“That they are,” I murmured, strolling the length of the pool. I was happy to see the yard was a good size, even with the pool taking up much of the real estate. If Royce decided to move in with me, I’d have to put a fence around the pool to keep Grumpy safe. Alittle shiver of excitement went through me at the idea of Royce living here with me.
“Are you still thrilled with the place?” she asked.
I sighed. “Embarrassingly so. Who knew a piece of land could make me so… happy?”
“I’m happy that you’re happy.”
I smiled wryly. “Well, your happiness is probably because of the nice fat commission check you’ll be getting when escrow closes.”
She laughed gaily. “Definitely factors in. But honestly, when a client is as satisfied as you are with this property, I get a sort of secondhand euphoria. I’m very good at my job, but sometimes a property just suits the buyer so perfectly, it’s like it’s meant to be.”
“Yes.” The minute I’d walked into Dr. Johnson’s clinic, I’d felt at home. Even though it was located in Rainy Dale, I’d been able to see it as home.
“I was positive Dr. Johnson would accept your offer.” She scowled. “Although, when River Martin swooped in with his ridiculously overpriced bid, I was a bit worried. I’m grateful Dr. Johnson was who I thought he was.”
I stiffened at the mention of River. “Yes, it… it all worked out in the end.”
She bit her lip. “I haven’t seen you since that nasty kidnapping business with River Martin.”
“Uh, right. I guess that’s true.” I’d hoped the subject wouldn’t come up. I guess that had been naive of me. It was a far too juicy bit of gossip to just ignore.
“Who’d have thought he’d snap like that?” She sighed, diving right into the awkward topic. “Although, trying to outbid you for this place did show he wasn’t the angel everyone thought he was.”
“I’m trying not to hold a grudge.”
I’m not succeeding, but I am trying.
She widened her eyes. “No? I’m not sure I could be so forgiving.”
I gritted my teeth. “I won’t pretend I feel particularlycharitabletoward him. However, I suspect he’s mentally ill. His sister’s death was too much for him to handle. I understand his pain, even if I don’t… forgive him.”
“Yes. It would be difficult to just let it go.”
“I’m definitely trying to put it behind me. No point in obsessing about what happened.” I wondered if she was buying what I was selling. I sounded so much more charitable toward River than I actually felt.
“What a wonderfully mature and balanced attitude.”
Her complimentary words made me feel like a phony. I felt far from mature and balanced. After my experience with River, in truth, I felt jittery and unnerved much of the time. I didn’t like being alone. I still had horrifying nightmares of being shot or buried alive. But telling her about my personal struggles certainly wouldn’t help anything, and I didn’t want her pity.
I forced a smile. “I’m looking forward, not backward.”
“Of course,” she murmured agreeably. I suspected she’d still have loved to gossip about River some more, but she dropped it.
“There are plenty of other things to focus on.”
“Yes.” She sighed. “Like that ridiculous recall election.”
I winced. “God. Yes.” Why was every subject she chose stressful?
She scowled. “The Raidens are horrid people.”
“Couldn’t agree more.”
“How’s Royce holding up?” She studied me, her gaze shrewd. “He must be stressed.”
“He’s doing the best he can under the circumstances.” He really was too. He went to work each day with a good attitude. It was more than the people of Rainy Dale deserved, if you asked me.
“What will you do if Royce isn’t sheriff anymore after the special election?”
