“Maybe you should,” Theresa agreed, and they both laughed.

Deanna picked from the stack and discarded a seven of spades. “Have you been dating at all?”

“Not really. Not since Matt What’s-his-name told me he didn’t want a woman with children.”

Deanna scowled for a moment. “Sometimes men can be real jerks, and he was a perfect example. He’s the kind of guy whose head belongs mounted on a wall with a plaque that reads ‘Typical Egocentric Male.’ But they aren’t all like that. There are lots of real men out there—men who could fall in love with you at the drop of a hat.”

Theresa picked up the seven and discarded a four of diamonds. “That’s why I like you, Deanna. You say the sweetest things.”

Deanna picked from the stack. “It’s true, though. Believe me. You’re pretty, you’re successful, you’re intelligent. I could find a dozen men who would love to go out with you.”

“i’m sure you could. But that doesn’t mean that I would like them.”

“You’re not even giving it a chance.”

Theresa shrugged. “Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean I’ll die alone in some boardinghouse for old maids later in life. Believe me, I’d love to fall in love again. I’d love to meet a wonderful guy and live happily ever after. I just can’t make it a priority right now. Kevin and work take all my time as it is.”

Deanna didn’t reply for a moment. She threw down a two of spades.

“I think you’re scared.”

“Scared?”

“Absolutely. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I know how much David hurt you, and I know I’d be frightened of the same thing happening again if it were me. It’s human nature. Once burned, twice shy, the old saying goes. There’s a lot of truth in that.”

“There probably is. But I’m sure if the right man comes along, I’ll know it. I have faith.”