When We Met by Susan Mallery Page B

to adore you.”
    â€œReally? Because I’m kind of nervous about it. At the time I thought it would be fine, but then I started thinking that kids aren’t exactly my strong suit.”
    â€œDon’t,” her friend told her. “No doubts allowed. You’ll be straightforward with them, and they’ll love that. Plus, if things get too quiet, show them your shoes and you’ll win them over.”
    â€œI hope you’re right.”
    Taryn had never thought much about children. Her unexpected and brief pregnancy had terrified her, but before she could figure out how she was going to be a decent parent when she’d never seen one in action, she’d lost the baby.
    â€œEnough about me,” she said firmly. “How are you doing?”
    â€œGreat. I’m all moved in and getting to know the town. People are friendly here. I like that.”
    â€œYou would,” Taryn told her. “I have to say the boys are better now that you’re here.”
    â€œI live to serve,” Larissa said with a grin. Then her smile faded. “Kenny is going to need surgery on his knee again. When it gets bad, I can barely touch it. I have to admit I don’t get the thrill of the game. Sure, it’s wonderful while it happens, but then the guys have to deal with the consequences.”
    There was plenty of pain to go around, Taryn thought. “You know they wouldn’t give up what they had for anything.”
    â€œGlory days,” Larissa said. She glanced around, then lowered her voice. “But don’t you think it’s strange none of them are married?”
    â€œSam was and that was a disaster.”
    Larissa pressed her lips together as if trying not to laugh. “I know,” she managed. “It’s very sad.”
    â€œStop it,” Taryn told her. “Come on. The poor guy can’t cut a break when it comes to women. Oh. Speaking of Sam, have you heard anything about him and Dellina?”
    Larissa shook her head. “I didn’t know they’d been together.”
    â€œI don’t think they have been. Not romantically. But there’s something going on. You know the guys want to have that big weekend party for the clients, right?”
    Larissa rolled her eyes. “Of course. Sam asked if I would help pull it together. There’s no way I could handle something like that. I’m great at what I do, but an expensive party at a five-star hotel isn’t really my thing.”
    â€œNow, if it was a hamster rescue,” Taryn teased.
    â€œGet off me about hamsters. But yes, that is sort of my point.” Larissa frowned. “Dellina’s an expert. Sam loves experts.”
    â€œRight?” Taryn leaned toward her. “I’m telling you, there’s some secret there. Sam isn’t going to tell me, so I guess I’ll ask Dellina directly.”
    â€œI want to know every word.”
    â€œI will share because I sense it’s going to be delicious.”
    Their server appeared with their breakfasts. Taryn had gone wild and ordered Applesauce Stuffed French Toast, what with not eating dinner the previous night. Having a man make her feel the way Angel had and then not do anything about it tended to spoil her appetite.
    As she picked up her fork, she smiled at her friend. “So, what are you rescuing this month? Obviously not hamsters.”
    Larissa shook her head. “Not even close. I’m going to be transporting some endangered reptiles.”
    Taryn shuddered. “On purpose?”
    â€œIt’s just a few trips down to a facility better able to handle them.”
    â€œHow do all the causes find you? You must be on every mailing list in the state.”
    â€œI like to help,” Larissa said calmly. “It’s the right thing to do.”
    â€œIt’s frequently horrifying. Reptiles? Can you stick to things with fur?”
    â€œReptiles need love, too.”
    â€œNot from