Page 69 of Make It Last

“Okay. Do you need anything else?” Casey asked.

Laney cleared her throat and simply shook her head.

“How do you know Tanner?” Casey asked, unabashedly nosy.

Honestly, I was enjoying this. Because Laney had been away long enough that she was out of the loop in town.

“We were high school sweethearts, and we were engaged.” Laney’s eyes tightened at the corners, and I knew she was annoyed Casey didn’t know this.

“Oh!” Casey nodded, preparing the coffee. “But you’re not engaged now. I know that because Tanner’s a good friend of mine. So what happened?”

I had to bite back a laugh. Laney’s eyes widened. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Just then, Maisie Steele walked up, stopping on my other side. “I know why,” she chimed in.

Laney’s gaze snapped to her. “What do you mean you know why?”

“You dumped Tanner. He’s doing great. How are you?” Maisie asked.

“Who are you?” Laney countered.

“Maisie. I’m the main dispatcher at the station. I’m married to Beck, and he told me the story.”

“Oh. Of course. Beck is such a gossip,” Laney said, her tone dismissive.

“Maybe so. But he’s a good guy,” Maisie returned.

“The best,” I agreed.

“I know,” Laney muttered. She glanced between us, pressing her lips into a line, a sure sign she had an opinion she was keeping to herself. “Well, I’d love a chance if we could get together, Tanner. Just to catch up.”

“I’m pretty busy. But you have my number. Text me,” I said.

“I’m going to be in town for a little while,” she added.

“Just text me. If I have some time, we’ll fit it in. Otherwise, good to see you.” I lifted my coffee, glancing between Maisie and Casey. “Good to see you, ladies.”

“Bye, Tanner.” Casey waved. I started to turn, just as Maisie added, “When you see Ava, tell her I said hi.”

I had to stifle a laugh. Maisie was solely saying that for Laney’s benefit, so she’d wonder who Ava was. It was good to have friends. “Of course,” I replied.

Chapter Thirty-One

Ava

Team Tanner

“He is so cute,” Maisie enthused as she sat down beside Growly on the couch.

I smiled over at Growly. “I love him.”

Maisie smiled. “Well, that’s good. How are you going to let him go?”

“I don’t think I can,” I said honestly.

Holly plunked down on the opposite side of Growly, who was being a very good sport about visitors in my little temporary home. He seemed completely unbothered by them and enjoyed the attention between napping. He liked to sleep. A lot.

“I think you should stay in Willow Brook,” Holly said casually.