Page 68 of Audiophile

Amanda chokes. “You’re not planning to move there together? You wanted out. Reed, it’s only been days!”

“Of course not,” I lie. I hadn’t planned on it. But now that she’s put the idea in my head…maybe there’s somewhere Petra and I could both be happy in the future. “I don’t want to live there, and she wouldn’t want to live here if I stayed.”

“You’re already contemplating the long term. Can’t you just date her and worry about the rest later? What if you get bored in a couple months?”

I laugh before I can hold it in. It’s not a question for me. I’ve never been surer about connecting with someone.

“Be reasonable,” Amanda scolds. “You’re jumping into the deep end right after you drowned! You need tolearnand not repeat the past.”

My hackles rise, unreasonably defensive. I don’t care if she’s right; I want her on my side. “Sure. Pretend you weren’t planning your wedding after your second date.”

“I was nineteen and innowhere, Iowa!” she yells. “Of course I was! You’re a grown-ass man with your own thriving business.”

“I’m closing DKP.”

“Jesus Christ!” she yells. “Because of a girl you’ve known for a week?Sorry, honey, Mommy’s okay.”

“No. It’s nothing to do with Petra. She wants me to love whatever I do.” The rest of my words gouge like broken glass in my throat. “But I know Kinley takes whatever new audio there is and makes it about her. She’s warped enough to let it feed her fantasy. Do you know what that’s like? To have someone stalk you and assault you, and then be able to fantasize and fetishize you because of your work?”

There’s a long pause. Amanda hiccups, a sign she’s holding back tears, and guilt sears through my chest. “You’re right. You have so many incredible talents, and you built DKP from the ground up. You know how to do it again. I know you can.”

“I’ve got options, but I have decisions to make.” And Petra’s a big one. “I know I’m crazy, Manda.”

“Love is crazy,” Amanda grudgingly admits. “And makes us do crazy things. But I want to meet her before you do anything too stupid.”

“Too late for that,” I joke, hoping it lightens her mood. It doesn’t work.

“Come home. Just for a little while. To remember that you have a whole bunch of people here who love you. You don’t need a woman to be complete. Okay?”

It’s not a terrible idea. I miss Amanda, the kids, and Mom. It would be healthier for Petra and I than just diving in headfirst. If nothing else, we’d see how our instant chemistry adjusts to change and distance. “I can do that. Will you pick me up from the airport? I’ll leave my car here.”

“Sure you’ll go back?”

I’m glad Amanda can’t see my smirk. Just because I’m giving Petra and I space to grow doesn’t mean I’m reconsidering. “I mightwantto live out here. Portland is a hell of a lot cheaper than Los Angeles. I’ll book a flight and text you the info. Love you, Amanda.”

“Love you too.”

I hang up, and when I check my email, there are several from Isaac. There are multiple offers waiting for me, including a cash offer that makes my eyebrows climb up my forehead. He’s either a beyond-fantastic realtor, or it’s truly a seller’s market. There’s a clock ticking down to a decision, and I hope I’m making the right one.

“Hey, Isaac,” I say once he answers his phone. “Is that number for real?”

“Reed! Yep. It’s a couple with new money. The wife invented some software a few years ago, and now they’re ready for the next step. House, kids, the works.”

I blow out a harsh breath. “That’s a lot of money.”

“Should we accept it?” he asks.

“Yes.” The word comes barreling out. I’ve wanted to say it for months. I won’t have to step foot there again, and Kinley won’t know where to find me. I roll my shoulders back, lighter than before.

“Done!” Isaac says, enthusiastic. His commission is going to be a hefty chunk of change. “Now, let’s talk about buying. I sent some listings for San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago. How’re those going? Finding anything?”

I sigh. “They’re all fine, but I don’t know what I want anymore. I need a bedroom and an office for recording, but do I want guestrooms? Do I want Portland or San Diego? Do I want to live there for a year, or five, or ten?”

Do I want a beautiful kitchen in which Petra and I fumble our way through dinner together? A shower that’s perfect for pinning her to the wall under the spray? It’s too early to factor Petra in, but how could I not?

“Does it have to be either/or?” Isaac asks. “This offer is twice as much as a bigger house in the suburbs of Portland. You could easily buy a place there, and that house Iknowyou love on Citrus. Whichever way life goes, you’ll have a place to stay while renting the other to pay the mortgage.”

He’s right. I love the house in San Diego County. I love its bright, hacienda style, with high ceilings and extra rooms for a studio, guests, or kids. The huge outdoor area surrounds a pool with crystal blue water where we could have family barbecues. I could have both, a back-up plan, and a passive income. “That’s genius.”

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