Page 104 of Love & Other Disasters

“I’m too old for you.”

“Why don’t you spend time with me before making that decision?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not over my ex,” he admitted, swiping a hand over the back of his neck.

“Well you know the best way to get over an ex, right?”

“Never offer yourself up as a rebound.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, gripping both elbows. “That’s not what I’m doing. You’ll change your mind once you get to know me.”

“We can’t be anything more than neighbors.”

Cassie put her hands on her hips. “We’ll see.” She stomped off down the street.

“Thanks for all your help,” he called, and he exhaled when she kept walking.

In the mailbox, was a small padded envelope addressed to him with no return address. He stared at it, he’d been planning to shower before opening the mail, but this caught his attention. Inside was a thumb drive. That was odd. Curiosity getting the better of him, he booted up the new laptop that he’d purchased after giving up his work one, but he’d only opened the computer a handful of times since he’d moved to Glencoe.

The thumb drive contained one audio file. He pressed play and Violet’s voice filled the speakers along with Agent Morales. This was her interview with the TBI. Why? He held his breath as he listened to Violet tell Morales the story of how they met.

“Sure he’s hot,” Violet said, “but it’s more than that… I’m in love with him. And it’s such a bad idea.”

Agent Morales’ response was muffled. Violet loved him. At least she did before the incident. But she’d never told him, and he’d never admitted it to her, either. He had to tell Violet he loved her.

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