“Yeah. I was sitting at a table in the bar and grille last night, and she was sitting at the bar. When he saw her, he excused himself from me and went to talk to her. I told Katherine I needed to go home and do something, so I got a carryout and left.”

“You didn’t say anything to him before you left?”

“No. He was too busy talking to her, and now he is canceling our plans for tonight.”

“Sounds to me like you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous, Luis!” I walked over to a painting on the wall and straightened it, even though it was already perfectly straight. “I’m not getting involved in that mess. I’m staying as far away from it as possible. I’m at a good point in my life, and no man is going to ruin it. I don’t care who he is.”

“Addy.” He walked over and clasped my shoulders from behind, “You care about him.”

“So what if I do.” I stood there with my arms folded.

“Because he cares about you too, and when two people care about each other, magic happens whether you want it to or not.”

When the bell above the door jingled, we both turned to see who entered the gallery.

“Hello, neighbor.” Annie grinned.

“Hi, Annie.” I smiled.

“Hello, darling.” Luis kissed her cheek. “I see the sweet shop is coming along. I can’t wait to dive into all those goodies you’re going to be selling.” He grinned.

“Aw, you’re so sweet. I’m going to create a new kind of cookie and call it the ‘Luis’ cookie.”

“Stop it.” He grinned.

“Any who. I popped in because did you hear who’s back in town? Olivia, Colin’s ex. Apparently, that man she left Colin for broke up with her. I don’t exactly have all the details, but don’t you worry, I’ll get them.”

“I’m sure you will.” Luis rolled his eyes.

“Wow. So she’s back?” I asked.

“I’m surprised Colin didn’t tell you. She’s renting the Campbell’s house over on Gardenia Lane. It’s beyond me how she can even show her face around here after what she did.”

“Shocking,” Luis said. “But some people don’t care what others think.”

“True. I just wanted to pop on over and see if you knew. I need to get home and cook dinner for Jerry. We’ll chat later.” She gave a wave as she walked out of the gallery.

“She is quite the gossipmonger, isn’t she?” Luis glanced at me.

“She sure is. Now that Colin canceled our plans, we can go look for deck furniture after we close up.”

“Ah, shopping therapy. Music to my ears.” He smiled as he hooked his arm around me.

* * *

Ipurchased a five-piece cushioned sofa seating group, which included one sofa, two side chairs, a side table, and a fire table in the color white. I fell in love with it when I saw the navy blue and white striped accent pillows. It was sleek and would look perfect sitting on the deck with the five-piece round table patio set with four chairs matching the sofa seating group. For the deck above, the one right off my bedroom, I purchased two cushioned chairs with a small square table that would sit in between.

“Feel better now?” Luis asked as he hooked his arm around me.

“I do.” I smiled. “Listen. I want to go somewhere before you take me back to the gallery to get my car.”

“Where?”

“Gardenia Lane.” I bit down on her lip.

“Addy, not a good idea.”