A New Hope - Robyn Carr Page 0,90

sneak away for a talk. “How about an ice cream sundae at the diner?” she asked.

“Sure. Things are quiet at about two and Scott’s in the clinic. Want to meet then?”

Once they had a booth and their sundaes in front of them, they could talk. “So, did Matt win the Dysart seal of approval?”

“Oh, absolutely. But remember, he knew my dad and at least one of my brothers. Apparently they’ve done business together over the years. We had a nice time.”

Peyton tilted her head and peered at Ginger. “Why do I sense something’s wrong?”

“Well, something might be wrong. Maybe we’ll just get beyond it easily. Matt lost his temper while we were there. Over something stupid.”

“Uh-oh. Mad Matt?”

“One and the same,” Ginger said.

“Mind if I ask what stupid thing?”

“My mother passed on a message that my ex-husband, who doesn’t have my number anymore, wanted to talk to me. He said it was urgent and I said I’d give him a call. Matt went ballistic.”

Peyton shook her head sympathetically. “Would you believe I’ve been there?”

“Really? But you and Scott have been together forever!” Ginger said.

“Not exactly,” Peyton said. “I had just broken up with someone when I took the job in his clinic. I fell for Scott pretty quick. But then the ex called to say he needed my help and sweet, gentle Scott threw a hissy.” She whistled. “It was impressive.”

“Hard to imagine Scott in a temper...”

“I know. But trust me—he went over the top.”

“And what did you do?”

“Well, as it turned out, it wasn’t my ex but his daughter who needed help. Scott was in no frame of mind to listen or understand so I cut him out of the loop.”

Ginger shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“Oh, Scott was throwing around ultimatums and acting like an ass so I just did what I had to do. I did try to patiently explain to Scott that he was going to feel like an ass when he finally understood my situation. I drove to Portland, helped the girl the best I could, told the ex to get his shit together before he lost his whole family, came back to Thunder Point and duked it out with Scott. And I was right—he felt like a fool. He hasn’t acted like that big an idiot since.”

“Let me ask you something,” Ginger said. “Is Matt known for that? A temper?”

Peyton shook her head. “He’s always been the sweetest-natured guy in the family. George is very silent and steady. Sal is a little like Paco—melodramatic and interfering. I’m like Mama—serious and sometimes quietly controlling, Mikie is a comedian who seems like he doesn’t take anything seriously and yet he’s close to a PhD in biochem, but Matt has always been a happy guy. Pretty laid-back and easygoing. Until his divorce. That seemed to take a lot out of him.”

“He’s not real happy right now. And he’s going to be less happy. He basically told me to get over it but he’s in for a surprise. I’m not going to set a date until we’re beyond the harvest and I can see whether he’s going to be sweet Matt or Mad Matt. I’m sure it’s still about his divorce. I understand, I really do. And I’m sympathetic—I have some of that baggage myself. I was married to an idiot myself and it’s not easy letting go of it. But he has to deal with his ex, bring it to a close. I refuse to bring her into our relationship, even if it’s just in the form of Matt’s emotional baggage.”

“I thought he was past that!”

“You did? Weren’t you at your own wedding when Matt was drunk as a skunk? When I shoved him and nearly knocked him out?” Ginger asked with a lift of one brow.

“So,” Peyton said, dipping her spoon into her sundae. “What’s wrong with him now?”

“I suspect a long list, all having to do with our ex-spouses. He blew a gasket when I suggested he talk to Natalie and see if he can lay some ghosts to rest before we try to start a new life together.”

“You suggested that?” Peyton asked.

She nodded. “I understand being crazy mad at your ex,” Ginger said. “Mick has the ability to make me want to choke him! I called him an asshole and hung up on him the last time we talked, and that wasn’t very long ago! I can’t recall that anger lasting and I never turned it on Matt. I think he has stuff to

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