“Oh, Marina, don’t be coy. I know those eyes. Those are the eyes Jordan used to give me.”

“Used to?” I raised my eyebrow at her.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“What subject?"

“Marina, I know what is going on between you two. I’m not worried. I know you are a good girl. You deserve an equally good man.”

“So you are playing matchmaker now?”

“You hardly need my help.” For that I had no response. I simply continued walking beside her. “Listen, Marina, I know he can seem shy at times, but I know he is interested. Please, don’t play with his emotions. I like you. I think you could be good for him.”

“Thank you, Georgette.” Just as I spoke, Jared looked back at us from where he was ahead. He was picking fruit from the salesman, testing for firmness and ripeness. He held a peach to his nose and inhaled, smiling. I watched the way his eyes glinted in the sunlight, the way his fingers stroked and gently squeezed the fruit, the way his face moved as he spoke and smiled and laughed. I thought I could be good for him.