Page 39 of Stealing Home

“It’s nice to meet you in the flesh. Thank you for having me.”

“Let’s go sit down in the living room.” Heather says and we follow her into the room.

I sit down on the love seat and Dani and Heather sit on the couch.

“What’s new woman?” I ask Dani.

“Honestly, not much. Just started dating someone.”

“You, ma’am are in so much trouble! When did this happen? We Facetimed last week.” I say while pointing at her with my eyes squinting.

“After we spoke. We had been texting and calling, but we finally went out on a date.”

“And?!”

“And I enjoyed myself. We are going out again on Sunday.”

“What’s his name, what does he do and where’s he from?” Heather asks.

“His name is Roger. He’s a firefighter in New York City and it’s also where he was born and raised.”

“Get it girl!” Heather says.

“Thank you! Since Heather’s married, I don’t have to ask her. But Ms. Adriana has anyone caught your eye since moving?”

“Oh yes, Adriana has anyone?” Heather sasses.

“I plead the fifth.”

“Yeah, I think not, bitch. Spill the tea now!” Dani says sternly.

“Fine. Yes, there is a guy that caught my eye. But I’m not ready. I don’t know if I want to open myself up to that yet.” I take a second and then continue. “ Do I think about it? How can I not with being around the lovebirds all time? Do I trust that any manisn’t going to break my heart again yet? Fuck no. Do I think this guy would? I’d say the chances are slim because of who he is. I just think I need more time. Or something. I don’t know.”

“Adri, I say this with all the love. Buck the fuck up. I know Toby broke your heart. But look at you since it’s happened. You’ve moved clear across the country. It seems you are kicking ass in the job department and you’re rebuilding your life without him to include some pretty kick ass people.’ Dani says.

“I know. I’m super thankful. Life is turning around. I just don’t know if I could deal with that loss again.”

“Wait, who is the guy?” Dani asks.

“My brother-in-law.” Heather says as a matter-of-factly.

“Cole Evans?”

“Yup, and let me tell you. He’s into her too.” Heather answers before I can.

“Oh, is he?”

“Yup, look at these pictures.” Heather says and scoots over to show Dani what’s on her phone.

“OMG, look at how cute they are! Oh, that’s precious!” Dani says

“They? The picture I saw was of just me.”

“That one was. Check your phone.”

I pull my phone from my pocket and sure enough, there is a text from Heather. I open it up and there is a picture from when we were watching a movie at his place. It’s me sleeping with Cole’s hoodie on and he has an arm wrapped around me. It really is adorable.

“Boss lady, why do you do this to me? Does he have a copy of this one, too?” I ask her.