“You’re the new kid,” Anamae said, relief evident in her voice. “Not James.”

Knox regarded her with interest. “James who?”

“No one,” Anamae said. “I’m sorry for…” She grimaced, gesturing toward his legs.

“Well, I’m not sure how to respond to that,” Knox said, scratching his chin. “I mean, if I say it’s okay, it implies I’m used to that kind of stuff.”

Anamae laughed.

“Woodvine’s not what I expected. I mean, I’d always heard small towns were friendly, but from what I’ve seen, folks around here have some unusual ways of welcoming newcomers. The guy I met yesterday, for example. He acted like he’d as soon kill me as speak to me.”

“Oh, you must mean Victor,” she said, rolling her eyes. “He can be a bit much, especially around Leath.”

“Boyfriend?” Knox asked.

“Ex,” Anamae said. “She’s as single as I am these days.”

I stood there, feeling every bit of the third wheel I’d become. Even worse, Anamae had apparently gone off her rocker. This was quick business, even for her. Going from being terrified of a stranger to flirting with him all in a matter of minutes. And if I didn’t know better, Knox was returning the favor.

“I’m sorry I didn’t remember you coming by the office yesterday,” I said, trying to insinuate myself back into the conversation.

“I’m wounded,” Knox said. “Figuratively and literally.” He grinned at Anamae.

“I said I was sorry,” Anamae said.

Oh my gosh, is she blushing?

Although Knox was nice enough, his being out here in the middle of nowhere was suspicious. The pristine setting of the park was a telltale sign that no one ever visited Judaculla Rock. It was as if Knox were lying in wait for someone to come this way. I couldn’t logic this one out. Now that I knew he was okay, I thought Anamae and I should make our way back to civilization.

“We’re on our way to Asheville,” I said. “We weren’t really supposed to be taking any side trips.”

“Well, I won’t tell if you don’t,” Knox said. He grinned at Anamae.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing her hand. “Remember shopping for prom?”

Anamae looked at me hard. “You in a hurry to go shopping? Has the world come off its axis?”

“I gotta head out, too,” Knox said, fishing his keys from his front pocket. “Prom, huh? Sorta missed that at my old school.”

Anamae let go of my hand. She sauntered toward Knox, sizing him up. “Well, what do you say, new boy? Wanna go to prom with us?”

Knox laughed. “There’s just no middle ground with you guys around here is there?”

“It’s the least I can do for the rude way I introduced myself,” Anamae said. “Let me see your cell. I’ll text you my number.”