Page 24 of The One I Want
“Really? That’s actually a job I haven’t had. Though I am a social media detective. I can find anyone—just give me a phone, a first name, and a glass of wine.”
“That’s good to know,” she says. “My point is, some people don’t know their paths right away. And some paths diverge. Don’t let the pace of others dictate your race. You’re the only one who knows your destination. So you should be the only one who decides how fast you get there.”
I let that sink in. Damn, this woman is good. And, I’m happy to say, her cheese is not slipping off her cracker like I feared.
“You should take up motivational speaking,” I say.
She gives me another pat on the hand as she stands up. “Maybe one day. But, can I now ask you a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Can you watch the kids for a little bit? Wes is moving the big things into the house today, and everyone is there helping out. I wanted to take them some lunch, but he wants a few things to be surprises for the kids. Do you mind?”
I blink a few times. Did she just ask what I think she just asked?
“Um, sure? Though you do see how I handled balloons, right?”
She waves me off. “You’ll be fine. I’ll leave my door open so they can go in and out. They’ve had lunch. Plus, Emerson’s here. I let her do the heavy lifting.”
That’s true. “Okay then. Sure. I’m happy to help.”
“Oh, thank you. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” She walks down the front porch and turns toward the kids, who are now playing some game in the yard. “Kids! I’m going to the new house for a bit. Betsy’s going to watch you.”
“Woo hoo!”
I don’t know who yelled it, but before I know it, all three of them are running toward me. Well, Hank and Magnolia are. Emerson is walking behind them, picking up the shoes that Magnolia kicked off mid-run.
“Can we play dress up?” Magnolia asks.
“No!” Hank yells. “I want to play Wizards and Witches!”
“We always play that. I want to play dress up. I bet Betsy can actually braid my hair like a princess!”
“But she’s a Slytherin! I need her to get her to the good side.”
The two continue arguing as Emerson slides next to me.
“You ready for this?”
No. No I am not.
Chapter10
Wes
“Please explain something to me.”
I look up to my brother, Luke, who is helping me carry Emerson’s bed frame up to her new room.
“What’s that baby brother?”
“Please tell me why you, as a man who is not hurting in the money department, is making his family and his friends move him into his new home instead of paying a moving company?”
“Because,” I say as I take the last step and turn into Emerson’s room. “Why hire people when I have plenty of able-bodied friends and family who would love to help?”
Simon snorts and mutters something rude as he walks past the door. He’s complained the most today. Probably because he had to put on clothing that wasn’t a business suit.
“Could I have paid movers? Yes. But then we wouldn’t have had this chance to catch up.”
