Page 86 of All My Heart

“I appreciate that.” Something my mom instilled in him when we were younger was that I was to be respected and given privacy. It was no small feat with six brothers and only one bathroom between us.

When I was a teenager, Dad added a second bathroom for just me. He'd done special things for me. The things he could do. I wasn't destined to work in the family's construction business. My work was needed on the houses they couldn't get to.

Cooper waved a hand at the house. “When Hudson gets wind of this, he'll probably stop by and give his opinion.”

My lips pressed into a straight line. “Which I don't need.”

Cooper winked at me. “When has that ever stopped Huds?”

“Never,” I said with a smile.

He tipped his head in my direction. “Merry Christmas, little sister.”

“Merry Christmas.” It was then I realized I'd left my holiday lights in Maryland. But I had some at the apartment. I'd stay up late decorating the porch. That would give me something I could do. I'd continue working on the wallpaper in the morning.

I drove to my apartment still in my work clothes of a T-shirt and leggings. It was a nice night, but I was sweaty from holding the wallpaper machine above my head.

When I got to the apartment, someone was sitting on the steps in front of my door.

Rex stood as I approached.

“What are you doing here?” I just wanted to grab my lights and get back to my house. The novelty of it hadn't worn off.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I wanted to apologize.”

I laughed without any humor. “Apology accepted. Now I have work to do.”

I unlocked the door and pushed inside, knowing my boxes of lights were in the hall closet. I got them out, stacking them on top of each other.

“I thought we could talk,” Rex said tentatively from where he stood in the doorway.

I frowned, then grabbed two of the boxes to carry outside to my car. “I thought we just did.” I set them on the ground then opened the trunk, noting that I'd need to get a truck.

“I heard you bought a house.”

“Yeah, I'm renovating it,” I said absentmindedly as I put the boxes in the trunk, then walked inside to get more.

Unfortunately, Rex followed me. “You've always wanted to flip a place.”

“Yup.” I let the P pop, wondering why he was still hanging around. When I got the last of the boxes inside the trunk with no help from Rex, I turned to face him. “I don't know what you want, but I'm busy, and I don't really care.”

He winced. “Ouch.”

“You cheated on me, and I moved on. I don't care why. I'm happy.” Even if Axel was in Maryland and hadn't declared any feelings for me, I'd be okay. I was living out my dreams. Finally.

My family was starting to understand me. I was excited about the future, and it didn't include Rex.

“I just thought you'd want to talk.” His voice wavered, his eyes were wide as he watched me.

I laughed because I didn't. Not at all. “Bye, Rex. Have a good life.” I wasn't afraid of his effect on me anymore. I didn't have time for him.

I got into my car and drove to my house. My beach cottage. I wondered if my followers would want to watch me put up lights in my new place. I set up the phone on a tripod, added lighting, and hit Record.

“It's Christmas Eve, and I thought this place should have some lights. I left my other ones in Maryland at the cabin. And this place could use the holiday cheer. What do you think?” I got to work, knowing I'd check the comments and emojis later. As I worked and talked about what Christmas was like in a beach town, the more people who were watching me live increased. When I was done, I showed them the full effect, and said, “Merry Christmas Eve from Florida.”

I wondered if Axel was watching, but concluded he wouldn't. He didn't even have a social media app on his phone. Besides, we were temporary, and he'd clearly moved on.

It hurt, but I had the cottage to focus on and my new life. I trusted myself to create everything I'd ever wanted.

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