There was a bigger group than usual for trivia. They had to push another table against theirs to accommodate everyone. All the usual suspects were there—Bernie and David, Clark, Lily and Cody, Jaclyn and Simon, Wade, Jack and someone that Melissa didn’t recognize. Melissa sat next to Jack and Melanie took the other seat, next to Wade. Melissa introduced everyone to Melanie and when she got to the person sitting next to Jack, he introduced him as Bryan, the builder who renovated his kitchen.

“You did a wonderful job,” Melissa said. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Bryan looked pleased to hear it. “Thank you. That was a fun project. Jack has good taste.”

After they put their pizza and drink orders in, Melanie joined the conversation and it was like she’d been part of the group for ages. Melissa had always admired her ability to quickly fit in. Her sister didn’t have a shy bone in her body. Melissa had always envied that quality a little. Their week together was going by much too fast. She was flying back the next afternoon. As much as she loved living in Riston and felt like it was home now, she still really missed her sister. Though they spoke on the phone every few days, she missed hanging out with her in person. She hoped that she might get out more often and she would go back to Boston soon, too.

“What do you do in Boston, Melanie?” Wade asked.

“I manage a health club and do some personal training. I teach a spin class once a week, too.”

“Really?” Wade looked interested. “I’m thinking of expanding our fitness club here, and opening it up to the public. I need to find the right person to help me run it, though.”

Melanie smiled. “That’s a great idea. The club I manage is actually part of a hotel property and that’s what they did, too. They saw it as a way to maximize an amenity that their guests weren’t taking full advantage of.”

Wade’s eyes lit up. “Yes, that’s it exactly! We have some great equipment and a gorgeous spa that my wife, Maddie, runs and while people use the pool, kids mostly, very few people work out. I thought if I added more equipment and some classes, the some of the locals might want to come.”

“If you market it right, they definitely will.”

Melissa smiled as Melanie and Wade talked shop until their pizzas came. Melissa noticed that Jack was eating his usual spicy Hawaiian.

“You sure you don’t want to try a piece?” he offered when he saw her glance at his pizza.

She grinned. “No, thanks. I’m all set.” She picked up a slice of her plain cheese and took a bite. Delicious, as usual.

“How are you really?” Jack asked softly and then added, “Roger misses you.”

“He does? I miss him, too.”

“His owner misses you a little, too.”

“It’s quiet with both of you gone. But I’ve been busy this week with my sister here.”

“It’s great to meet her. You definitely look like sisters. When is she going back?”

“I’m driving her to the airport tomorrow afternoon.”

“Do you have any plans tomorrow night?” Jack asked.

“No, none.” Melissa had been dreading going home after she dropped Melanie off. She knew the house was going to feel so empty again.

“Would you like to come over for dinner? I’m dying to show off my fancy new stove. I’ll make you my signature dish.”

Melissa was intrigued, and just excited to see Jack. “What’s that?”

“It’s a pasta dish. Chicken, artichokes, lemon, lots of butter and cheese.”

“What time?” she asked.

“How about seven?”

“Okay, I’ll see you then. What can I bring?”

Jack thought for a moment. “Nothing. Just bring yourself.”

“How about a bottle of wine.”

“You don’t have to, but if you do, it won’t go to waste.”

“What are you smiling about?” Melanie asked her quietly when Jack was talking to Bryan.

“Nothing. I’ll tell you on the way home.”

“Your friends are nice. I can see why you like it here so much.”

“They really are, aren’t they?” Melissa agreed.

Trivia started as they were finishing their pizza and it was a close game once again. They almost won, but blew the last question again. Fortunately, this time they had reserved a few points so they came in second place.

* * *

On the way home after trivia, they weren’t in the car a full minute before Melanie said, “So, spill. What did you look so happy about? I saw you chatting with Jack. It looked like it was going well.”

“He said he and Roger miss me. I’m going to his house for dinner tomorrow night.”

“Good. I didn’t get to talk to him long, but he seems nice and funny, too. I could tell by the way you looked at each other that there’s something there.”

“We’ll see.” Melissa didn’t want to get her hopes up too much.

“I had an interesting conversation with Wade, too. He gave me his card and said if I was ever serious about moving to Riston to call him about possibly managing the expansion of his fitness club.”

“Really? That would be awesome! Would you ever consider it? I would love to have you close by again.”

“I miss having you around the corner, too. It’s tempting. I’m going to think about it when I get back and then maybe give him a call to find out more about what he has in mind.”

“You know we often say everything happens for a reason. This seems tailor made for you. It could be a sign.”

“I know. I was thinking the same thing. It’s a big move, though. I’ve been at the health club in Boston for almost seven years.”

“Sleep on it. If it’s the right thing, you’ll know.”