The hair on the back of Olivia’s neck prickled. “The new school was a bit of an adjustment. But not because of the kids. They’ve been great. Better than great. They’re motivated and caring and passionate about making a difference. A lot like our kids, only their focus is a bit different.”

Mrs. Tilby let out a huff that implied nothing Olivia could say would change her opinion, reminding Olivia of some of the things she’d been one hundred percent fine leaving behind back in January.

“Well, you don’t look any worse for the wear. I’ll give you that.” Mrs. Tilby wasn’t at all shy about looking Olivia over from head to toe.

After letting Morgan sniff Mrs. Tilby and tolerate a pat on the head before shying away, Olivia opened the back door of her car, and he hopped in with easy grace. “Thanks. It’s actually been an incredible experience, if you want to know.”

“As they say, better you than me. I would’ve guessed that breakup with Trevor might’ve left its scars, but you look good. Real good.”

“Life’s been treating me well, thanks.” She hung up the nozzle and closed her fuel-tank lid, determined to get out before this turned into a full-scale interrogation.

“I guess you heard he’s still living in that pretty little ranch out on the 4 County Road.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed he’d live anywhere else. It was willed to him, after all.” She threw open her car door, a dozen things she’d not liked about her fourth-grade teacher circulating freshly through her mind. “It was nice running into you, but I’d better go.”

“It’ll be a lucky girl who catches him, that’s for sure.”

Olivia had one leg inside but froze. “My hope for Trevor—and whoever he ends up with—is that they’re better matched than he and I were. Good afternoon, Mrs. Tilby.”

Olivia slipped in and shut the door before anything else was said. Fire was flowing through her veins.

What are you doing coming back here?

“That’s the thing about this place, Morgan,” she said as she drove off, pulling onto the two-lane highway and hitting the gas pedal a little too hard. “Just about everyone thinks they know your business, when they don’t know even the half of it.” She gripped the steering wheel like she was about to pull onto a motocross raceway. “And another thing. They’re never going to let me live it down. Ever. Trevor is a Jones. And the Joneses are as good as legend.” She took a handful of long, deep breaths in hopes of calming down, but it did little to chill the fire in her veins.