Page 111 of Lavender Lake

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“For . . .”

“Salem!”

I smiled. “You’re so easy to rile. I’m making amends. You think she’ll stick around?”

“Yes. She loves Dad.”

“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I got that message loud and clear.”

“You could’ve texted me this. You didn’t have to track me down to tell me you were having lunch with Jane.”

“I know.” I sighed. “But I couldn’t sit still and I just needed to . . .”

Hadley touched my arm and smiled. “I understand.”

My shoulders softened. “Of course you do. You always understand. Thanks, Hads.”

I sat across the cafe table and peered at Jane who was currently sipping on her iced tea, looking anywhere but at me.

The restaurant was quiet and we were tucked into a corner table with some measure of privacy. We’d already given our order so there was no chance of interruption.

“What are your intentions with my father?” I asked.

She blinked and set her iced tea down. “Getting right to the meat of it, huh?”

“Yep. No point in beating around the bush.”

“Fair,” she said. Her gaze dropped to her lap and she fiddled with her napkin before looking at me again. “You know, they warned me about you.”

“Muddy and Hadley?”

“And your father,” she said.

“What did he say?”

“That you’d have a problem with him dating.”

“That makes me sound like a child.”

“You’re acting like one,” she said slowly.

I blew out a huff of air. “Yeah. I know. And I explode all over everyone and everything. It’s why they call me Mount St. Salem.”

She nodded. “I know what it’s like to have someone come into your world and shake everything up.”

“You do?”

“Yes. My dad passed away when I was seven. My mom remarried when I was eleven. Boy, I didnotmake it easy on my stepfather.” She smiled. “But he stuck it out and I’m so glad I have him in my life.”

“Eleven and twenty-three are not the same,” I said.

“No, they’re not.” She leaned forward. “I’m trying to let you off the hook, Salem. This is a lot to process—and I know being home is . . . challenging for you.”

I sighed. “He told you.”

“Of course he told me. We’re in love, Salem.”

Guilt swamped me.

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