Five Years and Still Second Best

When Austin James refused to peel shrimp for me again, I calmly told him we were done.

He frowned, irritated.

"Over something this small? Nora Sullivan, you know I'm severely allergic to shrimp. I can't even touch them."

Yes. I knew.

Five years ago, when he confessed to me, he'd smiled and said,

"Nori, you're allergic to seafood too. We were made for each other."

Five years later, at Skylar Henson's welcome-home dinner.

Right in front of me, Austin peeled shrimp, one after another, without stopping.

Skylar dipped her head, shy.