“All I’m saying is that if I didn’t already have a date tonight, I’d be running upstairs to borrow a cup of sugar—if you know what I mean.”

“You can’t make a man be something he’s not.” She shrugged. “If a guy doesn’t make me happy, he’s gone.

“You can’t make someone change if he doesn’t want to,” she said, her tone uncharacteristically sober. After a long pause, she finally pushed off the doorjamb with her hip. “Life’s short. You need to implement a one-strike-and-you’re-out dating policy. That’s all I’m saying.”

I glanced back at the bid sheet, thinking I could really use a day at the spa to chill me out. But I’d used my credit card so much lately it should’ve melted. Sigh.

“We support you no matter what your decision is, but we believe in your talent and want you to be happy in your career.”

“I thought you didn’t date guys more than once.” “No, my rule is that I date a guy until I’m bored. It’s not my fault that’s usually after the first date.”

“Brace yourself. You’re about to see how much better life can be with a partner.”

The room had been cold and plain before. Now, it felt warm and welcoming, making me want to curl up with a novel in the antique accent chair I’d found at a consignment store.

My stomach churned as I gaped at her hand on his forearm. Was physical touch really necessary during an interview? Every part of me screamed to remove her hand myself. Not that I was territorial or anything.

“We had only met once.” His eyes locked on mine. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

I’d worked so hard to keep my life organized and practical. Then, in one day, a tornado had hit and everything was spinning out of control.

“Wish I could bottle your expression. I’d love to see that smile every day.”

People help each other, and maybe you’re not used to that. But that’s what people do when they care about each other.”

“You can only push somebody away so many times before they don’t come back.”

“Art’s a nice hobby, dear.” Mom’s mouth pursed. “But you need a real job with a steady income.”

“The way you decorate isn’t rational. It’s passionate, warm, and vibrant—like you. Maybe it’s time that you accept that you’re fabulous and stand up for yourself.”

“No matter what comes, you’re up at dawn, ready to take on the challenge of a new day. You make life better. Me, I run at sunset, holding everything in, just waiting for the day to end.”

“You’re the sunshine in everyone’s life, and you can’t even see it. You give to others all day long, holding back what you want until late in the evening when you finally allow yourself an hour to run. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”