last night replayed in my mind. Was it possible he had the same feeling? My blood stirred. “How did he treat you?”

She squeezed my arm. “I wouldn't have married him if I didn’t think he was the best. Why?”

So many people came to us in love, and I always joked that we should rename the salon Heart to Heart and bring in a dating expert for our daily conversations. My voice low, I said, “Because I met a guy.”

“Finally!” Her huge smile was genuine. “You never talk about guys. When we tease you about the dates we caught you on, at the bowling alley, sharing popcorn, you gave a long list on why he’s not happening. So what’s this one like?”

His endless money and charmed life were the top of the list on why Joel and I weren’t meant to be. I swallowed, then, my voice shaking, I admitted, “Different than anyone else I’d ever met. I don’t think I can make a list of no’s about him, so easy.”

The doorbell rang, and we glanced at the security camera.

“Is that handsome guy him?” she asked.

Adrenaline rushed through me. He’d come for me. I rocked on my feet. “Yes, and I should go.”

“Well, have fun,” Ellie said. However, as she walked me to the door, she blinked. For a second, I wondered if they knew each other. She opened the door then said to Joel, “Take care of our girl here.”

Joel’s eyes widened like he’d seen a ghost. Questions buzzed in my mind. He nodded.

I glanced at both of them. Ellie rubbed the back of her head and tilted her head as she studied Joel. I tensed. If they had a past, I wasn’t sure I could handle it. Then she shrugged and waved us off.

Joel walked with me, but it took him a second to relax.

I shook off the worry. Ellie was great. For a boss and a friend, I couldn’t ask for better than the Mayson clan. One of the reasons I'd accepted Joel’s offer to fix my car was that I Wes Silver was related to Ellie and Kimberly; I knew he would keep the price reasonable for me even if I didn’t ask. For years, I’d wished for a support system like they had or what it sounded like Joel had with his family.

At the end of the street, his shoulders lowered, and he met my gaze. Suddenly, the rest of the world and my troubles faded out. He asked, “Was that your boss?”

“Yes.” I pivoted toward the salon door.

She stood in vibrant color, like she knew something big. Then she waved and locked up since the salon wasn't open yet. “Do you know her?”

“Maybe. But for now, let’s forget it.”

Whatever their history was, if it wasn’t romantic, I would be fine. I swallowed. My skin tingled, but I ignored it. If she knew Joel, she would tell me.

“Let’s go to Stones River Greenway,” he said as we walked toward the park.

Today was a treat, and he’d clearly researched the area.

“I haven't gone in years.”

He pressed his hand on my back to walk with me. “Your mom had breakfast with me and gave me the idea.”

Glancing around like my father might pop out, I stayed close to him. My pulse zipped from brushing against him. “You had breakfast with my mom?”

The air smelled fresh and clean as we continued on. “I sent her in a limo to Nashville for the rest of the day,” he said.

I paused. My mother’s face when a limo arrived would have been a sight. She wouldn't close her mouth or touch anything inside, I was sure.

Joel directed me to the stand of bicycles. “And we get the rented bikes.”

My father could be anywhere, and a public park was where homeless people might choose to be. My stomach tightened, but I joined Joel and took the handles of a blue ten-speed. I hadn’t ridden in years, and my pulse spiked. Joel had no idea how he made the world better just by being near me. “I used to love biking. I haven't had the chance since I was a teenager, but what's my mother doing in Nashville?”

“Having tea with my mom who called and volunteered to fly out.”

Parents meetings were usually done when couples were real, not short term like we would end up becoming. I couldn’t breathe for a second. “Seriously?”

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