Page 38 of By Your Side

Taking one last look around to make sure no details were missed, I sigh. Adeline’s renovations are done. It’s a little bittersweet. I’ve been here nearly every day for five months. It’s been nice seeing Adeline daily and now that I will be moving onto a new project in the new year, I’m going to miss spending this time with her.

If everything goes well on our date, I hope that our relationship will evolve. Every day spent with Adeline has developed this picture of what could be. I haven’t been interested in envisioning a future with someone until her. Someone I can settle down with, have a family with.

Adeline comes downstairs, her eyes glowing with happiness as she takes in the completed kitchen. The countertop was the final piece and I finally got it installed today.

“I can’t believe it’s all done. Thank you for taking my vision and making it a reality.” She turns to me, her smile pure joy. I relish in the look, hoping I can see it many more times.

“It was a pleasure. I’m just glad you’re happy.”

Even when she was driving me crazy in the beginning, I found myself looking forward to coming and working on the house. It was a fun project. And then I got to know her, and it made every day even better knowing I would get to spend it with her.

She sighs, running her hand along the granite. “I can’t wait to have everyone over for an official housewarming party. They’ve all seen it, but now I can focus on decorating, and they get to experience my home how I have dreamt it.”

Sitting at her counter, I lean onto my elbows. “I look forward to seeing how you finish it.”

She offers me a beer, which I take.

“Cheers,” she says.

Tapping the bottles together, we sip in comfortable silence. I don’t think I’ve ever dated someone who could just be and it didn’t feel awkward.

“So, are we still on for Saturday?” I smirk as she flushes. Even if she wanted to, she can’t hide her feelings. Her face is too expressive.

She nods, taking a sip of her beer. “Yeah. The weather is supposed to be really cold. Are you sure it will still be happening?”

“It’s always cold. They have bonfire locations and lots of hot drinks available,” I assure her.

After leaving Adeline’s I do some work, scheduling my next several projects. None of them are as intensive as Adeline’s renovation was, which is okay. They were willing to wait for me to be available.

I start working on the groundwork for the first one, ordering materials and planning out my timeline. The start of projects is always exciting, a fresh opportunity to help someone’s vision become a reality.

My phone rings, Cameron’s name popping up. I haven’t chatted with him since I saw him at Perk Up, my entire focus on Adeline.

Answering, I close my laptop and make my way to the couch. “Hey man, how are you?”

“It’s okay. Being back in town is interesting, but I’m keeping busy. I bought the vet clinic from Suzanne, so I’ve been moving into the adjoining apartment and getting to know the staff.” He pauses, then sighs. “Sarah and I got a divorce. Honestly, we never should’ve gotten married and obviously it didn’t take long to realize that.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Pressing my lips together, I think about the way he looked at Raelynn. He never seemed to love Sarah the same way. “Are you sure you’re ready to be back in town and deal with the small-town chatter?”

He chuckles and I can picture him rolling his eyes. “Yeah. Honestly, I know everyone means well. And I need to deal with the past before I can move forward in my future.”

Grimacing, I worry about what that means for my friends. It’s no secret that Raelynn has not been able to move on and it looks like Cameron is in the same boat.

“Well, I’m glad you’re back. We should go for a drink. I know Young Jae would like to catch up too.”

“I actually saw him, and he invited me to the cabin in January.” His voice is full of humor when he says, “That should be an interesting experience. Raelynn couldn’t run from me fast enough at Perk Up. What’s going to happen when we’re all in a cabin together with nowhere to go?”

Interesting is an understatement. The cabin is large but still close quarters. I was hoping to ask Young Jae to invite Adeline if things go well.

“I think she was just surprised. It will get easier.”

We chat a while longer, making plans to go for a drink.

Hanging up, I sigh. I really hope things don’t implode in our friend group. There’s a lot of unresolved issues that could set off at any time.

twenty-three

Adeline

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