Page 15 of Fixing Up My Love Life

“Parenting teens is terrifying.”

“Part of why I moved back. Trying to be more present.”

Her expression softens, but she changes the subject. “So, demo today? Living room wall?”

“Yep. Got approval for a support beam yesterday. Let’s get to it.”

We move into the front hall.

“Mind if I take the first swing?”

I hand her the sledgehammer. “Be my guest.”

She looks adorable in pigtails and goggles. Her first swing sends plaster flying.

“Remind me never tomake you mad.”

“Too late.” She swings again, this time with more force.

The air thickens with dust—and something else. Something electric.

I take my turn, slamming the hammer into the wall. A strange object drops to the floor with a thud.

“Ew, what is that?” she asks.

I step forward, squinting. “A doll?”

Hazel crouches and lifts a worn ragdoll. Its yarn hair is tangled beneath a faded bridal veil. She gasps. “It’s Priscilla. Grandma hid her during a remodel. Grandpa hated her. Said she was creepy.”

“Can’t say I blame him.”

She smacks my chest playfully. “She’s a family heirloom. Grandma’s mom made it for her.”

“Still creepy.”

She waves the doll at me. “Scared?”

“Terrified.”

She chases me into the kitchen with the doll. I skid across a puddle and hit the floor, jeans soaking up the water.

Hazel’s laughter rings out. “Guess we missed a spot.”

She tosses me a towel, still grinning.

I press it to the floor beneath me. “Any other family secrets hiddenin the walls?”

“Not unless Priscilla has siblings.”

We head back toward the wall we’re tearing down. Hazel steps forward?—

Crack.

Her foot sinks through a rotted floorboard.

She gasps, and I lunge forward.

CHAPTER 7

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