Page 68 of Love Letter Lost
“I get that. The accident was scary and changed so much for all of us. But you have to let me live my life. Being married, living in your neighborhood, none of that guarantees I won’t get hurt again. This is my life, and I’m trying to make it something wonderful. I love my students, my roommates, my apartment. It doesn’t look like what I always pictured, but…that’s okay.” I paused, my mind filling with memories of Ridge, from high school and from the last week. Yet, amidst the pain and regret, there was a sliver of hope. I’d learned to be brave once, sharing my heart with Ridge despite past heartbreak. Maybe, someday, I could be brave again.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX
I’m notsure how long I sat on the side of the road talking to my mother, but the relief I felt as our conversation wound to a close was palpable. We had actually talked, listening to each other instead of jumping to conclusions. For the first time in years, she hadn’t lectured me on dating or tried to convince me to move home. Maybe there was hope for us yet.
The highlight of the conversation came when she handed the phone to Dad. I’d braced myself for his news, certain he was going to tell me he’d sold the building.
Instead, I got a reprieve.
“I couldn’t sign the paperwork. Mr. Milton called me, at Livvy’s wedding, telling me about how his development would improve the city and benefit everyone. But then I heard what you said. What about the Jeongs and all the other tenants who have been loyal to us over the years? I couldn’t just sell their homes out from under them. They deserve someone who will fight for them and genuinely care what happens to them. They deserve you.”
My throat clogged at the words, relief filling me as he spoke. “Just to be clear, you’re not selling?”
“I am, but to someone who will do the job justice. I think it’s time we formalize our agreement. I’m ready to hand the reins to you.”
I finished my call and drove home, elated at all that had changed in such a short time. I hadn’t gotten the guy, but I had begun repairing my relationship with my mother and saved my home. For now, it would have to be enough.
I parked and walked into my condo where I was greeted by the smell of cookies baking. My stomach growled, reminding me of the snacks I’d taken but forgotten to eat.
“Audrey, you’re my favorite roommate,” I called as I stepped out of my shoes and headed for the kitchen. If I was lucky, there would be some fresh cookies already cooling on the counter.
“What does that make me?” Chloe asked from where she sat on the couch, causing me to jump. I’d failed to notice her thanks to my cookie tunnel-vision.
“Unless you’re responsible for the heavenly scents coming for the oven, you’re my second-favorite roommate.”
“If I hadn’t tasted Audrey’s chocolate chip cookies, I’d be offended,” Chloe said, pressing a hand to her chest. “But I think my answer is the same as yours.”
Chloe joined me in the kitchen. I was disappointed to see that no cookies graced the countertop, but the timer on the oven was quickly counting down. Only 30 seconds until fresh, gooey, chocolatey goodness.
“Who said you could have some?” Audrey came out of her room wearing a lemon-print apron. Ruby followed on her heels, tail wagging.
“I’m pretty sure there’s a cookie clause in your housing contract. Something about the landlady reserving the right to sample all baked goods created on the premises.” I shrugged as the timer went off.
“I think that same clause includes something about sharing with roommates,” Chloe added.
“I don’t remember that being in the documents I signed.” Audrey pursed her lips, as if considering the possibility. “I might have hesitated to sign.”
“Well, if it’s not currently in your contract, I’ll have to add it into your next one,” I said, casually. The two of them froze, staring at me.
“Does that mean your dad’s not selling?” Chloe trailed off. I could see hope in her eyes, and I couldn’t hold back my good news any longer.
“He is, but he’s selling to me. We’re going to draw up the paperwork this week and get everything started.”
Audrey and Chloe both shrieked in excitement, rushing to hug me as I laughed at their joy. At least single life came with the best roommates the world had to offer.
Audrey’s timer beeped and she quickly turned it off before flipping on the oven light, glancing inside to check on the cookies. She straightened and added a few more minutes to the timer. I contained a groan, realizing that cookie time would have to wait a bit longer.
“The cookies are for Derek’s game night later,” Audrey said. “I’m not sure there will be enough if you two get to them first.”
“We’ll only eat one each.” At my words Audrey gave me a look that I needed to add to my teacher arsenal. “Okay, maybe two or three each, but your cookies are so good.”
“Which is why I’m going to use them as bribery to get you to attend the game night and support a friend.”
“Or you could let us have some now and we’ll go to the game night later,” Chloe persisted. I had no intention of attending the game night, but I was willing to try any tactic necessary to get fresh cookies from the oven.
“Nice try,” Audrey said.
The timer went off and Audrey looked in the oven once more, this time satisfied with what she saw when she flipped on the oven light. I watched her pull out the tray of golden-brown cookies and decided it was time for drastic measures.
