Free Sparing the Heart (Pastime Pursuits #3) by Tracy Krimmer Page A

because I can’t deal with her unreasonableness. Whichever comes first.
    Gretchen checks the place out and offers no further suggestions how to improve on it. I manage to find a wooden box I can use as a chair.  
    “Great game on Friday.” She gives me a thumbs up sign.
    “I wish I bowled better.” Overall I did fine, but I can’t stop thinking about my gutter ball. Not the impression I wanted to make.
    “You did awesome!” She looks at me and we both start laughing. “Okay, except for that first frame. Otherwise, you did great.”
    “Thanks. You, too. I can’t wait for the next game.”
    “Me neither, but the one after that is the one that’s making me nervous. We play Lucy’s Lucky Strikes. I used to go to high school with one of the girls on the team. I despise her, so it’ll be fun.”
    I love Gretchen’s malice. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and I admire that.  
    “Bad history?”
    “Meh. She’s never been the nicest person to everyone. Still isn’t. I always thought people changed after high school and matured. Not her. In fact, she and Macy probably could be best friends, or even sisters.”
    “I’ve been wanting to ask …. what’s your issue with Macy?” I need to dig in, put my hands in the dirt, and pull out what information I can. I haven’t even seen a picture of this girl, but I’m imagining her tall, like five-nine, long blond locks and green eyes. I envision her with perfect skin and pulling off red lipstick like Cindy Crawford.  
    “Feelings? Non-existent.” A shrug releases from her shoulders as she pulls a snack out of her purse.
    I frown, unconvinced by her response. Someone bothered by even the mention of a name has some sort of feelings, even if only bad ones.
    “Okay. Non-existent to tolerant. The best I can do.”
    I want the history. Why does she dislike her so much? Have they ever been friends? Did something happen in their past causing a lifelong rift?
    “I shouldn’t tell you much else. My brother hates when I talk about her.”
    “I understand, but if she’s going to be a part of your family, you should try and be friends with her.” I shift my weight on the box as I wait for a reply that doesn’t come. She and Kellan seem to maintain a strong relationship, and her dislike for his fiancée is evident. Does he take into consideration what she thinks? Here I go again, thinking about Kellan. He won’t leave my mind. I need to force him out. “Speaking of couples—“
    “Were we?”
    “Well, Kellan and Macy.” My throat swells as I attempt to push pass the awkwardness of asking this. “I was wondering if you know anyone.”
    “Sure. I know a lot of people.” She’s as sarcastic as her brother.  
    Dating hasn’t been top on my priority list, and never in my life have I asked to be set up. Back in high school and college, I dated my fair share of guys. Meeting someone never was an issue for me. Then, I met David and fell in love. Once I realized the love was one-sided, I locked my heart away. Now, at thirty-five years old, I’m not sure how to jump back in and meet someone. But I want to. I’m ready to. That’s what I’m missing in my life.
    “A guy. I mean, a man. Do you have any male friends?”
    “Like single men?” Pretzel shavings spill out of her mouth onto her shirt. “Sorry.” She sweeps them onto the floor and I don’t care. I’m not getting any activity on the open house.
    “Yes.” I’m embarrassed she even felt the need to specify. “Any single ones?” Though I would love the chance to date her brother.
    “I thought Tiffany and I tried to set you up with Ned and you refused.”
    “Yeah, I did. I thought about it some more, and I’m reconsidering.”
    “I must be honest, I’m a tad shocked you aren’t dating anyone right now anyway.”
    “Really?” I don’t think I’m unattractive, but it’s not like I walk down the street and guys fawn over me. “My life is a little chaotic. Well, until recently. I never took