"I twisted Cade's arm to get him to come out here with me for a picnic lunch." She picked up the blanket. "I'd better get this stuff back into the house before it's crawling with ants."
With that, she left them alone. Hopefully Mary wouldn't be too angry with him. Mary had never been the jealous type, but then, where love was concerned, people changed.
She had barely finished putting the things away when Mary knocked on the kitchen door.
"Come in. It's open," Cynthia called.
Mary entered the kitchen and frowned. "Why did you go running off like that? Did I interrupt something?"
Cynthia blushed again. "No. We were finished with lunch and having a discussion about the pond."
Mary smiled knowingly. "The pond? Is that all?"
Cynthia shrugged. "No, if you must know, he was trying to encourage me to get out and date. I think he wants me out of the house so he can bring someone home."
Mary quirked a brow. "And that doesn't bother you?"
"No, why should it?"
Mary threw her hands in the air. "Oh yes. I forgot for a minute. There's nothing going on here."
Cynthia frowned. "That's right - nothing but honest work."
Mary shrugged. "Whatever. I came out here to enjoy your company, not argue with you. So, how's scruffy doing?"
Cynthia grabbed the opportunity to change the subject.
"He's a regular pet now. And he's getting as fat as a hog on all the table scraps."
They talked for several hours and when Mary left, Cade was nowhere in sight. Had Mary accused him as well? He came in for supper and ate in silence. After supper he went to his room with a book. The evening was young and she had ruined his chance to spend it with Mary. She had to get out some so he could have a life.