Page 31 of Now and Then

“Just grabbing coffee before work,” she says, settling in. “So, what all of that are you going to give us details about?”

“Her and Hunter,” Navy says.

“Navy,” I give her a you’re not being helpful look. “You’re such a meddler.” I grab my phone and text Hunter back.

Me: I’m busy today.

Hunter: We haven’t talked or seen each other since Saturday.

Hunter: I’m dying over here, babe.

Pretty sure my heart might be a puddle.

Me: Tomorrow?

Hunter: Be ready by eight. You can come scouting with me.

Of course he knows exactly the right thing to say to get me to say yes. I might dress like a fancy city girl, but the forest is my favorite place. As John Muir said, it’s where I go to “lose my mind and find my soul.”

Me: Deal.

Hunter: Can’t wait.

I roll my eyes, wanting to remain aloof, but it’s little moments like this that make it so hard to keep him at arms length.

Me: Have a good day.

Hunter: Be safe today and keep in touch with me, okay? There’s a big storm rolling in.

Me: Always do.

I close the screen and return my phone to my purse.

“Was that Hunter?” Greer nods to my purse.

“What makes you say that?” I ask.

Navy leans across the table, eyes wide in accusation. “Only that dreamy look you get on your face every time he’s around, texts, or his name is mentioned.”

“I like Hunter,” Rowan pipes in with a little grin. “Maybe you can find love with him, Miss Sutton.”

The three of us burst into a fit of giggles.

“You told her about the profile?” Greer asks.

“You knew?” I cut Greer with a scowl.

“Actually,” Navy says, pointing to James, “he kind of blew my cover before I could say something.”

“I’m not really dating,” I remind them.

“We know you don’t date,” Navy says. “Most of the town knows you don’t date.”

Greer gives me a small smile. “It’s been over six years since you and Brandon broke up.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I blurt out. My stomach plummets at my harsh tone, but I don’t need any reminders of how long it’s been.

“I’m sorry—” Greer starts.