Page 66 of The Ex Puck Bunny
They don’t which only means one thing.
“The water leaked through the floor, directly into our living space. On the upside, the mattress absorbed a lot of it.” Heidi drops into a chair.
Taking Bunny, I assure her we’ll get everything figured out.
I spend the next hour cleaning up and am coming up from the basement when heavy footfalls approach.
The plumber’s voice sounds grave. “Sometimes these things fail. Especially in a house this old. Could’ve degraded over the cold winter. You’ll need a full repipe on this level. I can get you an estimate and recommend some contractors to repair the floor and kitchen.”
Mr. and Mrs. Rice exchange a look like a dream they had slipped through their fingers. Then I recall Mr. Rice commenting about their cruise plans and savings.
“I don’t recommend anyone continue to stay downstairs,” the plumber adds.
Mr. Rice nods. “Definitely not.”
They talk for a few more minutes before the plumber leaves. Heidi and her mom look crushed. Mr. Rice suggests ideas for what they’ll do during the repairs.
I snap my fingers. “You can stay at my place.”
Mrs. Rice’s eyebrows pinch together.
Mr. Rice starts to decline.
Heidi says, “We can’t all live at your house.”
Bunny smiles. “It’s a McDon-doos like MC’s house.”
We break into laughter.
“Do you mean McMansion?” Heidi asks and comments about visiting the Schusters in my neighborhood.
Mrs. Rice says, “Grady, we appreciate the offer, but we’ll stay with Derek.”
“Mom, Deborah is coming home next week for Easter. I, um, think they’d like to finally be newlyweds,” Heidi says. They’ve hardly lived together since getting married since they were both in the military.
“Thank you, son. We’ll discuss this,” Mr. Rice says.
The two of them go to the living room, probably to take a load off, and rest on the couch for a few minutes.
Heidi wraps her arms around me. “Are you sure about this?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d like more than to play house with you,” I whisper.
“We’re not married.”
“Not yet.”
“My parents will be there.”
“It’s the least I can do. If things get a little too cozy, I’ll send them on that cruise they’ve been dreaming about.” I wink.
And that is how the Rices move in with me.
What they say about not being able to pick your family is true, but I found mine.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I wantedto be the girl who returned to her hometown with visions of opening a cupcake shop.
