Page 36 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

Then Betty sets down her cloth and looks at me with an expression I can't quite read.

"Do you remember Mrs. Eleanor Vance?"

I smile immediately.

"Eighth-grade English. Assigned us Wuthering Heights and then spent three weeks telling us why Heathcliff was not, under any circumstances, romantic."

Betty laughs.

"That sounds exactly right."

"Lily and I used to argue about it on the walk home. She was always on Heathcliff's side."

"Of course she was."

Betty's smile fades slightly. She says it gently.

"She passed, Maddy. About two years ago."

I go quiet.

"I didn't know."

"She understood."

Not an accusation. Just a fact. I hear it as both.

I look down at my coffee.

"She was a good teacher."

"She was."

Betty wipes the counter once more. The silence between us is comfortable and a little sad and exactly what it should be.

"I missed a lot," I say finally.

"You were building a life," she says. This time it sounds less like a fact and more like something she actually believes.

I nod. And try to believe it too.

The bell above the door rings.

"Please tell me there's coffee."

I turn. Emma walks toward us wearing jeans, boots, and a navy jacket with the Oakridge Veterinary Clinic logo over one pocket. Betty is already reaching for another cup.

"Good morning to you too."

"I'll be charming after caffeine."

Emma sees me and smiles.

"Hey, Madison."

"Morning."

She takes the stool beside mine. Betty slides a cup toward her. Emma takes a long sip and closes her eyes.