Lynn had been so grateful when Mavis helped her out with her business practice, but that had just reinforced her impression—in addition to looking beautiful and composed, Mavis also knew all sorts of things about finances and business, things Lynn had never even encountered in her small-town guide practice.
But even now, Mavis was leaning over to say with a smile, “I’m so glad we’re becoming friends. I always thought it was a shame we didn’t spend more time together after we were done working on your financials.”
That was the thing, Lynn thought. Graceful, elegant, what-have-you—it didn’t matter, because Mavis was genuinely nice. Just a kind, thoughtful woman, and one Lynn was excited to get to know better.
“I was too busy, because you helped my business so much,” she said with a smile. “But now that I have Nina, it’s more manageable. Once tourist season is over, I’ll have much more free time.”
“Maybe you and I could have coffee or lunch sometime, just the two of us?” Mavis asked.
“That would be great,” said Lynn sincerely.
Just then, Stella and Eva came in the door, and hurried over to their table.
“I am so sorry,” Stella said. “We had to get everything sorted out at the school, and my car’s having trouble again, and then Todd called—”
“He’s bothering you?” Ken asked, frowning.
“Well—I mean.” Stella sighed. “He’s just calling. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”
“Let me know if it is,” Ken said fiercely.
“We’re not above giving him another talking-to,” Lynn added. “Or sticking with you when you’re out, if you’re afraid he’s going to show up.”
“You can’t spend all your time intimidating my ex-boyfriend!” Stella said. “You have jobs, for one thing.”
“How about this,” Ken said. “One of my old Marine buddies, Nate Sanders—in the same unit as me, under the Colonel there—has a security company now. If you have reason to think this wolf might start hassling you again, or his pack, just let me know and I’ll give him a call. He’s a shifter, too, and he takes a lot of shifter-related jobs.”
“Sanders is a solid man,” Wilson put in. “He’ll make sure you’re safe, if you need it.”
“Thank you,” Stella said determinedly, “but I don’t need it.”
“Just keep it in mind,” Ken said softly. “In case anything happens.”
Stella hesitated, and finally nodded.
Lynn took Ken’s hand. “Thanks for thinking about this,” she said.
“I’m always thinking about my family.” He smiled at her, and squeezed her hand.
They all picked up their menus, and Lynn looked around the ta
ble and couldn’t believe that she’d been so sure she was happy alone.
The End