“Cami’s college fund appreciates the donation.”
I clasp onto her wrist, and the warmth of her skin bleeds into mine. “You wouldn’t need a swear jar anymore if you agree to sell the house.”
She stares off into the distance.
I can practically taste victory, so I pull out my wild card. “You could open that bakery you’ve always dreamed about.”
She releases a shuddery breath as she looks away, and I think for the first time since I came to Lake Wisteria, I’m finally winning.
Only because you’re using her dreams against her.
Is that what I’m doing? Or am I simply reminding her what she must have forgotten over the years?
She shakes her head, her vision turning clearer as she comes back to reality. “No. I’d rather play it safe and save the money for a house and whatever Cami might need over the years.”
“Play it safe? What happened to the girl who would act first and think later?”
“I grew up, Cal.” She grabs the swear jar and places it back on top of the fridge.
“So what? Growing up doesn’t mean giving up on all your dreams.”
“I didn’t give up. I just realized I’d rather make someone else’s dreams come true a lot more than my own.”
“What does that even mean?”
She pulls her stack of papers into her arms and retrieves her red pen. “I don’t expect someone like you to understand.”
My heart threatens to shrivel up. “Someone like me?”
“Someone who always chooses himself.”
As if her words didn’t do enough damage, the look on her face lands a killer blow.
She takes a deep breath. “I accept your offer on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I want to have the final say in whoever buys the house.”
I scoff. “Why? So you can make it impossible for anyone to buy it?”
She can’t even look me in the eyes, which only adds to the hollowness in my chest.
“Because I want to make sure whoever owns it next loves my home as much as I do.”
I instantly feel like a dick for thinking the worst about her. “Lana—”
Her nostrils flare. “Yes or no, Callahan?”
And now we’re back to Callahan.
Lovely.
I nod. “You get the final say, so long as you’re not vetoing potential buyers for no good reason.”
Hopefully I don’t end up regretting my choice.
Lana
I’m starting to wonder if you have a shopping addiction.
She sends me a photo of a box waiting on the porch. I bolt off the couch, scaring Merlin, who wiggles his way underneath the TV stand.
Be there in a few.
My excitement grows with each step I take across the property toward the main house.
Lana stands on the porch, waving at the red-headed mailman as he drives off.
I walk up the steps. “Do you know him?”
“Ernie? Yeah. He’s Isabelle’s son.”
My brows rise. “I’m surprised my packages have arrive undamaged then.”
“Me too. He’s not too happy with you given the thirty packages delivered here in the last few days alone.”
“This is the best one yet.” I lift the heavy box into my arms.
She peeks at the cardboard box. “What is it?”
“A Kees van der Westen Speedster.”
Her brows pull together.
“It’s an espresso machine,” I clarify. Caffeine, Adderall, and I don’t usually mix well. But now that I’m working until late, long after my medicine wears off, I need a little pick-me-up in the afternoons.
She snorts. “Sounds like the name of a car.”
“And costs about the same as a cheap one too.” I give the box a loving pat.
Her eyes widen. “How much did you pay for it?”
“I don’t remember. Twenty thousand, give or take with tax? Why? Do you want one?”
The color drains from her face. “You spent twenty thousand bucks on an espresso machine?”
“I have needs, Lana.”
“So do I, but that’s worth more than half of my yearly salary!”
I rock back on my sneakers. “I know it sounds excessive…”
“That’s because it is.”
“Forgive me for enjoying the finer things in life.”
“It’s your money, so do what you want with it. I’m just surprised anyone would spend that kind of cash on coffee.” Then let us hope she never finds out how much I spent on the new mattress, bed linens, and couch in the guesthouse.
“Please. This is nothing. Wait until you see the state-of-the-art grill I bought.”
She blinks. “You bought a grill knowing you’re only going to be here temporarily?”
“Of course. I thought maybe I could tempt you into making some of your mom’s carne asada one of these days.”
Her mouth drops open.
“It’s a really fancy grill with all the bells and whistles and stuff most chefs drool over. I swear you’ll love it.”
She opens her mouth, only for it to slam shut.
I rub at the back of my neck. “I can cook for you too, although I can’t promise it will be half as good.”
“You would cook for me?”
“You and Cami,” I correct.
Something flashes in her eyes before disappearing.
“You— We…” She rubs her temple in small circles. “You know what? I’m going to wipe this entire conversation from my brain.”
“What did I say?” I reach out for her hand, only to have her step away before I have a chance.
“Nothing. I’ve got to go get Cami ready for her dance class.” Lana disappears back into the house, leaving me to wonder what I said wrong this time.
Story of your life.
I’m bored.
I bounce the tennis ball against the ceiling while I wait for Iris to reply to my message. With the contractor and his team already fixing up the exterior of the house, including replacing the roof, vinyl siding, and old windows, I have nothing else to occupy my time.
Lake Wisteria doesn’t have many options for entertainment. Unless I want to drive thirty minutes away to go see a movie, I am stuck with either bowling by myself, hanging out at the park on the other side of the lake, or spending the rest of my day online shopping.
My phone vibrates against the couch.
Iris
Have you tried picking up a new hobby?
You mean one besides staring at myself in the mirror?
Iris
I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not.
Let’s keep it a mystery.
Iris
What about knitting?
Hell no.
Iris
Crocheting?
…
Iris
Reading a book?
Hmm. I haven’t read much since I was a kid, but that seems like a better option than attempting to create something with a ball of yarn.
Any recommendations?
Iris
Let’s ask Zahra.
Iris follows up with a message in the group chat I share with the two of them.
Iris
Do you have any book recommendations for Cal?
I throw my ball against the ceiling as I wait for Zahra to answer.
Zahra
What do you like?
The opposite of whatever you read.
Zahra
No romance. Got it.
My phone starts pinging from her texts of recommendations. I pull up my notes app and type out her suggestions before leaving the guesthouse.