Page 34 of Clean Out of Luck

“It’s been apartments for a long time. It used to be a college dorm and then was converted to apartments. The owner sold this year, but the new owner seems to be fine so far. He’s made some things easier on us. He hired a buildingmanager who does a great job, so I’ve got no reason to complain.”

“That’s good. Landlords make or break the deal.”

I don’t know that I agree with her in this case. Normally, I would, but there’s just something about The Serendipity and the way it seems to take care of its residents.

We finally make our way to the fourth floor and then walk up the narrow staircase that leads to the rooftop garden. We walk along the flowerbeds, admiring the work Sophie Stewart has done. Sophie lives on the first floor of The Serendipity and manages the garden space up here.

“Wow!” Lilly says as she looks around. “I can really see why you like this place. It feels like a mix of a throwback and a magical era.”

“I know, right? I knew you would appreciate this the same way I do. I wish I’d had you over sooner.”

She shakes her head. “I know, I wish I had been better at coming over, but I’ve been picking up extra shifts at work.”

Lilly is a freshly graduated nurse practitioner at the hospital in town. Not exactly the time to be taking extra time off.

“Those stinking student loans aren’t going to pay themselves,” she grunts as she sits down on the wooden bench in front of the rose trellis.

“So, tell me about yourself! How have you been? How is work? How’s your brother?”

I watch her with curious eyes. “Well, my brother is in Boston right now, but I’ll be sure to tell him you asked about him.”

Her eyes go wide. “Don’t you dare.”

I smirk at her. I have a feeling that someday, maybe Phoenix and Lilly will connect. I know she’s had a crush on him for a while, but I think he might be oblivious about it. I’m going to have to grab him by the collar and tell him what’sup when he gets home. Tell him that he’d better just date and marry my friend because he’s not going to do any better than her—that’s for dang sure. For some reason, she’s completely oblivious to his many faults.

“What about you and Wade?” she asks as she waggles her eyebrows.

My mouth falls open. “I don’t know that I like your tone.”

“I heard from Carson that Wade has been checking on you. What does that even mean?” Lilly tucks her legs under her and waits for me to spill the tea.

“Wait, why is Carson talking about Wade and me? Why is anyone talking about us? And what are they saying?”

Lilly shakes her head as she reaches out a hand to touch the climbing roses next to her. “Honestly, I don’t know. I guess we’re just curious how you’re all doing and why he’s checking on you.”

I mutter something under my breath—something I probably shouldn’t say out loud. It’s really Phoenix’s fault. He’s the one who instigated this, and now people are wondering what’s going on.

And nothing is going on, because Wade is ruining any of my chances of finding love.

“Because he’s been showing up and ruining my dates. It’s been awful, Lilly. I don’t know what to do.”

She sits up abruptly. “What do you mean he’s been ruining your dates?”

“I mean just what I said. He has literally shown up on my dates. I went to Amor Serendipia. Wade and his roommate just came into the restaurant and sat down with me and my date.”

“What? That’s so strange. Why would he do that?”

“I’m beginning to think my brother knighted him before he left and called him into the service of making my life miserable.”

She looks at me in confusion.

I explain, “Phoenix told Wade to keep an eye on me. You know, since I was looking forward to actually being able to go on some dates unhindered for the six months Phoenix is gone.”

Lilly nods slowly. “Your brother is next-level when it comes to interfering in your love life.”

“Which is why I would love it if you would just keep him out of this. Wouldn’t that be great?”

She laughs. “Well, maybe you should just date Wade. That would take care of your problem.”

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