It was warm in the shop, and a soft sheen of sweat made Andrea’s freckled skin shimmer like satin. Her hair was pulled up into a clip, with a few long red strands breaking free and clinging to her neck. She was in shorts today, her legs just as freckled as her arms. Her yellow knit top was clinging to every mature but familiar curve. She’d seemed an untouchable goddess when they were in school—a girl he could laugh and dream with when no one was looking, but never one to be touched.

He’d become accustomed to her work patterns this week. She’d scatter papers across the desk, sorting them into piles by some unknown logic of hers. Every once in a while she’d stop and just stare at them with a scowl. Then she’d come to a decision and pounce, quickly re-sorting the piles to solve her puzzle. Most evenings she’d had Hudson with her, but not tonight. Zayne was surprised to realize he missed the kid’s constant questions.

What’cha makin’?

What’s that for?

Is that danjah-rus?

Can I try, Mr. Zayne?

They’d settled on Mr. Zayne because Hudson just couldn’t figure out how to say Rutledge. The shop was quiet without him.

“Is Hudson with his dad tonight?”

Andrea looked up in surprise, then shook her head. “Zoey Hartford’s daughter, Hazel, is babysitting him for a few hours. You must be loving the quiet without him.”

“Is his dad around here?” Zayne knew it was none of his business, but the question just came out.

She sat back in the chair. “Why are you asking?”

He lowered his head, staring at the half-carved chunk of wood in his hand. “I have no idea. Sorry.”

After a moment, she gave a sigh. “His father isn’t in his life. It was a mutual decision.”

He thought about that, then shrugged. “Fathers aren’t always the best influence for a kid.”

His dad had gone from petty crimes to far more serious ones, including selling drugs and committing armed robbery to get more drugs. His last robbery had left a man dead. Dad hadn’t pulled the trigger, but he’d ended up facing life in prison.

“That’s true,” she agreed. “But it’s also hard to be two parents in one.”

“You’re doing okay. He’s a cute kid.”

Some pink appeared beneath the freckles on her cheeks. “Thanks. I think I’ll keep him.”

They both chuckled, and she turned back to her work. But he couldn’t stop looking at her. He normally hated small talk, but he couldn’t resist trying to keep the conversation going.

“So, my brother says this festival is a pretty big deal.”