Page 55 of Light My Fire Three Times
NOVEMBER 28TH
I’m flippinga steak on the grill when my phone buzzes in my pocket. Usually, I’d ignore it—burnt meat is less messy than drama, but the name on the screen makes me pause.
Ivy.
“Hey,” I say, tucking the spatula under my arm.
“Jesse,” she greets, her tone light, teasing even. “How’s the grill master today?”
“Perfect timing, actually. About to ruin dinner for myself. What’s up?” I lean against the counter, eyes on the coals.
“Not much,” she says with that little laugh I know means trouble. “Getting all the decorations up with the children in tow is manic.”
“Sounds… lively,” I laugh. “I haven’t even thought about my tree yet. I probably should try. And how are you? Surviving?”
“Barely,” she admits. “But, you know me. Chaos is like breakfast. I eat it all the time. I think I’m doing better than Liv anyway.”
My ears prick up. “Oh yeah?”
She hums on the other end. “Yeah, she’s looking for contractors. Trying to get out of Karl’s place, back to her own space. I’ve got my guys helping, but I thought you might know a few people who could help too.”
“With the fire damage?”
“Right.”
I swallow hard. “Okay… yeah.Ican help. Not solo. I’m not about to fix walls and plumbing myself. But I can find others.”
I hear a short laugh on the other end. “I was hoping you’d say that. My lovely, reliable big brother.”
I hear a crash and a wail over the phone.
“Ivy? You still there?” I ask, but she’s already shouting,
“Mia! Lily! Pickle! Don’t, ugh, oh no!”
Guess she’s gone.
I lower the phone, my mind already clicking. Contractors, plumbers, carpenters, anyone who won’t ghost on a job. Boone, definitely Boone. He’s solid, doesn’t take shit, and actually shows up. Perhaps the other ranch hands will help as well…
Knock, knock.
Huh?
Who the hell is that?
I wipe my hands on my apron and step off the porch. There she is.
My ex.
Vanessa Cruz.
Standing there like she owns the world. Or at least like she owns me, which is worse. My chest tightens, stomach twists. She always did show up whenever she felt like it, but that was a long time ago now. Things have changed.
Or I thought they had.
“Vanessa,” I say, keeping my tone as neutral as I can manage. “What… what are you doing here?”
Her lips twitch into a little smirk, like she’s rehearsed this, and it hits me the wrong way. “Hey, Jesse. I know. It’s been a while.”
