Need the rain. We’ve been in a drought for quite some time.”

“Why do you like California?”

“Besides the balmy winters?” he asked, flashing her a smile. “It’s just where the opportunity is for me. I like cities and innovation, and Silicon Valley is the home for many startups and technology, so it’s where I am, too.”

They were heading down the stairs for the parking lot and he saw Taylor glance at him, another one of her quick, shrewd glances. “You don’t miss Montana?”

There was no easy way to answer a question like that, he thought. His family situation made coming home complicated, if not downright uncomfortable. It was easier when his dad wasn’t ill. Easier to keep all the emotions and memories locked away. “Marietta will always be home, but my head is clearer in California. I function better there. Not so many ties and entanglements.” He grimaced, and shook his head. “I suppose that sounds ridiculous—”

“No,” she interrupted, bundling her arms tighter across her chest. “I’m quite ambivalent to Hopeville. I don’t find it easy or comfortable going home, so I appreciate your honesty. It’s reassuring.”

“You don’t go home often then?”

“No.”

“You don’t get along with your folks?”

“I get along fine with them, or at least, I used to until I took my brother under my wing. They didn’t appreciate my interference, and it has strained the relationship—which is quite an understatement—but I did what I had to. They were neglectful and didn’t treat him the way he deserved.”

“You’re very protective of him.”

“I have to be. What’s happened isn’t his fault. None of it is his fault.”

“So you’re not just his big sister, but his surrogate mom now.”

She nodded once and squared her shoulders. “You could say that.”

Looking down at her small face with the resolute press of pink lips, he felt a funny little pang. She really wasn’t like the other women he knew. He was glad. He liked her honesty. He was glad she wasn’t trying to impress him. “Would you want to grab a quick bite with me at Main Street Diner? I think they’re open for another hour.”

She made a face. “It’s late.”

“I know you haven’t eaten. Louise said you had no chance to grab anything before all of tonight’s meetings.”

“I can eat when I go home.”

“Louise said you’d just have soup.”

“And I would, it’s true.”

“She thinks you need some proper meals.”

Taylor’s jaw firmed and yet her eyes were smiling. “Louise shouldn’t be sharing my personal life with you.”

“I’ve known her since I was just a little kid and she has a good heart. I respect her, and appreciate that she’s looking out for you.”

“She is one of my favorite people in Marietta, and she is right. I could use some real food.