probably leaving soon. Her family has different goals for her, and I'm not one of them."
So that was it, Theo thought. Trevor was trying to protect his heart by rejecting himself first before Mindy could.
Theo leaned forward. "That’s not what Mindy said when she was over last time. She's pretty convinced she’s going to stay at the lake."
"Really?" Buddy nudged in closer and put his head down on Trevor's foot. “That doesn’t mean she’s interested in someone like me.”
“Someone just like you from what I can tell,” Theo said. “Someone with a big heart who helps out the community any way he can.”
Shoulders hunched, Trevor stared at the floor. It tore at Theo’s heart to see his friend in this state.
"Mindy speaks fondly about you and Buddy all the time. And when you two are together, the sparks are visible.”
Trevor looked up, his face pale. "I just can't bear another loss. I lost so many buddies in the war and it's an uphill battle just to function sometimes.”
"It’s normal to be afraid and shy away from something or someone that might hurt you," Theo said. "I totally understand. My heart goes pitter-patter when I see Alice. And an old heart like mine shouldn't be doing too much of that."
Trevor laughed and Theo felt a wave of relief.
"Don't you think I felt that way at first with Alice? She lost a loving husband."
"Oh, come on," Trevor said. "You're the best man I've ever met."
"I’m old, and grumpy, and moody…”
“And a wonderful human being,” Trevor said. “If there were more kind-spirited people like you in this world, it would be a better place.”
Theo was taken aback by Trevor’s words. He’d been so closed off in his own grief, he hadn’t noticed the people around him he could still be present for. And love. “That doesn't mean I don't feel afraid," Theo said, "and still think of Jean and possibly risking my heart again.”
"I bet Jean would want you to be happy," Trevor said. "She was one of the most amazing women I ever met. Always smiling with a kind word of encouragement to offer. The last thing she'd want is for you to be miserable. And face it," Trevor said, "we've both been pretty sad guys lately."
Now it was Theo's turn to laugh. Wally stirred at his feet, his head popping up to see if he was missing anything.
"How about this?" Theo said. "You reach out to Mindy and be brave, and I'll reach out to Alice and be brave, and together, we'll see where all this bravery leads us."
Trevor put his thumbs up. "It's a deal.”
"Now that that’s settled,” Theo said, “I think I’ll take my lazy dog and go home for lunch.” He stood up and Wally followed him to the door. “I also have my Skype call with my son later today. Something else to look forward to.”
Trevor chuckled. "Oh, come on. Is he still trying to get you to move back there?"
"Yes. As if I would ever want to live in cold and rainy Seattle. The noise, crowds, and traffic…how does anyone ever get around in a city?"
"I get it. I wouldn’t last five minutes. And besides, you have lots of friends here looking out for you.”
At the door, Buddy finally left Trevor’s side and circled around Wally, saying a quick dog hello and goodbye.
“One other thing,” Theo said. “Shelby’s going through a tough time. Her mother is insisting she move to Florida with her. Shelby absolutely does not want to go. I am organizing a meeting at my house to lend her support.”
“Count me in,” Trevor said. “And thanks for coming by. I feel much better now.”
"Any time," Theo said. "You and me both."
Chapter 34
Shelby was wearing her favorite pink and yellow bathing suit. Her tanned skin glowed as she applied the sunscreen. She loved her new sun-tipped highlights in her hair. She laughed at herself when she remembered how she had resisted coming here. Summer at the lake was the best ever. From her spot on the beach, pretending to read, she peeked from behind her sunglasses at Logan sitting at the lifeguard station.
When Madison had walked by earlier, she’d given Shelby a condescending look. Shelby was sure those girls couldn’t understand what in the world Logan saw in her. When she saw herself through their eyes, Shelby sometimes wondered the same thing herself. But Logan had reassured Shelby that what he saw in her was something he really liked. Even being such a cute and