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area of your life or something.” She’s grasping at straws. I don’t talk to the press. Not anymore, and not after what happened with Cassidy. I can tell Ivy doesn’t wish to intrude. Lauren’s the one putting her up to this. I don’t want to cause Ivy any problems, but I don’t think I can comply with her request. It would open the floodgates to every newspaper and TV station in the area, and I just can’t go through that again.
    “Ivy, listen…” Before I can politely decline, she cuts me off.
    “Eric, Lauren isn’t going to let this go. At least if I’m involved, I can serve as a sort of buffer between you and the things you don’t want to talk about. I’ll protect your best interest at all costs. I give you my word.” Her sincerity is heartfelt and coming from a good place. She thinks she can protect me. That’s sweet. Besides, I have to consider that if I don’t do the interview I might not ever get to talk to Ivy again, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that. I enjoy her company. Maybe I can sacrifice a little of my privacy for a chance to get to know her better. She’s worth the risk.
    “I’ll tell you what. If we stick strictly to promoting the garden center, I’ll consider it. You run that by her and see what she says. No mention of Cassidy or my personal life or anything like that and you’ve got a deal.” I highly doubt Lauren’s going to go for my setting the parameters for her exclusive on the grieving bachelor, but I’m not backing down on my stance. She can take it or leave it.
    “Okay, I’ll relay your message. I think it’s more than fair, by the way. You’re a pretty cool guy for even considering it.” Her enthusiasm is infectious. Plus she paid me a compliment, so maybe there’s something there after all. I can’t let her slip away from me now.
    “And Ivy, regardless of what Lauren says, you’re welcome to visit me and Shep at the garden center anytime you’d like, okay? I have plenty of replacement shoes on hand.” I hope she’s not repulsed by my invitation like I’m some creepy older guy trying to hit on her or something. She may even have a boyfriend for all I know. That thought depresses me so I try not to dwell on it.
    “I might be in need of a job if she flies off the rails like a loose cannon. Are you hiring up there?” I can feel the glow of her smile through the phone and my mind is set at ease. She likes me well enough to want to work for me. That’s a plus.
    “You’ll always have a place here if you need it.” That sounded a little too familiar. I better end this call before I really start to freak her out. “Ivy, I have to run but let me know what she says.”
    “Will do, Eric. Talk to you soon.” Her words come out rushed like she’s flustered or something. Is that a good sign?
    “Bye, Ivy.” I hang up and feel both deflated and exhilarated at the same time. I want to see her again. If this doesn’t work out, I’m going to have to think up an excuse to cross paths with her.
    When I amble back to the truck, I see that Jack is still staring a hole through me. He’s not even berating me for throwing him off schedule. There’s a gleam in his eye that wasn’t there before. It’s like he’s happy for me or something.
    “It’s about damn time, man.” He emphasizes each word by banging the shovel against the ground.
    “You don’t even know what you’re talking about.” I laugh because I can’t hide the mirth building up inside of me.
    “Sure I do, dipshit. You’ve finally fallen for some girl. I just about gave up hope on you. I was worried if there was an actual man living inside that body of yours or if there was nothing left but an empty shell.” He slaps me on the back and whoops with joy. “Wait until I tell Ellen. She’s going to flip.”
    “You’ll do no such thing, Jack. There’s nothing going on. I’ve been in contact with a few ladies at the Gazette for a story on the garden center. That’s all.” I give him a