Page 35 of Fortune's Control
“How he made heart eyes at you at the Gator Tale.” She patted Lainey’s arm. “It was love at first sight. He offered to buy you dinner, and I knew you were fated for each other. We need to find someone for you next, don’t we, Lainey?”
Lainey’s eyes widened with horror. “I’m not interested in a relationship right now, Diane. Please don’t worry about me.”
“Oh, but I do. We need to bring some fortune to Fortune’s Creek.” She laughed at her joke. “Your time is coming soon, believe me. I know these things. I’ve only been mistaken once.”
That made me curious. “Wrong about who?”
“Oh, that’s right. This was before your time. Jack Dossman and Shane’s little sister. I always figured they would be married by now; everyone did. It’s a shame. A real shame.”
I couldn’t resist. “What about Pete?”
Lainey played along. “Gossip says he’s interested in someone special.”
Diane blanched. “Pete? The gallery owner?”
“Apparently, he’s set his sights on someone. She’s local. Who is it?” I asked.
“I…I don’t know.” She tapped her chest. “Pete has a lady friend? If you’ll excuse me, I need to get to my restaurant before it opens.”
I covered my mouth after she left. “We are horrible. Awful, awful people.”
Lainey wagged her finger. “Only if Pete doesn’t make a move soon. We need to make him.”
“How do we do that? How do we play matchmaker?”
“Well, I don’t know. This is an unfamiliar experience.”
“I have an idea.” I ignored the creeping guilt. Shane expressed remorse during this morning’s talk and wanted to make amends. He meant another date, but this was sort of the same thing. “I’ll have Shane do it.”
“His head will explode.”
“Probably.”
We both laughed.
*****
“I’ll walk you back to the library. My bike is there, and I have a question.”
“Ask away, please. There’s a teen activity this afternoon, and they’re always the surliest bunch. Plus, budget, and other boring items.”
“What do you know about Jack and Aiden’s sister?”
She eyed me. “More matchmaking?”
“More nosy.”
“No one knows. Like Diane said, they were high school sweethearts. He joined the Marines with Shane, and she moved away. Sophie rarely visits now; when she does, she makes her opinion about Jack known. It was right after their parents died.You should ask Shane.”
“He doesn’t know either.” Or, he’s not telling.
“If Shane doesn’t know, it’s fated to be a forever mystery.” Lainey stopped before the library door. “You want to know mine?”
“Another high school sweetheart?” I sobered. Lainey’s expression said this was important to her. “If you want to share.”
“You read my book, so you know the plot. Remember the villain? He’s based on a real person.”
Confusion filled me. “That happened to you?” I didn’t want to believe it. “It isn’t fiction.”
