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didn’t want someone I had to wine and dine, I just wanted something easy and quick with no mess or strings. But, dang, the girl sure was a sight to behold. Maybe I could figure out her running schedule? I guess I could offer to let her know the nights I’d be able to turn the track lights on for her. Nah, probably easier if I just let it go and enjoyed watching her when I got the chance. But, now that I’m thinking of her ass, I realize that I should probably get laid pretty soon.

Chapter 8
     

Elizabeth
     
    The last few times I’ve gone running, I’ve seen a fine specimen of a man running at the same time. I never get a good look at his face but I can tell he is very fit. I swear one night he kept running just to prove he could run the same distance as me. Then he was at the park running too. I don’t know everyone in town, even though I’m getting to know more people every day, but I don’t recognize this man. I briefly thought about saying hello at one point but then I decided against it. My luck, Audrey had already gotten to him, and he wouldn’t see anything in me.
    Two weeks before the party, I ran into Nick and his brother, Nate, at the grocery store. Nick was so excited to see me and have Nate and I meet. There was something very familiar about Nick’s brother, but I decided it was because he and Nick looked so much alike and I saw Nick every day. Nate was above-average in looks and seemed nice enough. He looked genuinely surprised when Nick introduced me as Miss Elizabeth. He smiled politely, but seemed conflicted, like he wanted to say more but he was wary of me? It was strange and gave me a self-conscious feeling. Audrey had done a job on me and it affected me almost daily, especially when guys were involved.

Chapter 9
     

Nate
     
    Whoa, Miss Sexy Backside is Miss Elizabeth. I knew Mom had said she was super cute, but Mom hadn’t done her justice. But, this was Nick’s new friend and teacher. I had to hope that a teacher at the center would never be mean to Nick, but my standby fight instinct kicked in, and I felt the need to be suspicious of Miss Elizabeth. I usually took the stance of “guilty until proven innocent” which was maybe unfair, but, in my experience with people being mean to Nicky, it was a valid position to take. She had a gorgeous smile and seemed friendly enough; even though Nicky has misjudged those wanting to be his friend before, Mom usually is spot-on with her gut feelings about people. I just wish I could be less suspicious of people’s ulterior motives. I don’t want to be wary of this pretty girl, but it’s just so ingrained in me that I’m not sure I know how else to react to meeting Nicky’s new friend.

Chapter 10
     

Elizabeth
     
    One week before the party, fate brought Nate and I together again. I needed some things for the party, so I headed to the local hobby shop. I didn’t realize that the sweet man who ran the shop was Nate and Nick’s uncle, Dale. Nate was working at the shop that day. Again, he wasn’t rude, but it’s like he was assessing if I was really who I said I was. It didn’t make sense, why was he so suspicious of me? Or was he suspicious of everyone? He helped me find my paint brushes, paint, poster board, and glue and rang up my purchases and spoke kindly, but he didn’t offer any pleasantries beyond what was necessary. It was the strangest thing; I couldn’t be offended because he wasn’t mean or disrespectful, but I couldn’t say it was a positive experience because I just got the feeling he was judging me. I wish, just once, I’d meet a guy and not worry about what he thought about me or what Audrey may have told him about me.
    By our third run-in, the day before the party, I was convinced that Nate was the most attractive guy in town and that I had no chance in hell with him.  He was way too hot and way too aloof. Seriously, blond hair, great build, what’s not to like? Oh, except his standoffishness.  I was running, which I