Levi had continued to visit Busy’s, sometimes with his sketchbook, always with a smile. The breakup might have been unbearable if it wasn’t for him. The week after we’d toasted to new beginnings, he surprised me with an invitation to go out for dinner. A thank-you for the warm welcome to Oar’s Rest, he’d said, his treat. At first, seeing his number flash on my phone screen had set off alarm bells—had he run into a problem with the house? Washing machine conked out? Electricity on the fritz? Weird leaks?

Instead, I was joining him for a meal.

“It’s still a date; it totally counts,” Lucy insisted.

“It’s really not,” I said. “It’s a return invitation. He’s being polite.”

“He wouldn’t do that for third-wheeling on a party he wasn’t even invited to.” Lucy waved at the book club ladies who had just come in. “I’m telling you, it’s a date. Maybe it’s a date masquerading as a thank-you, but it’s still a date!” And with that, she swished off to take orders.

I dwelled on Lucy’s words, replaying Levi’s invitation in my head until I’d talked myself into it. She was right, he’d never ask me to dinner just as a thank-you—it was Our First Date. Maybe. Probably.

“Hey, Babe!”

I froze. Ariel, who was supposed to have been here hours ago, had just entered.

“Ugh.” She stalked behind the counter and grabbed her apron. A few drops of water landed on the floor. Everything about her was disheveled, from her wet hair to her rumpled clothing.

“You’re late,” I pointed out. “Why didn’t you call in to say you wouldn’t be here?”

“Sorry, I slept in. I’m here now.” Ariel cast me an irritated look. “Why didn’t you call me?”

I blinked. “Ariel, this is … I mean, wow, okay. Do you even want this job? Because it seems like you’re doing everything to prove you don’t.”

“I need the money,” said Ariel. “Of course I want to work here.” She had the temerity to scowl like I’d insulted her by asking.

I hesitated. “Is everything okay?”

“Stupid boyfriend drama. Sometimes I think you have the right idea about being anti-men. I’m swearing off guys, too.” Ariel reached out to grab one of the lemon bars I’d brought in this morning. “Hey, do you mind? I haven’t had breakfast.” She took a bite before I could answer. “This is amazing. You should bring these to the fish fry next month.”

“I’m not anti-men,” I said stiffly.

“I’ve never seen you with a guy.” She paused. “I mean, other than Chad.”