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stern look but he knows I’m full of it.
    “A few ladies, huh? Now that does sound interesting. You’re coming out of your slump in a big way, my man.” He hoots and hollers some more and I don’t bother to correct him. Let him wonder which girl it is. The last thing I want to do is pin a bull’s-eye on Ivy’s back. Everyone in town wants to know the minute I start dating again, and I’m not putting any girl under that kind of scrutiny. The pressure to live up to Cassidy’s legacy is enough to crush any budding romance.
    “How long has it been since you got laid? Like two years? Dude, you seriously have to give your hand a break. You know what I’m saying?” Jack playfully jostles me in the ribs but it’s hard to keep a smile plastered on my face. It’s a sore subject with me. No guy wants to feel inadequate when it comes to his sexual prowess. Even if I haven’t had a lady in my bedroom in quite some time, I can still get it up. There are no worries on that score even if I have been living a hermit-like existence.
    “Let’s finish this load, all right? So I can get your sorry ass off my property.” I want to be alone right now to collect my thoughts, but mostly I’d like to fantasize about Ivy without Jack analyzing my every move. Sometimes a guy just needs his space.
    We finish the work in record time. I slam a wad of bills in Jack’s hand and he tips his baseball cap in my direction. “A pleasure doing business with you, Eric. Thanks for the side job.”
    “No problem, Jack. Want something to drink before you head out?” We’re both sweating profusely as the nearby thermometer nears ninety-five degrees. I’m thirsty as hell and he must be too. There’s nothing more dangerous for an outdoor worker than getting dehydrated in this kind of weather.
    “No worries, my friend. I’ve got a thermos right here next to me,” he says, holding it up for my inspection. “A potent Red Bull cocktail that’ll keep me going for hours, if you know what I mean.”
    “You’re one crazy son of a bitch.” I give him a salute as my phone starts to ring. Damn it, talk about bad timing. He was just about to leave.
    “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hang around and listen to you sweet talk your new lady friends. I’m outta here. Catch ya later, Eric.” His tires crunch over the gravel as he drives slowly through the gate with the big load. He’s nosy, but I have to admit he’s been a good friend to me since Cassidy died.
    I check the caller ID. It’s the Gazette ’s number. My heart begins to race.
    Without going through the formalities, I pick up. “Hey, Ivy. What did she say?”
    There’s an annoyed rustling of papers on the other end of the line. “Eric, it’s not Ivy. It’s Lauren.”
    I groan inwardly. Shit.
    “Ivy gave me your message, and I just wanted to call you back personally and tell you that I’m fine with your request on how you’d like to participate in the interview. We’re simply honored to have you in the pages of the Gazette in whatever way you feel most comfortable. I’m here to accommodate your every need.” She’s trying to sound sexy but instead it’s coming off as predatory. No man likes to feel backed into a corner by a woman he’s not even into.
    “That’s great, Lauren. Thanks for being so understanding.” I keep things friendly, but not too friendly. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea.
    “There’s just one special request I hope you can fulfill.” She’s practically cooing in my ear as she lets the other shoe drop. I knew she wasn’t being so accommodating for nothing.
    “And what’s that?” Have at it, Lauren. You will anyway.
    “Since you’re now the major sponsor of the film festival, I’d like you to accompany me to the opening gala next Friday as my plus one. I think it’d be a great sign of support for the cultural events in the community. A young entrepreneur like yourself combined with my media know-how—it’ll make a powerful statement