Bear of Interest by Unknown

even $5,000 for the new car?”
    “Liam that’s more than generous.”
    He raised his hand. “You work with Trent, Cole’s vouched for you, and so that’s the price. And don’t offend me with any higher counteroffers.”
    “Okay, you have yourself a deal.”
    “Are you guys ready to eat because I’m starving?” shouted Lucy.
    “We’ll be right there,” said Cole.
    He put his hand on the small of Sam’s back as they walked across the yard. Lucy had set up the picnic table on the grass between their house and his rented cottage.
    “I hope everyone likes quiche and potato salad,” said Sam as they all sat down.
    “I love it,” said Lucy.
    She cut it into slices and then passed the platter around.
    It wasn’t one of Cole’s favorite things but he didn’t admit to it. “Did you make this?” he asked.
    Sam shook her head. “Nope, the kitchen and I are not the best of friends.”
    “You do know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” asked Liam.
    “I…”
    “He’s giving you a hard time so ignore him,” said Lucy.
    “Whoever made this it’s great,” said Cole.
    “We have to head out to Sam’s softball game in about an hour so you can show Sam the cottage and please take note of the interior design,” said Lucy.
    “It’s what Lucy does for a living,” said Cole.
    “Really.”
    “I’ve had no training, no prior experience but I love it so if you know anyone who would like a consultation put a word in for me.”
    “I’ll certainly do that,” said Sam.
    “She’s great. It’s what sold me on renting the cottage,” said Cole.
    “Have you thought about buying one of Brady’s new condos when they finally get finished?” asked Liam.
    “No because I doubt he’d even sell me one. He’s a nemesis from school,” Cole told Sam.
    Liam laughed. “Brady is filthy rich, the most competitive guy you’re likely to meet and gets what he wants and these two, well I think they should have their own reality show.”
    “He’s also a sweetheart underneath that tough business exterior,” added Lucy.
    “You’d say that because he hired you,” said Cole. “Maybe fatherhood will take the edge off his gruffness.”
    “So you all went to school here?” asked Sam.
    “Most of us. Me and Brady were in the same class. Liam, weren’t you in Dane’s year?” asked Cole.
    “Sure was, and his first wife Lucinda was in our class too. Danny went to school with Christopher Renner.”
    “And Trent?” asked Sam.
    “I think he was a year behind me,” said Cole.
    “Wow, it must be so nice keeping in touch and hanging out with your school buddies,” said Sam.
    “And you didn’t?”
    She shook her head. “Like I said I moved around a lot.”
    Liam looked at his watch. “We have to get moving because we’ll miss the start of Sam’s game and we’ll never hear the last of it.”
    Lucy began clearing the things away. Cole stopped her. “I can do that, you go get ready.”
    “You sure?” asked Lucy.
    “I can help too,” said Sam.
    “Okay, and we’ll probably see you again when you pick up the car.”
    Sam liked this, maybe liked it a little too much. Being with people and socializing. Something she’d tried to avoid. That concrete barrier she’d worked so hard to construct around herself could be in danger of crumbling. It had started to get chipped away when she’d had a date with Cole.
    “You want to come and see my place? Lucy’s got talent if you ever want to hire her.” asked Cole.
    She looked up seeing him standing at the door of his place, shaking his head for her to go ahead of him. Every minute she spent with him that concrete barrier would be in danger of another piece being chipped away. Once it was gone, what would be there to save her, protect her from the outside world?
    Take your first step, Sam.
    She walked toward the door and stepped over the threshold. He was right. The place looked wonderful. The hallway led to a living room and kitchen. The beige colors were