Chapter 35

The expressions that flitted across his face were legion. He didn’t speak while we finished our meal. Only afterward did he say, “Thank you for your honesty.”

He got up from the table and asked me to wait for him by the front door while he helped his staff clean up and resettle the kids in the play area.

When that was done, Gregory escorted me back to the gym, which I thought was a sweet gesture. We stood before the glass and I waved to Mrs. R. so she knew she could leave whenever she wanted to. She gave me a “thumbs up” sign and headed toward the ladies changing room.

“It was sweet of you to have lunch with me and a bunch of toddlers.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. By the way, the fruit cups were divine.” This made Gregory laugh, something I definitely wanted to see more of.

“You’re easy to please, I see.” He ran a hand through his hair and sobered. “Look, I know what people in this town say about me. I have a reputation for being standoffish, frigid…”