Well then. Admittedly, I’d felt a little bit of spark on more than one occasion with Simon. But it had been easy to douse out any chance of it developing into anything because, Karen. And Jamie. And Jamie. And Jamie. But Granny’s observation functioned like a burst of oxygen to my teeny tiny spark, and for a brief moment, it flared. Was it possible there really was something there? That he felt the same spark I did? I forced the thought away. It was ridiculous to even entertain. “Simon has a girlfriend, Granny. Did I tell you that? Her name is Karen, and things are pretty serious. Jamie thinks they’ll be engaged soon.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Is that right?”

“Of course it is. I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

“I guess that changes things, then.”

I folded my arms. “I don’t understand. What does it change?”

“Well, I was about to tell you I thought Jamie was the one who’s wrong for you and you ought to be seeing Simon instead. But a girlfriend . . . that changes my whole theory.”

“Jamie’s not wrong for me, Granny.” It felt affirming to say it out loud.

She stood and moved to the front door. “Be sure and cover that lasagna before you put it in the fridge.”

“I will. Thanks for bringing it up.”

She paused a moment longer. “Lane, if Simon has a girlfriend, you’d do best to keep your distance. I saw the way he got under your skin tonight. And I heard the way he talked about you when he was pulling up my tomato plants. If you spend too much time with him, child, especially if you’re meant to be falling in love with his brother, it’s only going to lead to trouble.”

“But it’s not like that, Granny,” I said.

“And it won’t be so long as you mind me and keep your distance. Jamie and Simon are brothers. That’s a relationship that lasts forever. You want to keep out of trouble with the one? If I were you, I’d stay far away from the other.”

Jamie: I’m taking Lane to the poetry-signing thing up in Virginia. For her birthday.

Simon: So you said. I’m glad. She’ll like it.

Jamie: I also bought her the concert tickets, just so you know. I’ll kill you if she wants me to go.

Simon: Just be in California when it happens.

Jamie: Good plan. Then she’ll have to take someone else. Dinner suggestions?

Simon: You don’t need my help with dinner.

Jamie: Yes, I do. This night really matters. We haven’t been together in a long time, and I want things to be perfect.

Simon: I’m sure they will be.

Jamie: I’m NOT sure. Come on. Help a brother out?

Jamie: Simon. Come on. Don’t leave me hanging.

Simon: She likes food, right?