Page 20 of More Than A Fixer-Upper
“Kiss ass,” Winnie whispers.
“Mom almost passed out today. If you worried more about her than yourself, you’d notice she’s working nonstop, losing weight, and not sleeping,” Drew snaps, heading back to the stove.
I rub my temples. “Change your clothes.”
I take a bite of the omelet and moan. “These eggs are amazing.”
“Chase taught me a few tricks,” Drew says, beaming. His phone rings, and he steps away to take the call.
Chase sits next to me. We sit in silence for a few moments.
“Are you okay?” I ask, feeling his eyes on me.
“Why are you doing all this alone?” he asks. “Ellen offered help. Once we start construction, it’s going to get messy. You might end up doing double the work.”
I sigh, set my fork down, and take a sip of orange juice. I meet his gaze.
“I’m sure you’ve heard my story. Gerald knows everything. Ellen knows most. I filled in the blanks. I’ve always worked. I was abandoned at birth, born addicted to drugs. I don’t tellmany people it’s no one’s business. And I don’t want to tarnish LeeAnn’s memory.”
I pause, thinking about her untouched room.
“No one wanted me because of my health issues. I bounced between foster homes, then ended up in a group home. Graduated high school two weeks before I turned eighteen. Got a garbage bag and a ‘good luck.’ Worked under the table, got scholarships, worked through college. Met the twins’ dad. He left. Randall’s grandparents helped me get on my feet. I worked two jobs, went to school online, raised the twins. I’ve always worked.”
“And now it’s driving you crazy not to,” Chase says with a laugh.
I laugh too. “Exactly.”
“Am I dressed acceptably?” Winnie asks, now in ripped jeans and a tshirt.
I motion for her to spin, then ask to see her purse. I pull out the outfit she planned to change into.
“The clothes your friends wore in Texas aren’t going to fly here. If you keep defying me, I’ll go shopping for you.”
“I just want to fit in,” she whines, flopping into the chair next to me.
“The dress code here is pretty much jeans, t-shirts, thermals, and flannels,” Chase says between bites. “Ask Hailey and her friends. They love you. They’re already planning a slumber party. Ellen will reach out. The moms coordinate food and sleepovers. The guys do a lock in at the gym sports all night.”
“Luke was just telling me about that,” Drew says, walking back in. He’s changed into red basketball shorts and a white tank top. “Do you need me today? Luke wants to shoot hoops at the park.”
“Go ahead,” I say.
“I think I’ll hang around and help your mom,” Chase says casually. “I want to see her design plans.”
I gape at him.
What the hell is happening?
Chapter Fifteen
Chase
WhatthefuckwasI thinking?
The words fly out of my mouth before my brain can stop them. Rosalie starts to shake her head, but I raise a hand to pause her.
“I’m not trying to take over,” I say. “But this gives me a better idea of what we need to order. You’ve already done a ton of work. I know a few places we can check out especially if you’ve got a plan in mind.”
“Oh, that makes a lot of sense. If you don’t mind helping, I’d love your opinion. Did my grandmother have a vision for the kitchen and downstairs, or was this all you?”
