Page 115 of The Widower
“Or maybe he likes you and that’s why he’s scared to be around you.”
I thought about that for a second. She could be right. I mean, I did tell him that all the time—mostly just to get under his skin.
“I don’t think so,” I said, coming back to reality.
I went back to work, getting most of it done by noon.I’d gotten used to the routine by now and didn’t have any trouble finishing things on time anymore.Even delegating tasks had become easier, since everyone was getting to know me better and becoming more cooperative.
“You’ve got an appointment today, Isabelle,” Colin said as he walked into the kitchen, where I was taking a short break.
His face looked tense—angry, even—but there was something different about it, like he was trying to hide whatever he was really feeling.
“What appointment?”
“You’ll find out when you get there.”
“And if I don’t want to go?”
I loved provoking Colin Adams. I was pretty sure I was the only person brave—or stupid—enough to do it.
“Then don’t,” he said calmly. “I’ll take your mom and Hanna instead.”
My brows shot up. What the hell was that supposed to mean?
“I don’t get it. Care to explain?”
“Why can’t you stop being so damn curious for one second and just do what I tell you without asking questions?” He sounded irritated.
“I don’t like being taken somewhere without knowing where I’m going.”
“Seriously?”
We stared at each other for a few seconds before bursting into laughter at the same time. What I’d said wasn’t true, and Colin knew it very well—especially after all our little adventures around the house.
“Fine,” I sighed, giving in.“I’ll go.”
Colin had given Tito the morning off, and he was the one driving this time—me, Hanna, and my mom—headed who knows where.
“You know what this means?”I whispered to my mom, who looked just as confused as I was about whatever Colin was plotting.
He kept driving for several more minutes, completely silent. Not a word. Was he... kidnapping us?
The thought made me laugh under my breath.I really needed to stop letting my imagination run wild.
Suddenly, the car came to a stop. Colin got out, opened our door, and motioned for us to do the same. Colin being a gentleman? Now that was a rare sight. But I didn’t comment.
The moment I stepped out and looked ahead, a jolt ran through me. I froze.
“Well... the view kind of speaks for itself,” he said. “I lied when I told you your house was being investigated by the police this month. I just didn’t want you to suspect anything. I’ve been renovating it.And I’m not the only one to blame—your mother was in on it. She played her part perfectly, by the way.”
The façade of my house looked unrecognizable—but not in a bad way. It was brand new, more beautiful than ever.
I took a few hesitant steps forward, taking it all in. Words failed me completely. I couldn’t even look at Colin. I just... froze.
“I’ll open it,” he said simply.
He unlocked the front door, and when I walked inside, the interior was completely transformed—different layout, new furniture, warm colors. Everything looked stunning. What on earth was happening?
“It took a bit of work,” he said, stepping in behind me, “but your new home has my signature on it. I did all of this. Most of my little disappearances lately? They were to come here and figure out a few things. I didn’t have to tear anything down—just rearranged the layout, redecorated. Not really my kind of work, but... I knew it would be worth it. I thought you’d like it.”
