Miller just shrugged. “I wouldn’t say never.”
“Oh, come on,” Olivia continued. “I read that article on you inNewsweek. You’re renowned in the business world for your sixth sense about people. Practically prophetic.”
At that, Ava chimed in. “My mom says nobody reads people better.”
“Miller is not getting involved.” I turned to the man who now looked more than interested. “You’re not. No way. Uh-uh. No thank you.”
“You ought to let him help.” Sylvie stood between us now, vibrating with the energy of this new idea like a divining rod that had just found water. “What do you say, Miller?”
“That definitely won’t be necessary,” I sputtered. “Miller has much bigger and better things to do.”
He gave a bored shrug. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to find another hobby.”
“My grandma can loan you some romance novels,” I suggested.
Miller’s lazy smile was reminiscent of the boyish grin he’d flashed my mom when he and Colin would sneak cookies from our kitchen so many years ago. “Are you saying you don’t want my input?”
I needed to look away. Smiles were my weakness. Had my family continued down my line of manly misfits, they would’ve discovered that failing, I was sure. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“But we’re old friends.”
“And now you’re my boss,” I reminded him. “So kindly stay out of this.”
He turned to his youngest niece. “Do you think she’s always this sensitive?”
“Miller,” Olivia called from the end of the table, “tell us who you see Hattie dating.”
His eyes that missed nothing returned to me and lingered on my face. “Who do I see Hattie dating? Hmm.” With a tilt of his head, Miller considered this. “Someone who’s smart.”
“A must,” Sylvie agreed.
“Has a sense of humor,” Miller continued.
“Definitely,” Frannie said. “She needs a guy who can make her laugh.”
I uncrossed my left leg and switched to the right. They were talking about me like I wasn’t even there. “Very comfortable conversation,” I rolled. “Exactly what I was hoping for at my welcome home celebration.”
But Miller wasn’t done. “Hattie needs someone who will appreciate her gentle heart, but not take it for granted.”
Sylvie inhaled, a hand to her own heart. “Yes. That’s it exactly.”
“A hard worker.” Miller leaned his elbow on the arm of the table and dropped his chin in his hand. It was a problem-solving posture he’d struck even as a kid, slowly assessing an issue before doling out solutions. “She needs a man who is dependable and loyal, full of integrity.”
“Full of it,” Frannie echoed.
But then Miller’s eyes focused on mine, and he paused. “Someone who appreciates her compassion for others and her gift for helping. Who smiles when he hears the sound of her laughter, and who lights up whenever she enters the room.”
My breath suspended in my lungs as a sheen of moisture clouded my vision. What would it be like to have that? I couldn’t imagine.
Miller tilted his head with a crooked grin. “Or at least a guy who doesn’t live in his mom’s basement and has fewer than two prior convictions.”
Frannie fanned herself and downed a cup of lemonade.
Sylvie was furiously swiping at her phone, probably downloading an app or two for herself.
“Well.” I blotted a tear I would later blame on allergies. “I appreciate your kind input, but I won’t be needing your assistance, Miller.”
“But you are game for a little matchmaking though?” Olivia asked.
