I took this job because it was an exciting opportunity and there was a big fat salary which paired nicely with Marietta’s cost of living—substantially lower than San Francisco’s—meaning, I could bank some money, start saving up to buy my own house.”

“So you’re not here to make points with Troy?”

“It doesn’t hurt to make points with Troy. He knows everyone, everywhere. The man is connected.”

“You love him.”

“No.”

“You want him back.”

Jane grimaced. “No. It’d just be a waste of both our time and, to be fair to him, I knew he was never into me, but it was fun being out with Troy. Heads turned. Everyone paid attention. I felt sexy and beautiful when we were together, but I knew something was missing…. not from my side of things, but from his. He didn’t feel anything. There were no sparks. I pretended not to know, or notice, but when we kissed, I could tell he didn’t want to kiss me. And to be honest, it was a turn off.”

“So you don’t love him.”

“I’ve been telling you that for weeks.”

Taylor felt as if a massive weight tumbled from her shoulders. She breathed in, and then out, and in again, feeling lighter than she had in ages.

“I wanted him to love me,” Jane added. “But apparently he felt more brotherly towards me.” She slumped onto the counter. “Do you know how often I hear that? Why do men just want to be my friend?”

“You’re smart. Ambitious. That’s scary for men.”

“Why?”

Taylor grimaced. “I don’t know. Men are stupid.”

Jane burst out laughing. “Did you really just say that?”

“Of course I don’t mean all men, but I think men are far more insecure than they like to let on. I just don’t think they’ve evolved as much as we woman would like to think they have.”

“Are you a feminist, Taylor Harris?”

“I don’t know if I’m a feminist or a realist. But I can’t help thinking that men might be hampered by all their testosterone, while estrogen allows women to be flexible. Because we have to be flexible. Our lives are all about growth and contraction.”

“I had no idea you were such a deep thinker.”

Taylor shrugged and smiled. “Book girls rule.”

Jane shook her head, smiling. “You’re a nut, and for your information, I wouldn’t have ever set him up with you, if I didn’t think you could be the right one for him.” She hesitated a moment. “Troy’s liked you from the beginning.”

“He didn’t even know me until he scooped me up on the side of the highway.”

“He knew about you long before that. Troy was a big part of you getting this job, Taylor.”

“What?”

“Come on, you knew that. He’s a board member for Marietta’s Friends of the Library—”

“I did not know that.