Page 56 of Whatever You Want

“This house was the best investment I ever made,” I said, twirling my hair into a messy bun on top of my head.

He squinted at me through the bright sun. “You sure you’re doing okay financially?”

“Yes, Jeremy. Drew left us a good sized life insurance policy. Plus, I got a great deal when I sold our townhouse.”

He took his time looking around. “Drew would have loved this place.”

I hummed in agreement, unable to speak over the knot in my throat. He was right; Drew would’ve loved it. He was definitely on my mind when I signed the paperwork. Although, I’m not sure he would have been thrilled with the in-ground pool. He always thought they were too expensive and not worth the trouble for only using them four to five months out of the year.

“So, other than the house, what’s new?”

Now would be the time to tell him about Logan, so why couldn’t I get my mouth to cooperate?

“Not much.” I shifted in my seat. “How’s Beth doing? Have you guys set a date yet?”

Jeremy and Beth have been together for as long as I’ve known him. Whenever I would ask Drew why they never got married, he told me Jeremy had commitment issues. Well, no shit. It’s been twelve years. I’m not sure I could wait that long.

“If I didn’t know any better,” he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “I would think you’re trying to throw me off topic.”

I sighed; the man was too smart for his own good. Lord help his future children. I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms. I couldn’t believe we were going to have this conversation. Might as well just rip off the Band-Aid.

“I’m dating someone.”

He was quiet. Too quiet. Jeremy never had trouble making conversation. I could practically feel his brain shifting through our phone conversations and text messages, trying to remember if I had hinted at anything.

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.” He grabbed the back of his neck. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“Logan Blake, nice to meet you.” I sucked in a breath as Logan walked through the sliding glass door. I didn’t even hear his truck pull up in the driveway. My nerves spiked with how uncomfortable this could get.

They shook hands, and Logan took the empty seat next to me. Jeremy’s eyes narrowed when Logan placed his arm around my shoulder.

“Uncle Jeremy.” Madison came barreling through the backyard, breaking through the tension. “I finished the bag of candy you gave me.”

He shifted forward in his chair and ran his finger along her cheek. “I can see that. Did you happen to get any in your tummy?”

She giggled. “Yes, silly, and I shared with Brina.” She plopped down in his lap, making herself comfortable. “We’re going to swim in the pool. I can swim with my head under water now and no more floaties in the deep end.”

“Nice. Where did you learn that?” He gave Brina a little wave as she snacked on a bag of pretzels.

“Logan showed me. He’s a really fast swimmer too.”

I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but my own thoughts were running wild. This couldn’t have been easy for him, but hopefully, he would come around when he realized how good Logan was for us.

Jeremy scratched his chin. “I’ll have to bring my swim trunks next time I visit. Or,” he tickled her side, “maybe you and your mom could fly to see me in Colorado, and I can take you guys white water rafting.”

She twisted in his lap. “Yes, we can see grandma and grandpa too.”

Jeremy glanced at me briefly. He still had dinner with David and Karen once a month. He knew exactly what happened the last time they were in town. I wanted to ask how they were doing and if Karen still hated me, but I didn’t want to spend this visit talking about them.

“I’d bet they would love to see you.” He shifted her on his lap. “I’ll even make sure you and your mom get bumped up to first class again.”

“Is that the one with the big seats and good snacks?”

He smiled down at her. “Nothing but the best for my goddaughter.”

“Madison,” I cleared my throat, “why don’t you and Brina go upstairs and get your swimsuits on.”

She rested her head against his shoulder. “Are you going to be here when I come back down?”

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