“He doesn’t.”

“What did he do when I was away in college and living in Florida afterward?”

“Oh, he did some casual dating. But nothing serious that I know of.”

“So, do you have any ideas? Some kind of hookup? Anyone? I’m desperate, Madison. I just can’t break his heart. Every time the topic of a relationship between us comes up, and I tell him I only feel friendship toward him, he gets all sad. And then I feel sorry for him. I don’t want to hurt him. I wish I felt the way he wants me to; heck, my parents would be thrilled if I married the guy and had a couple of his kids, but it’s just not there.”

“Well, there is Barb from the library. I’m not sure if she’s ever even had a date,” Madison said. “She’d probably pee herself if Brent asked her out.”

Again, Lauren giggled. “Madison, that’s mean, and you know it.”

“Why is that mean? She’s single, local, and works at the library. She’s super smart, too,” Madison added.

“I’m serious, here. I don’t really think that Barb is Brent’s type, that’s all.”

“Or you just don’t think she’s all that attractive?” Madison asked.

Lauren blew a loud breath into the phone. “She’s just not his type. I know what you want me to say, and I am not going there,” Lauren added.

“Then I will. She’s two hundred pounds overweight, has an overbite that would rival a horse’s, and it’s common knowledge that she’s smelly.”

More laughter from both of them. “Maybe you should take her under your wing. Give her a few lessons in all things beauty. I’m sure she’d be open to it coming from you.” Madison was a total knockout. Tall and thin, straight black hair with the lightest blue eyes ever, she’d done some part-time modeling in high school and college. If anyone knew a few beauty tricks, it was Madison.

“If I thought she were the slightest bit interested, I would. We both know all she thinks about are books and more books.”

“That’s true, but seriously, I wish he’d find someone. He’s a great guy, beyond good-looking, built like an oak tree. There are so many women who would fall over in their slinky heels if a man like him showed them any attention.”

“You’re just not one of them, right? And who in Fallen Springs, especially this time of year, wears slinky heels?” Madison asked.

“Madison, that’s why I called you. You’re a known matchmaker, so I thought for sure you’d at least have an idea of someone you could fix Brent up with.”

“I am quite the matchmaker, but honestly, I can’t think of anyone single, other than Barb. I’ll think on it, though. I promise. I’ll ask Scott if he knows anyone.”

Her husband was an IT guy for one of the largest gaming companies in the world. He did most of his work from home via the Internet. “How’s that supposed to work? He rarely leaves the house, and when he does, it’s to go to another country.” Lauren stated what Madison already knew.