Page 56 of The Roommate Remodel

“Really?” I hope my face doesn’t look as flabbergasted as I feel. “Thanks, Alex.”

“Why don’t you tell the team and start making plans this week?” She wraps an arm around my shoulder as we walk back to the bus. “You’re going to be a busy girl. No time for fun.” She gives me a sidelong glance, like this is some kind ofmother knows bestlecture.

The busier I am, the less time I have to focus on anything else but my job. And that includes Brax.

For the rest of the week, Alex’s words come true. I’m too busy to spend time with Brax because I’m swamped with work. That’s not all bad. At least I’m not thinking about Brax as much as normal. Which is too much these days.

My phone buzzes with a text from Mia, who I’ve not heard from in months.

Mia:When were you going to tell me that my brothers are rooming at your place?

Jaz:I didn’t know your brothers were even playing for the Crushers. I knew it would freak you out.

Mia:I am appropriately freaked out.

Jaz:Everything is under control. Promise.

Mia:*says the girl as her house goes up in flames.* You know this is a bad idea, right?

The knock at my door yanks me back to the present, and I swivel around to see a hulking silhouette fill the doorway of my office.

“Vale?” I squint, noticing his long hair swept away from his face.

“Are you busy?” he asks.

“Not too busy for you.” I flip my phone over so he won’t see his sister’s text. Then I pat the extra wooden chair and invite him to sit.

He glances around. “They should really give you a bigger space. I can barely fit in here.”

“One perk of being new.” I shrug. “At least getting the closet under the stairs makes me feel like Harry Potter.”

“Alex doesn’t know what she’s got in you. Have you seen the press we’re getting about the elementary school visits? The local media is loving this.”

I smile and can feel the blush hit my cheeks. It feels good to be complimented on my job, especially since Alex hasn’t mentioned the media coverage. She’s too caught up in her own plans with the new sports complex.

“So what’s up?” I ask, leaning back in my chair. “Because I’m sure you didn’t stop by just to tell me you’re enjoying volunteering.”

“Do I have to have a reason to visit you?” he asks with a playful smirk. “Can’t I just pop in to have a pleasant chat?”

I narrow my eyes. “Yes, except you never have before.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “Okay, fine. I want to talk about my brother.”

Join the club.

“Brax?” I ask, as if I don’t already know.

“Do I have another brother?”

“Not that I know of.” I grab a pen and twirl it around my fingers. Apparently, a lot of people want to talk about Brax lately.

Vale rubs his hands together. “I’m sure you’ve noticed that he’s not big on expressing himself.”

“I thought he liked being a mystery,” I note.

“I’m not sure he wants to be a mystery when it comes toyou.” Vale levels his gaze at me, and the gravity in his voice makes me fumble my pen.

“I can’t guess what’s in his head. If Brax wants to tell me something, then he should just say it.”

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