JENNIE

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After the funeral, Lisa decided to stay at the farm a few days and help the older couple she had hired to take care of things get settled in. They'd get to live rent-free and they would earn twenty percent of the profit from Uncle D's beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and vegetable garden.

The town had gotten the word out that Lisa was looking for help, and she had takers within days. That had been one worry off her mind. My dad had helped her some, too, until she was able to head back to school.

It was a week later when Lisa walked into the coffee shop at eight on a Saturday morning. She smiled at me when our eyes met, and although we had been texting daily, it was good to see her. I'd missed her.

"Hey," I said, wanting to run around the counter to hug her but feeling as if that time was over. Hugging her when her uncle had just passed was okay, but now it seemed … different. So I stayed put behind the counter.

"Morning. Just got back and I need a black coffee with a chocolate-chip muffin."

"Coming right up," I said, holding up my hand to stop her from getting out money. "This is on me. A welcome-back breakfast. I can't cook like my momma, but I can buy your coffee and muffin."

"I sure am gonna miss your momma's cooking," she said. "And thank you."

"You can come home with us anytime. And you're welcome."

Winter walked out of the back and paused when she saw Lisa. She knew about her uncle now and she wasn't so focused on her womanizer ways. "Hey," she said, blushing as she spoke to Lisa.

"Hello. Winter, isn't it?" Lisa said, smiling at her. I wondered if Lisa was aware of what that smile did to women. Probably.

"Yeah … uh, how are you?" Winter asked, leaning on the counter toward her.

I started to make her coffee and warm her muffin because it didn't look like Winter was going to be helping me.

"Getting by. Thanks," Lisa replied.

"You, or, uh, if you need anything. I'd be happy to help," she said.

This was not the Winter I was used to. For starters, her flirting was normally much better than that. I wanted to laugh, but I didn't. I understood that Lisa was gorgeous. It was hard not to notice.

"Uh, thanks," Lisa said awkwardly.

Winter giggled. She actually giggled. "Sure. Anytime."

I warmed the muffin and hurried back to Lisa before Winter embarrassed herself any more. She was going to replay this over and over all day and slap herself on the forehead for it. And I was going to have to listen to it.

Walking up behind her, I smiled at Lisa and handed her her order. She looked as if she was studying me. Looking for something. I wasn't sure what that was, but then she turned back to Winter and her expression changed.

"So, what are you doing tonight?"

What?

"Uh, nothing," Winter said quickly. "Nothing at all."

What was Lisa doing? Winter's flirting was funny, but apparently she liked it. Was she going to use Winter like she did the others?

"There's a party at Sigma Kappa. Want to come?"

A party at the frat house? What?

"Yes!" she said almost a little too loudly. "I'd love to!"

"I'll meet you there at seven," she replied, then winked before taking her stuff and walking away.

What the hell had just happened?

"Oh. My. God," Winter breathed as she turned to look at me. "I guess y'all really are just friends like you said. I wasn't sure I believed you but I do now. Oh my God! I am going out with Lisa Manoban."

Who was that just now? The girl I had gotten to know wasn't what I'd just witnessed. I had heard of her reputation, but I didn't really believe it. The Lisa I knew had a big heart. Had she not seen how nervous Winter was and how innocent her flirting had been?

"You don't look happy about this. Are you mad? Do you like her?"

I was frowning at Lisa's retreating form as she headed down the street and out of view. "No. I don't like her. Actually, I don't think I know her." Then I turned and asked the next customer what I could get them.

I was at work. I had a job. I would focus on that. Tae had already made plans for us this evening. I had been reluctant to go, but I'd said yes.

I didn't know Lisa Manoban at all. But I did know Tae. It was safe to trust what you knew. Tae had been trying hard to be understanding about Lisa and supportive while he called and texted trying to get time with me. The guilt from my behavior since coming to school now sank in.

My feelings for Lisa had gotten confused. Wrapped up in her needing me and knowing there was a good girl underneath all that. She would only ever be a friend. That is, if she didn't use Winter. If she respected her tonight.

Still, my chest ached some. I thought she was different. That she'd changed. I wanted to be right.

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