Page 72 of Golden Rule

Seth’s brow furrows. “You used to come here?”

I nod, and I can envision it like it was yesterday. “Yeah, we grew up a few blocks away.”

There’s a look of surprise on his face, and right after, he looks me over, his gaze stopping on my expensive handbag.

“Never would’ve guessed it.”

“Yep.”

Seth’s eyes linger on me a little while longer, then he focuses on the gym again.

“Since this space is special to you, I’m thinking we don’t alter it too much. I mean, yeah, it’ll have to be gutted, and all new materials put in, but… I’m all for preserving a good space whenever possible.”

That wasn’t my original plan, but I like his idea much better. “Yeah, I think that works.”

He flashes a look my way, then nods. “Cool. Do you two mind if I walk around a bit more and take a few notes? I’ll come find you if I have more questions.”

“No, not at all! We’ll wait here.”

With that, Seth nods, then walks off, his steps echoing in the wide-open area.

I’m so enamored by this space, remembering all it used to be, that I miss how Scar’s focused on me. I catch her stare and do a doubletake.

“What?”

She arches a brow. “I’m not sure if he’s more interested in landing thisjobor landingyou.”

I’m laughing and rolling my eyes before she even finishes. “Shut up.”

“Just saying, bro’s hoping he gets to lay new floorsanda little pipe, if you know what I mean.”

I shove her this time. “So vulgar. Who the hell raised you?”

She shoots me a look, because we both know the answer to that question isme.

“Pandora’s gonna have a field day with this one,” Scar predicts. “I can see her post now:Hey, lovelies. #Newgirl was spotted in the company of a rugged hottie.”

Again, I roll my eyes. “If you think he’s so hot, you should make a move.”

“And accept being his second choice? No thanks.”

“Whatever. Just drop it before he hears you,” I whisper, glancing over my shoulder to make sure we don’t already have an audience.

“Yeah, yeah,” Scar sighs, grabbing my arm before resting her head on my shoulder.

She’s glancing around now, maybe recalling a memory from one of the many days we spent here.

“I’m proud of you. You could be doing anything else with your time, your money, but you’ve never let go of this dream to make South Cypress better.”

Her compliment warms my heart, and while I don’t lend much thought to how others might perceive my mission, it means a lot hearing those words coming from her.

“Thanks, kiddo.” She chuckles when I kiss the top of her hair like I used to do when she was younger. A feat that’s far more difficult now that she’s taller than me.

“I think I’m all set,” Seth says, and Scar and I turn on our heels to face him. “I’ve gotten a pretty good feel of the place, and I have the blueprint you had drawn up. I’ll need to get an electrician, a plumber, and a few others out to give me a couplequotes before I can submit a proposal to you. But I’ll email it over as soon as it’s all put together.”

“Cool,” I say, holding back a huge grin as I cross another hurdle. “Text if you or your team need to get back in to look around. I’ll pop over and let you guys in.”

Seth nods, and now that my messy sister has me on high alert, I’m aware of how his eyes sweep over me when he smiles.

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