“Seriously?” I shook my head at him. “That’s an impossible choice.”
He grinned. “And, yet, you have to choose.”
“Ugh. Okay, I guess I have to go with Reba, because I was obsessed with ‘Fancy’ when I was younger. But I’m choosing under protest.”
“Noted. And I’m going with Dolly. ‘Jolene’—end of story.”
I couldn’t argue with that, so I moved on to the next question. “Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert?”
“Miranda. She’s badass.”
“We finally agree.”
We went back and forth on artists, disagreeing on most, until another rush kept us busy helping customers. It wasn’t until the end of my shift that I got another chance to talk to Levi in private.
“So, I have a favor to ask of you.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “Oh? You need me to cover one of your shifts already?”
“No. It’s something a lot more fun than that.”
“Color me intrigued.”
Intrigued. That was a good sign. “I want to set you up on a date.”
His interested expression instantly fell. “A date.”
I wanted to laugh. Pretty sure that had been Petra’s exact response as well. See? They were meant for each other. They just needed a little prodding.
“Yes, a date. With a very pretty, very fun girl.”
“Who is this pretty, fun girl you speak of?”
“Does it matter?” I replied with as much nonchalance as I could muster.
He leaned against the counter and released an exaggerated sigh. “It’s Petra, isn’t it?”
“What?” I asked, feigning surprise. “No. Why would you think that?”
“You’re a terrible liar, and setting me up with Petra is a terrible idea.”
Knowing there was no point in continuing the façade, I straightened. “Why? I know you like her. I’ve seen the spark when you’re together.”
“Exactly. I like her, but she has zero interest in me.”
“How do you know?” I couldn’t see how that could possibly be true. Levi was a catch, and my best friend might be resistant to relationships, but she wasn’t blind. Or stupid.
“Because I asked her out once a week for six months, and she turned me down every damn time.”
My mouth dropped open, ready and waiting to catch flies. “When was this?”
“A couple of years ago, shortly after I started working here.”
“Why did she turn you down?”
“Hell if I know. She wouldn’t give me a reason. Just told me no with a smile…over and over.”
I considered that for a minute. She might not have given him a reason, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t had one. I thought about all of her stories from the past. The wild parties and one-night stands and her determination to take full advantage of her youth. She could have hooked up with Levi, but she’d chosen not to. And that had to mean something.
“Now I’m even more certain that you two should go out.”
Levi chuckled. “That makes no sense.”
“Yet, it does. I think she refused you because she likes you. You probably scared her back then, and you probably scare her now.” I grinned. “Which is a good thing.”
“That’s quite a theory. What happens if you’re wrong and the date goes horribly?”
“Dinner is on me, so you get a free meal and a good story out of it.” I gave him what I hoped was my sweetest, most pleading smile. “Please?”
If Tristin knew about my scheme to set Petra and Levi up, he would have undoubtedly told me to butt out. I’d exploded his life by interfering in it. Then again, that had all turned out in the end…and maybe this would as well. I wanted two of my favorite people to be happy together. Was that so wrong?
“Oh, god. Stop looking at me like that.” He threw his hands up in surrender. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I’m blaming you if she throws her drink at my face and storms out of the restaurant.”
“That’s a chance I’m willing to accept.” Heading for the back to clock out, I called, “I’ll text you the details.”
On my way to my car a few minutes later, I checked my phone and found a new text message.
Hayle: Can you meet me at my mom’s cottage? I need to show you something.
It was time-stamped ten minutes ago, so he was likely still there. We were all supposed to meet at the mansion in less than an hour, anyway. It was almost time to confront Vincent…again.
Me: Okay. I’m leaving work now.
Hayle: See you soon.
Once I was inside the mansion gates, I turned left to take the gravel drive that led to Lily’s cottage, my headlights bouncing over tree trunks. I had no