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deals with stress in their own way.
    It’s somewhat unsettling to see her so at ease, while the rest of the family is so tense. If we were home now, I’d imagine she’d be in her sunroom mixing potions. Devising the perfect spell. That is, if she hasn’t already. Realizing I’m watching her, she squeezes my knee and gives me a sweet smile. “Are we ready then, dear?”             
    Oh, you have no idea. “Yep. I think so, Gram.” I smile back.
    I wrap my arm around Gram’s petite shoulders, when an unfamiliar male voice interrupts us. “Excuse me, Miss?”
    I turn to find the very face that’s been penetrating my thoughts for the last thirty minutes. “Yes?” My hands begin to shake.
    “I’m sorry to bother you, but do I know you from somewhere? I have the feeling we’ve met before.” He blushes, tilting his head to the side.              
    I smile. “That’s funny. I sort of thought the same thing when I saw you earlier.”
    Head-to-toe goose bumps devour me. Great. Oh, please don’t let him notice.             
    He steps closer, now less than a foot away. If this were any other guy I didn’t know, I’d feel like he’s invading my personal space. But with this guy, however, I have the unfamiliar sense he’s not close enough.
    He pulls his hand from his pocket, lifting it towards me in a polite gesture. “Hi. My name’s Hunter Payne. It’s nice to meet you.”              
    The second he wraps his warm, smooth fingers around my hand, sparks shoot through me like lightning.
    “Hi.” I clear my throat. “I’m Chloe Bishop. It’s nice to meet you, too.” My smile widens, but I have this odd feeling he can read my every thought. Transparency has always been a weakness of mine. My cheeks flush as I lower my head.              
    Suddenly aware that he’s still holding onto me, I glance at our clasped hands. Catching on at almost the exact moment, he releases his hold. Embarrassment makes its home across his now rosy cheeks. “Oh, sorry.”
    From some place close behind, the sound of a clearing throat gets our attention. Gram stands with a bemused smile painted across her shimmering mauve lips.
    “Please, forgive my manners. I’m Hunter. It’s nice to meet you, Miss?”
    She nods with a sheepish grin. “I’m Aurora. Chloe’s grandmother. It’s very nice to meet you, dear.” He takes her hand, shaking it with a quiet grace. “You have a lovely granddaughter, but I’m sure you already knew that.” They exchange a brief smile.
    “Well, I’m heading to the waiting area in case the doctor comes back. You kids finish getting better acquainted.” She turns to leave. “No need to hurry, dear. We’ll be here all day.” She takes a few steps forward, turning her head back to give us a naughty grin. It’s always humorous when Gram thinks she’s being sneaky. Sorry Gram. Not this time.
    “She’s a real firecracker. I’m sure your grandfather has his hands full with that one.” Hunter chuckles, shaking his head as we watch her saunter away.
    “Oh, you have no idea.” Then it hits me. “Wait, how do you know about my pap?”
    “I was with his doctor when you walked by earlier. He saw me watching you, so he mentioned your pap’s his patient. He thinks a lot of your grandparents.”
    “Yeah, they usually have that effect on people.” I look down. “So, have you figured out how we know each other?”
    He shakes his head. “No, I haven’t. I keep racking my brain, but no luck. You?” His eyebrows lift, waiting for my answer.
    “No, me neither.” I might as well be honest. “Actually, I haven’t lived here for quite a few years…so perhaps we’re wrong about this.”
    He rub his throat, head tipping to the side. “Really, for how long?”
    “I lived in San Diego for a little over six years.”
    “Oh, wow. That’s cool. When did you get back to town?”
    I shift my weight to my left foot. “Oddly enough, I