We’d driven ten minutes to a new speakeasy bar that served overpriced cocktails in a dim setting. It was trendy and definitely had a cool vibe, but after spending so much time at Marie’s, it lacked a certain charm.

“Thanks. It’s still not an offer though, so let’s not jinx it,” I said, placing my glass in front of me.

“Having confidence isn’t jinxing anything,” Mattie insisted.

“Still.” I knocked twice on the wooden table. “I’d rather not take any chances. I still have the case study too,” I pointed out. That was about to be a shitload of work and practice presenting. I was a little irritated they weren’t paying me for my work, but at the same time, in this market, I was a beggar and I couldn’t afford to be a chooser.

Mattie twisted her glass of wine between her fingers and examined me. “You seem excited,” she observed, almost in a surprised tone.

My eyes narrowed. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I questioned.

She shrugged and took a sip. As if I was about to let that little comment slide through the cracks.

“No seriously,” I pressed. “Answer the question. Why wouldn’t I be excited?”

“You seem so happy here,” Mattie said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“I am happy. I’ve loved my time here, and spending time with you and Giles⁠—”

“And Oliver,” she finished, cutting me off.

“Right. And Oliver,” I said, feeling my cheeks burning.

She sipped her wine and set it back down. “You don’t meet guys like him often.”

Mattie was driving me nuts lately. It was like she was trying to leverage my feelings for Oliver to get me to stay or something. First off, I was not about to give up my career to move to a small town. And second, Oliver wasn’t staying either. He’d said it himself a hundred times. He wasn’t good with commitment.

“Oliver is great. Which is why I’ve been spending so much time with him.” I leaned in. “But you know what else he is? Supportive.”

Mattie sighed.

“He knows how much I want this and he wants it for me too,” I finished. “Besides. As soon as summer comes around, he’s off to teach some whitewater rafting course or something like that. We’re both moving on.”

Mattie frowned. “Tragic.”

I let out a frustrated huff. “It’s not tragic. People meet people all the time that aren’t meant to stay in their lives forever. Oliver and I are just enjoying this season together and that’s it.”

“Funny, I remember thinking something similar about Giles.” Mattie tapped her chin.

I took another swig of my wine. Why did this feel like some sort of love intervention?

“Just because you moved to a small town and met your soulmate doesn’t mean everyone will.”

Mattie’s face softened. “Frankie. I wish you could see the way he looks at you.”

Goosebumps pricked my arms.

“I see how he looks at me every day,” I said quietly.