Page 8 of Faking it with my Off Limits Neighbor

While I’ve always sent birthday cards, I’ll admit that I’ve lost track of my grandparents’ ages. Clearly, I missed Grandpa’s eightieth, given that he’s a few years older than Grandma.

“She’ll be so delighted to see you,” Mom gushes. “The whole family is going to be there, and I’m sure they’ll be delighted, too.”

Internally, I groan. Not because I don’t want to see my extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. But I’m only just back, and Grandma’s birthday is in less than two weeks. The idea of seeing everyone so soon, before I’ve even had a chance to find my footing, perturbs me. Mainly because there will be a million and one questions flying from all directions. I’ve passed that phase in my life where I enjoy being the center of attention. That was the old me. The new me just wants to settle down and concentrate on my business.

After lunch, I announce that I need to get back and finish unpacking.

Dad shoves his hand in his pocket; after lifting something out of it, he throws it over to me. I catch the keys to his truck.

Wide-eyed, I stare at him. “The truck?”

“I don’t need it, and I figured, if you needed to collect stuff for the restaurant, the pickup would be your best option,” Dad replies.

I’m still blown away. He loves that truck. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything.” Dad smirks. “Just keep her between the ditches.”

After thanking him, we arrange to leave the rental car here to be picked up by the company. I hug everyone again, and I’m about to turn toward the door when Milly says, “What are you doing tonight?”

I shrug. “Not much.”

“Oh, good. I’ve booked us a table at Withering’s. I’m taking you to dinner as a welcome home present.”

I pull a face. “That’s too much, Milly. Besides—”

“Besides nothing,” she bluntly interrupts. “I’m taking you, and that’s the end of it. Think about it. It’ll give you a chance to check out the local competition. Anyway, I’ve already paid a deposit, so if you don’t go, I’m going to be out of pocket.”

I grin at her. “Still the manipulative little minx you’ve always been.”

“Yep,” Dad says. “That hasn’t changed one bit.”

I hug Mom and Dad again, telling them I’ll see them in a few days, and then Milly walks me to Dad’s truck by the side of the house.

“I need to have a word with you,” I say as we reach the driver’s door.

Milly gazes up at me, trying too hard to look innocent.

“When were you going to tell me?” I ask.

“Tell you what?” she says, her eyebrows high on her forehead as she struggles to keep her face straight.

I give her a playful scowl. “You know well what. Why didn’t you mention that Charlotte Woods—Charlie,” I correct myself, “lives next door? I got the shock of my life this morning.”

“You guys have spoken already?”

“Yes. Though I’m not sure whether you could call me standing there with my mouth wide open in stunned silence ‘speaking,’” I counter.

This sends Milly into a fit of giggles.

“It’s not funny,” I protest, trying hard to sound annoyed but failing miserably. I can’t be annoyed at Milly. It’s like she has some magic power that quashes that particular emotion in me wherever she’s concerned. “Some warning would’ve been nice, Milly.”

She caves then, and she looks guilty. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just—everything happened so fast. Charlie said exactly the same thing when…” She trails off, realizing her mistake when she sees my astonished face.

“She talked to you?”

Milly shrugged remorsefully. “She wasn’t happy with me, either.”

I huff a sigh. It’s not the worst situation in the world, but it’s certainly not a circumstance I would have chosen. In truth, I haven’t really got my head around the whole thing yet. Eventually, I just nod. “Well, I suppose it’s done now.”

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