Page 91 of Housebroke

“Thanks, bro. So what’s up with you? How’s the renovation going?”

“It’s going great.” He filled Warren in on where he was in the process.

“Sounds like it’s moving along. It won’t be long before you’re done and ready to move on to the next project.”

“Yeah.” He really didn’t want to think about that. Not yet. Just the mere thought of it made his stomach drop.

“And how’s Hazel and her dogs?”

“She’s... fine.”

“Uh-oh. ‘Fine’ doesn’t sound great. What’s going on there?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t exactly know. She’s being... not herself. Not angry or anything, but... distant.”

“Did you do something wrong?”

“No. And that’s what’s bothering me. Things between us were going great, and then suddenly she’s started pulling back. I don’t exactly know what to do about it.”

“You could try talking to her, telling her what you’ve noticed. And have you told her how you feel about her? Howdoyou feel about her?”

“I have feelings. Deep feelings.”

“Did you tell her that?”

“Not exactly.”

He heard Warren’s derisive laugh. “Which means you haven’t told her shit. Tell her how you feel, Linc.”

He leaned forward and dragged his fingers through his hair. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

“Then you’ll know. Isn’t it better knowing?”

“No. The one time I tried to tell a woman how I felt it blew up in my face.”

Warren’s voice softened. “She wasn’t the right person. And ever since it’s been one wrong woman after another. So maybe you’ve found the right one this time?”

“I dunno. Maybe.”

He heard Warren’s sigh. “I think you might be surprised by Hazel. I got a really good vibe from her when we met her. Give her a chance. Open up to her.”

“Okay. I’ll try. Hey, thanks, Warren.”

“That’s what I’m here for. I’m always right.”

“Wow. Does that bullshit work in court?”

Warren laughed. “Hell yeah, it does. I gotta go. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Later.”

He felt immensely better and a lot more positive after his conversation with Warren. And maybe Warren was right. Money didn’t ever seem to be an issue with Hazel other than her wanting to make it for herself, not looking for someone to provide it for her. They were on the same page on a lot of things, and the rest of it? They’d have to talk about it so they could work it out.

No, they would work it out.

Now he just had to hope that spike of positivity carried over when he talked to Hazel.

Penny came over and plopped a paw on his knee. He smoothed his hand over her head.

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