Page 77 of Even Ground

“I’d like that.” I smile.

“Me too.” She smacks her lips together. “Want to watch some TV together?”

“I’d love to.”

I grab the remote and turn on the television before snuggling back against my pillows. We used to do this over the phone, but now it’s a comfort to have my bestie on the other end of our Skype call while we kick back.

But my mind is not on whatever’s on the television. Without even meaning to, Delaney just confirmed that Reece isn’t with Gabby in any way. And it shouldn’t, but it makes my heart sing.

Maybe I’m a fool to think he’d want more than friendship from me. When we kissed, we’d just spent two weeks in each other’s company, almost exclusively for the first week. It was a different world to the one I usually live in.

My heart wants more.

My head tells me it meant nothing.

But that little bit of information about him gives me hope. Even if it shouldn’t.

17

Reece

I don’t know why I still come here.

I’ve kept up the tradition every year since my grandmother died. I’m not even really that sure why I never sold the house, but it’s the last home I had before I moved to LA for my acting classes and career.

Tucked away in the Mariposa County hills in Northern California is the house that’s been the closest thing to home I ever had—until I found my Hawaiian getaway.

I open the door and take a deep breath. There’s a note on the kitchen counter, and I pick it up and smile.

Reece,

Mac and cheese is in the fridge as usual. Call us if you need anything.

Merry Christmas,

Marcy and Joel

While I only visit over Christmas, the rest of the year the property is maintained by Joel and Marcy Jackson, who live down in the township. Just like every other year, Marcy’s made sure I have plenty of supplies to get through my time here.

And every year she leaves a huge dish of mac and cheese for me. There’s no point in cooking much for Christmas when it’s just me, and this will last me the next couple of days.

Opening the fridge makes me think of Delaney.

“What are you doing for Christmas?” she asks.

Josh grips my shoulder. “Reece always travels to see his parents for Christmas.”

Her mouth falls open. “Oh, of course. I didn’t think. When are we going to get to meet your parents?”

I swallow hard. “I’m pretty protective of them.”

“I’ve never met them. One day …” Josh drops his hand. “We’re going away for Christmas.”

I look between him and Delaney. “Where are you going?”

“New Zealand.” Delaney smiles. “We’re going to spend some time at our house there. You’re welcome to join us.”

It’s tempting. So tempting. For the first time ever, I’m torn. They’ll see Pania, and I want to see her. But I have an annual commitment to meet. I made a promise a few years ago that’s important for me to keep.

---