Instead, Nell met Howie’s level blue gaze and smiled. “Thanks. And same with you. That lanky frame of yours has really filled out.” “Lots of determination.” The bartender set four bottles of Sam Adams in front of her. She handed one to Howie, picked up hers and tapped the neck against his. “Here’s to determination. Gets us far in life.” “Why haven’t you told Eli the truth?” “Well, it’s really not so complicated. I didn’t want him to remember ‘Penny.’ I’ve been Nell since I left town.” Howie took a long drink from his bottle and nodded. “I like it. Fits you. Yeah, Eli was one of those guys back then. I can understand your reasoning.” “It’s not like I planned on getting cozy with him or anything. When I went into that auction and saw so many familiar faces, everything, all those ugly memories came back, and smacked me in the face.
