Page 32 of Love, Untangled

“I don’t think so,” she mumbled, unsure how to proceed. She wanted to ask, like what? But that made her feel young and stupid—the sting of Carlo’s insinuation still burning deep enough for her to bite back the question.

“Well if you do, just holler,” he said with a smile.

“Okay. Thanks.” Before she left, she paused. “Um…Marvin?”

He glanced up at her.

“What’s your thought on the spice?”

Marvin leaned back in his chair, turning it a little from side to side. “Why?” he hedged.

“Because Hattie gave a Café Amour to Carlo and me last week.”

“Oh. Ah. Well…I’ve had it.”

“You have?” Pen stepped closer, her heart pounding.

He smiled, broader than she’d ever seen. “With Shiloh. We were forced into it.”

Pen’s heart sank. “Your wife?”

“Yep.”

“Oh. Well. Erm, thanks for telling me,” she mumbled.

She turned on her heel and hurried out, her palms clammy from nerves, and ran straight into Carlo’s chest.

He steadied her with a soft, “Whoa there.” Then, taking her in, he frowned. She hated how much it hurt her that he wasn’t happy to see her. “Penelope.”

She dipped her head, refusing to maintain eye contact. “Carlo.” She scooted around him and out the door.

“You should bring Alpaca Man by,” Carlo said.

She stopped walking and looked over her shoulder, squinting a little because the afternoon sun was intense.

“I’ve got apples on the ground. He might enjoy some.”

She dropped her chin toward her chest. “I’ll think about it.”

He moved closer and her heart leaped. His dark eyes seemed more intense as they studied her. “I’m sorry.”

She tipped her head, trying to seem unaffected, but her belly was now filled with a swarm of bees. “For?”

“For lashing out at you.” He gripped the back of his neck. “I…I was married. I never told you that.”

Oh, so they were going to have this conversation in front of the bank. “No, you didn’t. Hattie did.” She shifted her feet.

He seemed to grasp her discomfort. “Will you walk with me? Just for a few minutes?”

His hopeful expression melted her resolve. “Okay. But I need to get back soon.”

Pen headed toward the boardwalk and Carlo fell into step next to her. Pen waved at a few of the shop owners, all of whom called out a greeting.

“You have to get back to Alpaca Man?” Carlo asked.

Part of her wanted to say no, to get ready for a big date. But Cinnamon Bay was a small town, and he’d find out if she lied. Plus, Pen didn’t like to lie. That was her mother’s area of expertise. “Yes. I had to lock him in the barn. He was very upset with me.”

“I bet. He’s more social than most people I know.”

---