Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,95

blowing out a billow of steam. “This is very uncomfortable for me,” I admit with a whisper.

Kellie clucks her tongue. “Well, shoot. I don’t mean for it to be.”

“That’s okay.” A breeze kicks up, blowing loose curls around my face. I tuck the strands behind my ear, appreciating the moment of reprieve. Another layer of strain chips off my rattled frame. “Do you recognize other dogs here?”

Without hesitation, she plows through my weak attempt at changing the subject. “My son is a complicated man, Keegan.”

No duh, lady. What was your first clue? Instead of spewing my honest opinion, I plaster on a wide, fake grin. “Really? How so?”

“He’s always been abrasive and misunderstood. Most people think he’s rude, but that’s just one of his defensive mechanisms. Underneath the surly crap, Ford is a softie.”

I hum low in my throat. “That’s interesting. I didn’t notice those broody qualities.”

Kellie barks out a cackle. “It’s all right, Keegan. You don’t have to bullshit with me. That’s kind of you to defend him, though. I can see why Ford is so taken by you.”

A brittle laugh scrapes out of me. “Oh, I think you’re mistaken. We were just friends.”

“Past tense?”

Is she trying to dig for dirt? I study her gentle expression with a wary gaze. There’s nothing waiting for me except kind eyes and a trusting smile. “Yeah, I suppose that’s correct. We haven’t spoken recently.”

“Pity. He seems to be rather infatuated still.” She turns to give me a slow once-over. “Remember what I said at the shelter?”

The options scroll through my mind on a twisted loop. “Can I get a hint?”

Her features manage to brighten another degree. “I was certain that my son would remain single for all of eternity. Heck, he never showed much interest in the opposite sex, from what I could tell. But that went along with his disinterest of people in general. I’d said you two would hit it off. Seems my predictions were accurate.”

Where is she getting the information to justify these wild claims? “I thought Ford only told you our names.”

“That’s right, but one look at him was enough to know he’s met his match. Like your daughter and Elsa, some connections really click. You know what I mean?”

I try not to gape at her, but my jaw seems to have a brain of its own. Is this type of invasive behavior normal for parents? I might need to step up my helicoptering, if that’s the case. It’s hard for me to imagine my mother in this situation. Would she corner Crawford and pry answers out of him? I can’t see her doing that, but my mom wasn’t around to experience me dating anyone of significance. Maybe she’d be a fierce mama bear. That’s a nice vision to imagine. I place a palm over my stomach when the roiling begins. Crying in front of Kellie would be a grave mistake.

“Um, ah.” The garbled noises stumble out of my mouth. What am I about to admit? Vague for the win. “I guess that’s true.”

She beams at me, patting my arm. “Then my job here is done.”

“Good?” Yeah, it’s official. I’ve been bamboozled. To be fair, I stood still and let it happen. I should’ve known. I almost snap my fingers at the sneaky wit of this lady.

“I’ll be seeing you, Keegan. Take care until next time.” She’s about to vanish faster than she appeared.

Before she takes two steps, I halt her retreat. “Hey, Kellie?”

She glances at me over her shoulder. “Yes, dear?”

I lick my lips, allowing courage to brew inside of me. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Of course.” Her eyes crinkle in the corners with a genuine smile.

“If you see Ford, tell him we say hello. And, maybe, that I hope he’s doing well.” Holding a grudge will only allow bitterness to eat away at me. I don’t need another reason to fester over the past. We can be civil adults and move forward in very separate directions.

Kellie laughs, the sound more of a titter. “Oh, that won’t be necessary.”

Ouch. I guess being cordial is off the table. Just to test my newfound conviction, I ask, “Why not?”

Her full smile returns. “I have a feeling the opportunity to tell him yourself will arise very soon.”

That prediction has me whipping a glance behind me and across both sides. Of course there’s no sign of him. I ignore the sinking sensation in my belly. “I’m not so sure about that,” I murmur.

“Never doubt a mother’s intuition, right?”

“If you say