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in more than just his friendship?”
    Jenna paused. “No.”
    “And why not?” Sarah demanded.
    “Because rejection is something that terrifies me. Especially coming from Bryce. And Chrissy, well, she’s
    ruined him. He’s not looking for forever, and that’s what I want. Look, Sarah, I don’t expect you to
    understand. I hardly understand it myself, but I do know this: I don’t want to lose Bryce. I want him in
    my life, even if it’s only as a friend.”
    “That’s just plain avoidance, Jenna. You’re using your friendship as a crutch. You know what I think?
    You should march over to the restaurant first thing tomorrow and lay it all on the line.”
    “Oh, right, like I can do that.”
    “See, you are a chicken.”
    “You should talk. I know your secrets, Sarah McCabe, and it’s not like you’re winning any prizes for
    bravery.”
    Her sister laughed. “Yeah, well, that’s because I’m stuck here in Cowville. Now, maybe if I lived in the
    big city—”
    “Oh, and there aren’t any phones in Lucan? You couldn’t call—”
    “Nope. And besides, I called to talk aboutyour sex life. You see, I’m living vicariously through you. I’ve
    been waiting all night for you to get home. Now spill. I want details.”
    “Let’s talk about something else. How’s Dad doing?”
    “All right. But the next time I want details. Sheesh, even Emily gives me more than this.”
    “Yeah, but her stories are made-up.” Jenna smiled as she thought of Emily’s scandalous sex tales. How
    Jenna wished it was true for Em, that she had found some gorgeous hunk to bring her out of her shell, but
    the baby of the McCabe sisters was awkward and shy and possessed nerdy glasses, not to mention a
    severe lack of fashion sense. No, Emily was nowhere near man-magnet stuff.
    “Poor Emily.” Sarah sighed. “She needs to get out more and find herself a new job. The library obviously
    isn’t doing anything for her social life. Now, as to Dad, he’s doing better. The doctor gave him the
    all-clear to go back to work. The corn will be planted soon, and Ashton can’t manage it all by himself.
    He’s already overworked as it is.”
    “Dad needs to hire another hand. He’s only ever had Ashton. He needs to realize he’s getting older, and
    with his heart . . . well, he just needs to come up with a new plan.”
    “You try telling Dad that. You know how he is. Stubborn. This farm is his life, Jenna. He’ll never give it
    up.”
    “But it’s not producing, and its losses are eating away at Mom and Dad’s life savings—what little they
    have.”
    “Ashton’s been trying to steer him into new directions, but you know Dad. He won’t hear of it.”
    “Don’t tell them, but I had an appointment at the bank. I’m trying to get a second loan on my business so
    I can help out with the farm.”
    “That’s sweet of you, Jen. I’ve started a second job, too, hoping to pull in a little cash to help out.”
    “Not at the Cadillac?”
    “It’s not that bad, and it’s only a couple of shifts a week.”
    “Sarah, the Caddy is no place for you. My God, you must be getting groped and hit on every time you
    turn around.”
    “I can handle myself. Don’t worry. And the crowd doesn’t get too bad. They’ve got me working with
    Tanya, who as we both know is a little free with her lovin’. No one is hitting on me, not when Tanya’s a
    sure bet. Don’t worry about me, Jenna. But while we’re talking about it, do you think you might hear
    soon about that loan? Because Ashton was telling me the other day that the loan officer from the bank
    was here, and he had a bunch of businessmen with him.”
    “I hope to hear in another week or so. Don’t worry, Sarah. I’m not going to let the bank take the farm
    from Dad. I’ll do anything to prevent that.”
    The buzzer to her apartment went off, scaring Jenna out of her skin.
    “Is someone there?” Sarah asked.
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