Page 93 of The Homemaker

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“Then nothing. You followed me.”

“Because I was concerned after what your mom said.”

I tip up my chin. “I’m not your concern.”

“It’s just a public service.”

I don’t want to grin, but damn him for saying that. “Shut up.” I start walking again.

“I’m scared,” he says, staying a few steps behind me.

“Of the boogie man?”

“No.”

“Of Blair leaving you at the altar?”

“No. I’m scared I’m going to royally fuck up my life before I ever get to the altar.”

“Sounds like a you problem.”

“It’s anusproblem.”

I laugh. “There is nous.”

“And yet, here we are.”

“Because you’re following me.”

“Then stop walking away.”

“So you can catch me?”

“Maybe.”

My heart lurches into my throat. Why is he saying that? He doesn’t mean it. I break into a jog.

“Want me to chase you?”

I don’t answer. Ican’tanswer.

And he doesn’t chase me.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Alice

Moms are like best friends?—

only brutally honest.

“Where did you go?”Mom asks when I return.

“For a walk around the lake. I didn’t know how long you’d be enjoying Vera’s massage chair.”

She twirls her red hair around her finger and grins. “It’s a nice chair.”

I toe off my shoes and grab a glass of water. “So what brings you to Minneapolis?”

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