Sophie was beginning to wonder if that was her fate, regardless of how she tried to guard herself. The universe seemed to be conspiring against her.

“I’ll call you soon, Granny.”

A few minutes later Sophie limped back into the store. The smell of fresh paint mingled with the sea air. The room was warm and empty, but she heard Aiden’s voice drifting down the hall from her office.

“Thanks for filling in, Ross.” The floor creaked beneath his feet. “This means a lot to me. I don’t expect to win, but it’s good to know you’ll be there just in case.”

Frowning, Sophie stared out the window. Filling in? He’ll be there just in case?

A moment later Aiden emerged from the hall, pocketing his phone. He stopped when he saw Sophie. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Her eyes sharpened on his, dread roiling in her gut. “What was that about? Ross filling in for you?”

Aiden headed to the wall where he’d left off and picked up the roller. “We were talking about the award ceremony. Going over a few details.”

She shuffled over to him. He was avoiding eye contact and seemed laser-focused on the task at hand. He’d already applied paint to the roller and was now laying it on in long, careful strokes. And he’d evaded her question.

Sophie stopped a few feet away, making herself ask the question. “Aiden . . . When is that awards ceremony?”

He darted a glance her way, not long enough to meet her eyes. Not pausing in his work. “It’s tonight. Ross is taking my place.”

Sophie’s stomach bottomed out. Aiden was trying for casual, but there was nothing casual about his sacrifice.

He’d gone through high school without a single award. She’d had her own moments: National Honor Society, salutatorian, class secretary. But Aiden had been a no-show in the academic department, and while he’d started on the football team, his efforts hadn’t been spectacular enough to merit awards.

But now he’d found his niche in a field he was passionate about. He’d done something amazing on a national level and was about to be publicly recognized. Only he wouldn’t be there for it.

Because he was here. Helping her paint.

No, this wasn’t right. He needed to be there. “What time is the ceremony?”

“Six o’clock.”

She checked the time on her phone. A mere two hours from now. There wasn’t time to catch a flight or make the drive. Oh, this was all wrong.

“Aiden, why did you do this? I didn’t want you to miss the ceremony! What if you win? And even if you don’t, you should be there to celebrate.”

“It’s no big deal, Sophie.” He kept rolling, the sucking sound now an irritation.