for meals. Now I had friends and family to break bread with. And the situation filled my heart and soul with joy.
“Are you ready for the St. Patrick’s festival?” Toby asked in between bites of chicken. “Greg has me on patrol all weekend so Deek’s taking my shifts. I hope that’s okay.”
“We have Evie to fill in too.” I took a bite of the mashed potatoes. It was my favorite side dish with everything. It didn’t matter what the main course was, mashed potatoes should be the side. No questions asked. “We’ll be fine.”
Toby nodded. “I gave her a present for Miss Olivia this afternoon. And made my excuses.”
“You are working the festival that day. It’s a valid reason for not attending.” I watched as Toby wiped his hands on his napkin.
“Yeah, but you know it’s not the real reason. Sasha will too. When we were together I would have moved heaven and earth to attend Olivia’s birthday, even if I had to work triple shifts to free up some time.” He took another piece of chicken from the basket. “Now I’m out of the picture, and soon she won’t even know who the gifts are from. I guess that will be my clue to stop sending them.”
“I’m sorry you and Sasha didn’t work out. I know you cared for both of them deeply.” I glanced at Amy, who was being very quiet and had her head down, focused on her plate. Greg, who sat next to me, avoided my gaze when I went to him for support. I guess it was up to me. “But isn’t it time to get out there again? Start dating?”
“Jill,” Greg warned.
“Greg, leave her be. She’s just being honest. Yes, Jill, I need to move on. Sasha has, and she and Olivia will be happy with this new guy. Although I think he looks a little cheesy and fussy from the Facebook posts she’s putting up. In that suit he looks like he’s never fixed a flat tire or put up new shelves in a room. Definitely not a strong, manly man like me.” Toby grinned and put out his arms in a fake muscleman flex. “But she gets to pick who she’s seeing, not me. And I’m going to start dating again. Soon. I just haven’t been attracted to anyone. Yet.”
“I should have known you were okay.” I leaned back in my chair, relieved that Toby truly seemed okay about the breakup. He’d been in a dark place when they’d ended it, but now it seemed like he was ready to move on. “When the student is ready an instructor will appear.”
“Are you quoting Buddha?” Amy asked.
I shook my head. “Not sure, but I read it in a book last week. The guy had been broken up for years when a girl walked into his life and changed his world. I love romance.”
Amy beamed. “Me too. Send me a link to that book. I think I need to read it right now. To reconfirm that romance is alive and well. There wasn’t a jilted bride in the story, right?”
“No wedding until the end.” I tried to remember the book title. Then I realized I had stacks of the books on my office desk. “Hold on a moment.”
I ran into the office, found the book, and came back. I handed it to Amy. “Here you go. Make sure you write a review as soon as it comes out. Free books come with responsibilities.”
“I don’t really have time…” Amy started, but I hadn’t quite let go of the book. She tried to jerk it out of my hand, then sighed. “You’re right. I’ll write a review.”
“The author thanks you.” I went back to my seat. As I cleaned my plate, I glanced around the table. “There’s pie for dessert.”
“Sound amazing.” Greg got up and rinsed his plate. He got small plates from the cupboard, then paused, looking directly at Amy. “I’ll get out the pie. Everyone’s in for some sweets, right?”
“I might as well. I’ve eaten enough today that one slice of pie won’t change the five pounds I’m going to have gained when I get on the scale tomorrow.” Amy picked up her empty plate as well as my own. Toby was finishing the last piece of chicken he’d snagged. No matter what he was feeling, his appetite stayed level. Which meant he could eat a lot of food.
“Anyone up for some cards or a game tonight?” Greg glanced around the table. “I’m feeling