Page 116 of Help Wanted

“Hi, Courtney.” The woman wasn’t wearing a name badge, but that didn’t keep Zane from remembering her name.

The woman clapped in glee and came around the table to hug him. Zane’s expression was pure shock as he hugged her back and then stepped to the side.

“Look at you! I can’t believe how tall you are.” She’d mentioned his height, but had her hand on his arm. As if what she’d wanted to say was that she couldn’t believe how filled out he was.

Thanks to Sidney, Kenley had seen a photo of Zane from high school. She knew he’d been kind of skinny.

“You look good,” Zane managed to say.

“Thanks. How are you? I always think of you when I come home to visit. Me and my two boys live in Denver now.” No mention of a husband. No ring on her finger.

Kenley fidgeted again, causing Zane to remember her existence.

“This is Kenley Carmichael. My girlfriend.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Courtney said, as friendly as could be. “You have the sweetest guy for a boyfriend. No matter how bad of a day I was having, Zane always had a smile for me when we passed each other in the hall.”

“Yes. He has a great smile.” Kenley resisted the urge to step between them. She was not going to be petty or jealous. Even though she’d banked everything on the hope that this woman would be a vile bitch, instead of a completely pleasant person.

Another person walked in so Courtney was forced to return to her post.

“You two go on and have a great time. I’ll try to catch up with you later, Zane.”

“O-okay,” Zane stammered and moved into the room while affixing the sticker with his name printed on it.

“So that’s her?” Kenley said.

“Her who?”

“The girl you’re pretending I am?”