Page 25 of Fixing Up My Love Life

“And he was right,” I add. “You do seem like a great?—”

“Saykidand I walk..”

I hold up both hands. “Young adult. Noted.”

She gives me one last look, then shifts her weight and crosses her arms. “So what’s the deal with you two? Are you dating or just... awkwardly co-owning a sander?”

I blink. “I—uh…”

“We’re somewhere in between,” Jack offers.

“Weare?You kissed me,” I blurt, my voice too loud in the echo of the half-empty room.

“Gross!” Caroline fake-gags and turns away.

Jack smirks. “You kissedme.”

I step closer, pulled in before I can stop myself. “You kissed meback.”

His smile fades. “And then you left.”

“Oh, that’s rich.Youleft first.”

Caroline throws up her hands and steps between us like a teenage referee. “Okay, first of all—ew.Second, figure this out already. I’m tired of Dad moping around the house like a lovesick golden retriever.”

I glance at Jack. His mouth is tight, his eyes soft.

“You’ve been moping?” I ask quietly.

He doesn’t answer, but he doesn’t deny it either.

“Oh, he cares,” Caroline says, planting her hands on her hips. “He listened to a full Taylor Swift playlist in the garage and alphabetized the spice rack. It was unsettling.”

The lights suddenly cut out with no warning.

“What the—” I glance toward the ceiling. “Was that the power?”

“Ghosts,” Caroline says, deadpan.

“Is that creepy doll still here?” Jack’s voice goes pale.

“Didn’t you say your crew was working on the electrical today?” I ask.

He flashes a grin in the dim light. “I was hoping you’d forgotten.”

“You two figure yourselves out,” Caroline mutters. “I’m taking these snacks to the back porch before someone starts serenading again.” She grabs the cooler and disappears down the hall.

The room feels quieter without her.

“She’s pretty great,” I say softly.

“Yeah. She’s been doing a lot better since we got here. My mom’s been spending time with her. It’s helped.”

My chest tightens. “Your mom always made me feel welcome.”

“She still wants to.”

The idea of Jack’s mom back in my life stirs something deep in me—nostalgia and longing all wrapped together.

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