Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“The part where it feels too good to be true,” I admitted, trying to ignore the little flutter I felt at the pet name.
“It’s a tiny rental,” he reminded me.
“Yeah, but you could probably still get a couple hundred more than you’re asking.”
“I don’t need to rent it for a couple hundred more,” he said, shrugging it off.
“Okay,” I said, trying not to piss him off. “But if you ever think of anything, like the house cleaning, or even some meal prep or something, let me know. I’d be happy to do it.”
“That’s not gonna happen.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of stubborn?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said, smiling. “So, you done arguing with me now?” he asked.
“I… for now,” I said, smiling. “Thanks again. For the house. And the coffee,” I added, bringing it over toward the sink.
“Just leave it. I gotta figure out the water situation after work,” he told me, putting his own cup next to mine. “Come on. I’ll walk you out. I have to get going,” he said as I grabbed my dog carrier, then followed him out, calling Rodney from the driveway, and watching him strut over to me.
“So, ah, I guess I’ll be seeing you around,” I said, giving him a smile after I put Rodney in the car.
“Guess you will,” he agreed. “Welcome home, Lana.”
And with that, he turned over his bike, and made his way out of the driveway.
Did I ugly cry the whole way back to the apartment building?
Yes, yes I did.
But, for once, it was happy tears.
Things were finally, finally looking up for us.
CHAPTER SIX
Seth
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” a voice called, making me turn and see my sister, Kit, walking into the building.
She hadn’t been back in Navesink Bank long, so her presence was always almost a little shocking after her being away so much for so long.
Kit reminded me a lot of our mom, even down to her decision not to have natural-colored hair. While our mom favored dark purple when she was younger, Kit had gone with a lilac shade instead.
She was tall and on the thin side with a love of all things black clothing-wise. A hint gothic, even, with her long, flowing skirts and use of lace.
Today, it was a pair of short black shorts with some sort of see-through lace skirt over it with little flowers in the pattern, a shirt that was more like a bra, and another lace thing over that.
I didn’t know shit about fashion, but Kit was always very careful about how she dressed.
“Who said I was in a good mood?” I asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, your heartfelt rendition of Semi-Charmed Life?” Layna, my cousin, suggested as she walked in behind Kit.
Like Kit, Layna was tall and on the thinner side, but she had long dark hair instead, and favored dark jeans and casual tops, like the gray tank she had on right then.
I guess I had been singing without realizing it as I organized some paperwork. But there hadn’t been anyone around to hear it. Or so I thought.
“It’s a good song,” I said, shrugging it off.
“About doing drugs, but yeah,” Kit agreed.
“You guys here to shoot?” I asked.
“Layna had a bad date last night,” Kit explained. “She wants to take it out on a target.”
“What kind of bad date?” I asked, straightening.
Because it didn’t matter if they were grown-ass women. We were still ready to throw hands if someone fucked with them.
“He called his mom to debate the menu,” Layna said, looking absolutely disgusted at the memory. “I lost my appetite and left,” she said.
“He chased her,” Kit explained.
“He what?” I asked, voice rough.
“He said his mom wanted to convince me to stay,” Layna said, letting out a little snort.
“Christ. Slim fucking pickings out there, huh?” I asked.
“You have no idea,” Layna said. “He seemed so normal over drinks at Redemption,” she added. “So, give me a gun, some bullets, and a man-shaped target to aim for,” she demanded, passing me her license and credit card.
“So, what’s with the good mood?” Kit insisted, still knowing me too well, even with the years and miles between us for a long time.
“I rented out my guest house today,” I told them, shrugging.
“Oh, come on. I wanted to crash there,” Layna said. “And I know Violet wanted to stay when she was in town too, now that she can’t stay with Hope.”
“How about you two rent out an apartment to share?” I suggested, watching as Layna’s mouth fell open in mock outrage.
“Are you insinuating that we aren’t welcome to couch surf at our loved ones places anymore?”
“I’m saying you’re adults who should have a home,” I said, shrugging.
“Aww, look at him. All grown up and stuff,” Kit teased.
“Oh, well, helloooo,” Layna said, making me close my eyes and exhale hard. Because I knew what Layna was looking at. Who Layna was looking at.