Page 144 of Fly's Path

“Fine, I’ll make some time this evening. We’ll have dinner together or something. I promise.” He turns to me. “It was very nice to meet you, Sheridan.”

It was more than nice to sit here and just be, but I can’t utter those words. So I just smile and nod.

***

Gabe and Deacon are on opposite sides of the gym when we arrive, just like they were last time.

“There he is.” Viola points to Gabe. “Let’s go say hello.”

This is probably a stupid idea, but I’m going to try it anyway. “I just need to use the bathroom for a second.”

“No rush. We’ll just be having a little chat.” She walks off.

As fast as I can, I change in the bathroom. It’s not like I haven’t done enough running already. But both these men are health nuts. What better way to connect than through a workout session?

Viola grins and waves as I step out of the bathroom.

I wave back, but for my plan to work, I need to get the two men together. Time to say hi to my new pen pal. “Excuse me, sir. You have a letter.”

Deacon grunts and shoves the bar that should be bending under all those weights onto the stand. As he sits up, a smile spreads across his face. “I wasn’t sure you actually meant it.”

“A letter as promised, though the next few won’t be delivered in person since I’m going home soon.” I hold out the addressed envelope as I sit down.

He takes it from me without opening it. “Have you been enjoying your time there?”

“Yes. It’s been a lovely vacation.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Delivering a letter and helping a friend.” I glance over at Viola.

“She’s still matchmaking.”

“Don’t I know it? But she also cares about her grandson. And I figured out how to help.”

“Why does that scare me?” He grins.

“Eh, bullets don’t scare you, and neither do I.”

“She scares me.” He nods at Viola.

I giggle. “At least she isn’t trying to introduce you to every one of her grandsons.”

He laughs.

“Though I wonder if she has any single granddaughters.”

“That’s evil.”

“Only a tiny bit. They seem like a really kind, loving family.”

“Do you always see the world through rose-colored glasses?”

Wouldn’t that be nice? “When it comes to my friends’ happiness, I do.”

“What’s that plan of yours?”

“We’re going to work out together.”