Rewind It Back (Windy City, #5)(49)

“Obviously.” Her excited grin grows. “Thank you! Thank you!”

The eight of them move quickly, trying to get out the door before I change my mind.

Stevie plops a bag on my kitchen island, quickly explaining all the shit she brought in case the kids need it. Some books. Some stuffies. Some snacks, including little crustless PB&Js that I’m for sure going to eat myself.

They all kiss their kids goodbye, and Zanders gets a movie started on my television.

Kai stops at the door, turning back. “Max, you’re the oldest. You’re in charge. Keep an eye on Uncle Rio for us.”

Max giggles at his dad from the couch, while I secretly throw Kai the middle finger.

“On a real note, Rio, thank you for watching them,” he says. “Mills has been working her ass off between the two patisseries and she’s been looking forward to tonight all month. I would’ve hated for her to miss it.”

I shake him off. “Don’t mention it. You guys know I’d do anything for you.”

“And we’d all do the same for you.” He lightly knocks on the doorframe as he leaves.

Indy is the last out, with Ryan waiting on my porch for her, but I stop her before she reaches the door.

“Indy, honestly, do you think this is a good idea?”

“Good?” She tosses her head from side to side in contemplation.

“See! Child endangerment. I’ve only got two hands.”

“Are you really that worried about it? You’ve watched my two before, and we wouldn’t leave our kids with you if we were worried. You’ll be great. They all love you.”

“Four, Indy. There’s four of them.”

This knowing grin spreads on her lips. “You could always . . .” She shrugs. “I don’t know, call for backup? Word on the street is you’ve got a new neighbor. Any chance she’s good with kids?”





Chapter 14


Hallie


“Look at you!” I whistle as Wren joins me in the kitchen, cute outfit on, hair and makeup done. It’s a stark contrast from the too-busy student I typically find in the house. “Going on a hot date tonight?”

“Gross. No, I’m meeting up with my brother. His team is in town to play against the Devils tomorrow, so we’re grabbing dinner with one of his teammates tonight.”

She eyes the bowl in my hands. “I made pasta last night, you know. You’re welcome to eat the leftovers.”

Sitting at the kitchen island, I hold my bowl of cereal up, spoon and all. “I’m good.”

“Hallie, you ran out of milk yesterday and you’re eating that dry. Not to mention, it’s dinnertime. Please eat some of my food so I don’t have to watch you try to swallow down that dry-ass cereal.”

I do just that, attempting to swallow a sawdust-like bite. “I just need to run to the store for groceries.”

Once I can pay to have my car fixed, I remind myself.

She slips her phone into her purse. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re stubborn, Hallie Hart?”

“I prefer the term ‘determined.’ ”

I’ve gotten through so much worse over the last few years, all on my own, that this financial rough patch seems like nothing in comparison.

Wren huffs a laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure you do prefer the term ‘determined,’ but those leftovers are going to go to waste, so please eat them. You’re my friend. What’s mine is yours.”

The idea of warm, buttery pasta has my mouth watering, which is kind of needed because she wasn’t wrong about this cereal being dry as hell. Plus, Wren’s help feels less pitying than the financial handout Rio offered last night.

She leans her elbows on the kitchen island, facing me. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks. How are you? How’s Rio’s house project going?”

“It’s going. I’m working on the overall design concepts, so once those are approved, construction will begin.”

“Can I just say that I cannot believe you two have so much history? The stay-at-home moms who live on our street would go nuts with that kind of information. They all love Rio.”

I roll my eyes, muttering, “Yeah. I bet they do.”

“Jealous,” she teases.

“Not jealous in the slightest. We’re . . . friends.”

She bursts out a laugh. “You think you can be friends with that man? I woke up in the middle of the night to get water and caught him dropping you off. I saw the way he was looking at you. Friends, my ass.”

I refocus on my cereal. “Well, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She hums knowingly.

“What about you, Wilder?” I ask, pivoting. “Are you seeing anyone?”

“Nah.” She waves me off. “No point when I’m moving soon.”

“Have you ever dated while living in Chicago?”

“A few dates here and there. A short-term situationship last year, but I don’t think I ever let myself get invested in anyone because I always knew I’d be moving home eventually.”

“And back home, is there anyone there?”

A tick of a smile begins to lift on her mouth, but she brings her water bottle up to her lips to hide it.