Page 11 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

Has the woman who is moving in chosen a side? Probably not if she’s just coming here for the first time.

To me, it doesn’t matter a lick. So I’ll let her choose.

Waiting on the porch, I wave when Beau pulls up. He slides out and walks over.

Then he leans against the railing and crosses his arms. “Lilith has the keys. She should be here any minute. We both left my office about the same time, but she was meeting the new gal near the front gate.”

Beau has lipstick smeared on his cheek, which isn’t an uncommon occurrence.

“You have a bit of something by your mouth.” I brush my own face to show him the spot.

Grinning, he yanks a handkerchief out of his pocket. “I really need to start using that little flip-down mirror in the truck to check for this, huh?”

I’m not going to answer that, so I shrug.

Lilith’s SUV pulls up, and the passenger door swings open. The way the sun is hitting the windshield, I can’t see my soon-to-be neighbor. But after a second, a leg appears, then another. She’s wearing cute purple tennis shoes. It’s an odd thing to notice, but Lettie used to buy printed canvas tennis shoes when she could afford it. Once, I saved up to get her a pair for her birthday. They were violet, just like her name. No one but her mother calls her that.

I kick myself for thinking about Lettie, and drag a hand down my face, trying to shove aside all thoughts of my ex.

But when I glance at the SUV, I lose all hope of forgetting about Lettie.

She flashes an uneasy smile as she steps closer to the porch, and I cross my arms, hoping no one else notices that my heart is trying to stampede out of my chest.

Lilith and Lettie walk up to the porch, and I force a smile. “Hi, Lettie.”

Beau whips around. “Y’all know each other?”

I meet Lettie’s gaze and answer with a casualness I don’t feel. “We went to high school together.”

Hurt flickers in her eyes, which makes it clear that she didn’t like that answer. But it wasn’t a lie. Just not the whole truth.

If she wants Beau and Lilith to know that she’s my ex, she can make the announcement. Personally, I want to keep this mess private.

Playing with the end of her hair, she steps closer and extends her hand. “It’s good to see you.”

I shake her hand but don’t say anything because I can’t offer the same sentiment.

Changing my mind about living here would only draw unwanted attention to the already awkward situation, so I resign myself to living beside Lettie. Besides, the extra pay is nice. Hopefully, I don’t end up regretting my decision.

Now would be a great time for Regretful-Raccoon to message. I could use the distraction. But my pocket doesn’t buzz on cue.

Lilith claps her hands together. “Y’all know each other. That’s great. I’ll skip the introductions. Ready to see the place?”

Lettie nods and walks toward the door on the left. Lilith unlocks that door, then the one on the right.

I guess it’s decided. The right side will be mine.

Beau pushes open the door. “Have a look around. And take your time. Lilith and I will be out here on the porch, talking.”

Nodding, I step inside. My ranch hand cabin was furnished when I moved in. This place is empty. But when my grandmother died, I moved some of her stuff into storage, so I’ll easily be able to furnish the place.

I wander through the unit. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the one in the hall only has a sink and toilet. The kitchen has a counter dividing it from the eating area. And from the living room, I can see both the kitchen and the front door.

Beau walks in and leans against the wall. “What do you think?”

“It’s great. I like it.” I’m not just saying it to make Beau happy. This is a step up from the cabin.

He nods behind him. “She seems nice.”

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