Page 27 of Hard to Get

“Are you and your brother close?” I ask.

“I guess so. More so now we’re older.” Her expression goes distant for a couple of seconds. “I used to whine about having to go to his hockey games and I complained about how godawful his hockey gear smelled, but we got along pretty well. He’s a good guy. He’s getting married next month.”

“You mentioned your mom. Are your parents not together?”

“Divorced.”

I make a face.

“Long story.”

I nod.

Betty rises from her resting place on the sidewalk and stretches.

“Ohhh, big stretch,” Stella says.

I grin. “I’m so glad you said that.”

“It’s required. I should get going, I guess. I think Betty’s had enough laying around here.”

“Yeah. Us too.” I look down at Frank. “Hey, Frank, buddy, ready to go home?”

I pull out my credit card, waving away Stella’s reach for the small cross-body bag she has.

When the bill’s taken care of, we stroll out to the street. We’re the only ones left here and I realize we’ve been talking for a couple of hours.

“Which way are you?” Stella asks.

“I’m that way.” I point toward my condo. “Would you be okay with me walking you home?”

She eyes me, lips pursed. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I know. But it’s dark and I’d like to make sure you get home okay.”

“I do this all the time. Betty takes care of me.”

I grin. “Good girl, Betty.”

I hesitate. I totally understand her not wanting a near stranger to know where she lives. I’d want my sisters to do the same.

“Okay, no worries. But let’s exchange numbers and you can text me when you’re home.”

Wrestling with a smile, she shakes her head and pulls out her phone. We enter each other’s numbers.

“I’ll text you about next weekend, too.” I shove my phone into my pocket. “I can walk over to Richards Street with you.”

“Where exactly do you live?”

“Richards Street.”

Her mouth opens. “Me too.”

“Perfect. One more coincidence. There are a lot, you have to admit.” We start walking. “We live in the same neighbourhood. We have the same dog and we walk them in the same park. We shop at the same store. And we both love chips.”

She laughs. “And you know my brother.”

“Yeah! I forgot that one. All that has to mean something.” I give her one of my most charming smiles.