Page 85 of Under My Skin
“No, I looked last night, but?—”
“Good!” she practically squeals into the phone. “Good, good, good. Liability-wise, I think you’re fine.”
I perk up. “Really? Why?”
“Well,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “The guy came out to inspect the damage early this morning, and it looks like the wiring wasn’t up to code.”
“Wait. Seriously? We’ve never had any issues.”
“I know! Crazy, right? So, the good news is the complex is likely liable for any damages, the bad news is that we all probably owe Jasmine an apology.”
“Why? I haven’t even spoken to her.”
Allison sighs. “Okay,Imight owe her an apology.”
“Poor Jasmine,” I say with a laugh.
“To be fair, I had a lot of reasonable cause to think it was her fault. I’m still not sure I blame the wiring completely, but I’ll let her have this one.”
“So kind of you.”
“It is, isn’t it?” There’s the sound of keys in the background like she might be locking the door. “So anyway, I don’t think you need to rush back here. We have the report in writing, and it should be all you need to dispute any charges or fees they might try to pin on you.” She pauses. “Unless you want an excuse to come home early?”
I look out over the street I grew up on. The sidewalk where friends and I used to outline each other on the pavement. The same birch tree that’s been there for as long as I can remember. A week ago, I didn’t feel connected to this place at all. It was just a part of my past. A setting for childhood memories. But as I look out at the street now, I’m not sure I want to leave Copper Ridge in the past. I think I want new memories to take form here, too. “No,” I finally say with a slight lift to my lips. “I don’t think so. I think I’m going to stay for a while.”
There’s a beat of silence on the other end. “For a while? Does this have anything to do with a certain tattoo shop owner?”
I drop my gaze and let my smile spread. “It might, but he’s not the only reason. I think this is where I’m supposed to be right now.”
“Damn,” she says like I’ve impressed her. “Well, okay then. Let me know when you plan on coming back, and I can help you with your stuff.”
“Thanks. I will. I miss you. TellDina I say hi.”
“We miss you! How are things with your parents?”
Just then, my mom walks out. “I’ll fill you in later. I have to go. Thanks again for everything.”
She says goodbye, and I disconnect the call.
“Was that Allison?”
“Yeah. She says I don’t need to rush back. It looks like there was some faulty wiring in the kitchen.”
Mom’s eyes widen. “Oh, that’s lucky.”
“Yeah,” I agree with a laugh.
“You know,” my mom says as she takes a seat next to me. “It was Allison and Dina’s wedding that kind of spurred all of this. You gushed about it and showed us those beautiful pictures. It really made me want that for your dad. There’s no reason for him to hide anymore.”
“You deserve to be happy, too.”
“Oh, I am happy. All I ever wanted was to be a mom. The rest of it was just part of the package.” She shrugs. “If I meet someone, so be it. But there’s nothing lacking in my life.” Bumping me with her shoulder, she adds, “Speaking of meeting someone. How’s Everett these days?”
“Smooth.”
“What?” Her lips twist. “I saw nothing.”
Looking down, I wring my hands in my lap. “I like him.”
