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“Will do. You’re the sweetest girl I know, Joss.” Then he adds, “Not,” under his breath.

“I heard that.” The bedroom door closes behind her.

I’m not sure what I thought was so angelic about her. Regardless, I know we’re fast friends. She’s rubbed off on me, because I actually feel happy. I don’t know how she does it, given her life circumstances, but I plan to learn from her.

I clear the stack of plates from the table, feeling self-conscious without Joss. “I’ll help you clean up.” I grab a sponge and start washing the dishes. Disorder makes me want to clean, to control my environment.

“Thank you, Marin.” He takes the dishes from me and puts them in the dishwasher. “Know what I love about making breakfast every morning?”

“Bacon?” I mention again.

His deep laugh echoes through the house. “Besides bacon. Although that’s hard to beat.”

“What?”

“I have a lady who cleans up after me. The same lady who cleans all the rooms daily.” Slade arranges the silverware in the dishwasher.

“Oh, Tina. I’ve met her. She’s a sweetheart.” She’s the older lady who brought me breakfast every morning when I wasn’t leaving my room.

Slade brought me dinner every night. Highlight of my day. I’m so glad I ventured out today. I feel like I’ve returned from the dead. Living feels amazing.

“Tina’s been working here for as long as I can remember. I’m not even sure how old she is. It’s the mystery of Sheridan House. Unfortunately, her mother has Alzheimer’s. She’s preparing to move back East to take care of her. I haven’t found a replacement yet. Gotta get on that.” Slade’s worry shows on his face.

“I’ll pitch in if you don’t find someone right away.”

“No, you will not. You’re a paying guest who needs a vacation more than anyone else here.” His voice stabs the air.

Ouch. Can’t argue with it, though. “I don’t mind.”

Slade dries a pan. “Well, I do. You’re sweet to offer. I do appreciate it.”

I work slowly, prolonging my time with him. “Thanks for dinner. I had a nice time.” I’m filled with a strange inner excitement I’ve never felt before. Is that another red flag? I never felt this way around Blu. Huh. Something to contemplate.

“Good. I’m glad. May you dream in black and white tonight, and not a speck of blue.”

I press my lips together, holding in a smile.

“I’d love to have you join us again tomorrow night, if you’d like,” Slade invites, his tone casual.

Is Joss right? He’s interested in me? Or is he just being kind to a heartbroken guest? “I’d love to. Thank you.”

The kitchen is clean. We’re standing about two feet apart, face to face. The air feels electric.

“Do you need to talk? I happen to have great ears.” He pushes one ear out. “Aren’t they good lookin’? For ears, I mean.”

Teasing laughter fills his eyes, yet I know his offer is serious. I shrug. “I feel like there’s nothing more to say. Blu left me. I cried. End of story.”

“Don’t bottle up your emotions. Let them out. This is a judgment-free zone. You’re allowed to vent.”

He’s right. I’m allowed to howl at the moon if I feel like it. “I’m angry. My emotions are boiling inside me. Like hot lava is running through my veins. Blu should’ve told me sooner. He shouldn’t have waited until our wedding day. That was so unfair. I sort of feel like I want to scream and never stop. I don’t know how to describe it. My soul feels black inside because I’m so filled with venom. That being said, I guess you could say I’m not in a good place.”

“Whoa. Try being honest.” His eyebrows lift.

I surprised him. Guess he didn’t expect me to unload. My shoulders hunch. “You asked.”

“I did, and I appreciate your honesty. Tell you what, I have an idea.” He wets his lips with his tongue.

My eyes follow the movement until I force myself to look back up at his eyes. Sparks are in the air tonight. I’m not sure I know who I am with Slade. I like this girl. I’d like to know her better. “An idea for what?”

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