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talking about.” She’s not even trying to hide the fact that she’s lying. So much for that saint business.
    â€œShut up.”
    â€œWhat?” She’s acting offended.
    â€œYou do too know what I’m talking about. You all are trying to set me up with this guy. I’m dating someone back home. I told you that.”
    â€œYes, you did, but you said it wasn’t serious. Besides, what’s the big deal about eating dinner with an old friend? We know you don’t want a serious relationship.”
    My feet stop in place. “Now, see, why do you say that? If I found the right person, I would consider it.”
    Janni stands there with her hands on her hips, judgmental eyes staring me down. “Well, you’ve had countless dates since your divorce, and the fact that you haven’t gotten close to anyone in over six years tells me something.”
    â€œIt tells you I haven’t found anyone I care about yet.”
    Janni backs away, palms up. “Okay, I’m sorry.” We take a few steps in silence. “You’re over him, right?”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œEddie Kaiser. Your ex-husband, remember?”
    â€œI was over him the minute I caught him kissing Linda Loose Lips.”
    Janni turns to me. “I’m sorry, Char.”
    â€œI’m over it.”
    â€œYou sure?”
    â€œI’m sure. When did Russ move back?” I ask, wanting to talk about anything other than Eddie and Linda.
    â€œA couple of months ago.”
    â€œWonder if it was hard for him to come back.”
    â€œIt’s not such a bad place to live, Char.”
    â€œI know that, but being in the military, he’s probably seen the world. Tappery can hardly compare with all that.”
    â€œYeah, I guess you’re right,” Janni says, surprising me. She never admits I’m right about anything. She’s up to something. I can feel it.
    Paint chips dust the ground when Janni slides open the massive opening to the barn. A handful of gray and white kittens shoots out from the door. Janni laughs. “Oh yeah, we’ve got some barn cats. I’m not sure how many, but I think around five. They keep mice at bay.”
    I forgot about the mice. Do I really want to go inside?
    Janni steps in, and I reluctantly follow. Not exactly Chanel No. 5 hitting me in the face here, but it beats the chicken coop. I’m not a prima donna, mind you, but my cottage by the sea is looking—and smelling—better all the time.
    â€œClick on the light, and I’ll get the door,” Janni says, lugging the barn door to a close while cold air races around the room.
    Excited about the prospect of visitors—or maybe it’s the promise of mealtime—the animals poke their heads over the half doors of their stalls. Finding the light switch just before the outside light disappears, I flip it on. A lone bulb dangles from a long, brown extension cord.
    â€œDaniel promises to fix this place up with nice lights one of these days.”
    Yeah, probably right up there with the carpet. But, hey, it’s their house.
    â€œEvening, Elsie.” Janni edges over to the black-and-white Jersey’s stall, and I follow. Elsie gives the appropriate moo, her bell jingling slightly as she stamps in place. Janni scratches ole Elsie behind the ear. I give her a couple of pats on the head and I’m good.
    â€œYou’re really not a farm girl anymore, are you, Char?” Janni moves on to Mr. Ed, their horse. Weird, I know, but I didn’t name him. He snorts and stomps about for attention.
    â€œMe and farm life? Think Green Acres , Zsa Zsa Gabor. That’s me. Okay, maybe I’m not a total big-city type. I love seclusion, but I’m not a farm girl either. Just give me a cottage tucked away on a craggy bluff overlooking a breathtaking view. Oh, and throw in a few trees, and I’m good.”
    â€œYou don’t want much, do you?”
    I shrug.
    Janni