Page 28 of Corrupt Idol

“Don’t be so touchy, Vi. I’m talking to your brother, not your boyfriend.”

She looked out the window. “Yeah, whatever. Let’s not bore him with this shit. Have you guys set a date yet?”

“No.”

When she caught the note of hesitancy in his voice, she turned to him. “What?”

He shrugged. “It might be delayed a little longer. We put an offer on a house.”

She straightened. “You did?”

“Yeah, and we got it.” He shot her an uncertain look. “We’ve been thinking about it for a while. Reese wanted to wait, but it was too good a deal to pass up.”

That explained the abrupt announcement that Reese wanted to move out and Meg had agreed. As she had suspected, everyone was moving forward. She ignored the pang of regret in her chest and squeezed his forearm. “That’s great news. I’m happy for you.”

Abel shot her a quick glance. “You know, you don’t have to move back to Texas if you don’t want to. We can delay our move or you can come to the new house with us. We’re gonna have lots of room—”

“You guys are so sweet, but I’m good,” she said, even as a part of her considered the offer.

Life was still shoving her along too quickly for her to think. She had to make big, life changing decisions on the spot. Was she in or out? It was tempting to stay when the city looked so pristine. It was a beautiful day with the mountains jutting toward the sky.

“Reese feels so bad. She’s going to try to convince you to stay,” Abel said in a low voice. “And I know you need a job. I talked to my dad. Our receptionist is going on maternity leave so you can see if that fits.”

“Abel.” She was touched. “You know my track record and would still let me work at your family’s company?”

“You’re not a bad worker. You just haven’t found the right job yet.”

Her eyes stung with tears. Reese, Meg, and their men had become her support system. She was a fucking screw up and was forever dragging her drama along with her, but they never gave up on her. They were loyal and amazing and at that moment, she seriously reconsidered her move back to Texas. If she was here, she wouldn’t have to see Jesse when he came home on leave, but what about her father? An image of Lynne swam into focus and her indecision died.

“I may take you up on it in future, but right now I need to move back. I think it’s best.”

Abel nodded. “Family is everything, but if it doesn’t work out…”

“Yes.” She rubbed his arm. “I’ll be on your doorstep.”

“I just wanted to make sure,” he said as he pulled up the driveway and killed the engine.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

Abel helped Jesse with the bags while she started toward the house. The door opened before she reached the front steps. Reese stood there in her business suit.

“What are you doing home? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” she asked as she approached.

“I called in,” Reese said and gave her a tight hug. “Are you sure, Vi?”

She returned the hug and rocked her from side to side. “Yes. Abel offered to let me live with you. You guys are the best.”

Reese pulled away and searched her face. “You said no?”

“Yes, but I may come back to be your live-in nanny one day.”

Reese blinked back tears. “I can’t believe you’re moving back to Texas.”

“I know.”

Reese’s eyes moved past her and widened. “Hello.”

Jesse put his hand on her lower back. She stiffened and moved Reese over the threshold so they could all come inside.

---