Page 97 of Someone to Have
“Yeah.” I run a hand through my hair, and that damnSound ofMusicsong fills in my head. “She knows a lot more about dealing with kids than me.”
“I’m not talking about that. You like her.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on, Jen. Not liking her would be like hating a kitten.”
“You know the kind of like I mean.”
“Don’t read anything more into it,” I warn her. “She’s not my type, and we both know it.”
“I have a feeling that’s why you like her. Did you break your promise? Because I might forgive you. Taylor seems like she could be an exception to the rule.”
“I didn’t break my promise.” Not technically. “She helped Rhett, and we became friends. That’s it.” I fidget like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar when Jen continues to watch me. “She’s dating that asshole teacher from the high school—the one who started this whole thing with Rhett.”
“Are you in love with her,” Jen asks, sounding astonished.
“Of course not.” The denial tastes bitter in my mouth. “Seriously, Jen. Let it go.”
“It’s not a bad thing, Eric.” She makes a face. “I mean, I don’t recommend opening your heart to assholes like Mom and me. But loving someone isn’t bad, even if it ends. I’m happy for you.”
“You’re happy because you think I got my heart broken? Which, by the way, I didn’t. I keep my heart out of the mix.”
“Yeah.” She nods, her expression thoughtful. “I was afraid you learned that lesson too well. But you’re human.”
“Yeah, I’m fucking human.” I look past her toward the window at the room’s far end. There are families at other tables. Parents with kids younger than Rhett. The overall atmosphere in the room is a little tense, but we’re trying. Every person here has that in common. I hope it’s enough for all of us. “I’m also shit at relationships. Hell, her brother flat out told her I’m a manwhore.” I’m totally flustered now, offering up the nickname I detest like some sort of explanation
“I remember,” she says quietly. “It doesn’t fit the man you’ve become, Eric.”
“You don’t know that.”
She flashes her patented big sister smirk. “I know you.”
Needing a reprieve from Jen’s too-perceptive gaze, I take my phone from my jacket pocket, unlock it, and then thrust it toward her. “I got this for you.”
She glances at the screen, looks up at me, then takes the phone from my hand. “This is ahouse.”
“Yep.” Not at all how I’d planned to talk to her or approach the subject of the home I hope she’ll live in once she’s finished with rehab. “It was a good deal, a possible investment property. You can rent-to-own if you want, or you can just rent. I’ll make it fair. If you want something different, I’ll flip it and?—”
“Shut the front door,” she whispers, her eyes misting over again.
“The front door’s shut,” I answer around the lump of emotion clogging my throat. Hope and excitement expand in my chest when she doesn’t throw the phone at me or burst into angry tears or get up and walk away.
“It’s a saying, dumbass.” She shakes her head. “I’m expressing disbelief.”
“I know.” I feel my mouth kick up at one side. “There are more photos of the inside. I took a ton of them so you could get a feel for it. The kitchen’s in good shape. The bathrooms should be updated, but I can handle that.” I swallow again, then force myself to continue. “Before I go back to Germany, I want to get in there and start painting, replace some of the carpet. But as of right now?—”
“Does Rhett know?” She’s still flicking through the photos.
“No. I didn’t want to say anything to him before talking to you. I’m serious about flipping it or finding somebody to rent the property if it’s notwhat you want.”
“It’s a home.” Her voice trembles. “It’s a home for me and my son.”
“Oh, shit, Jen. Don’t cry,” I say, even as tears prick the backs of my eyes. “Like I said, it was a good investment. But I want you to want it.”
“It’s the house of my dreams.” Her voice is thick with emotion.
“It needs work.”
“Don’t we all.” She hands the phone back to me and grabs my hand. “I’ll work, Eric. I can do this. For Rhett, for me, for our house and the future. Can I get a dog?” She sounds so excited, so hopeful.
