She gave him a crooked, speculative smile.
No one said anything for an awkward few seconds.
But they also did nothing but look at each other.
“That was some fine broccoli balderdash at the dinner table tonight by the way,” she said finally. “Thank you. That moment in there was practically as profound as her first step. Annelise’s war on vegetables is the only reason I actually drink the cheap wine at the Chamber of Commerce mixers.”
He grinned and shrugged one shoulder. “She’s got a vivid imagination, and she’s a tough kid with a lot of pride in her work and a competitive streak. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s that someone’s strengths can be weaponized and used against them.”
She laughed. “Did they teach you that strategy in the SEALs?”
“Hey, I’m the principal. Which means to Annelise I have pull and a certain mystique, in school and out. So don’t give me too much credit. Unless she keeps eating broccoli at home, well, then... I’m going to insist on a commemorative plaque, to hang alongside my other diplomas on my office wall. I have alotof them. Diplomas and certificates.”
“You don’t say.”
“I was trying to impress you just then.”
“I know. Mystique, huh?”
He gave a one-shouldered shrug again. “What can I say? One of the perks of the job.”
Eden darted a glance toward the double doors. Naturally, no sign of any members of her family.
She was going to kill her sister.
She snuggled deeper against the porch pillar. It still held some of the day’s heat.
“You and your sister are pretty close, huh?” Gabe offered.
“Yeah. And it’s great to see Avalon so happy. I’m thrilled to have her living in town again. Not the least of which is because she’s now become an integral part of my whiteboard.”
“Whiteboard?”
“My kitchen calendar. I consider it my masterwork. Like the Sistine Chapel, only with scented erasable markers.”
“Oh, gotcha. Yeah, Mac is the best guy in the world. But he’s not the easiest guy in the world, believe me, so, you know, hats off to her.”
“Avalon isn’t exactly a walk in the park herself. I’m having fun watching the fireworks.”
They smiled in a certain solidarity.
The next silence got a little long.
And a little tense.
She kind of knew what was next.
“Ever been married?” he asked finally. Quickly.
“Nope. You?”
“Nope.”
“Single?”
“Yep. You?”
“Yep.”