“I remember that,” she says, looking over my shoulder at the photo.
“Really? You were only six. But it feels like it was just yesterday for me,” I say fondly.
“We look happy.”
“We were. Honestly, I had no clue what I was doing raising a kid, but I figured it out along the way.” I shrug.
“I know I don’t say this enough, but thank you for taking me with you. I don’t remember much about Mom, but it must have been rough. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you with a sick little kid holding you down.” She blows out a breath and runs a hand through her ponytail. “I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life—with a new heart and without this hanging over our heads.”
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. “I know, and I’ll always have your back, no matter how old you are.”
We pull apart and I smile softly. “Let’s get back to work. This house isn’t going to pack itself.” Carefully, I place the photo album in the “take” pile and head to the kitchen to clear out the cupboards.
Three hours later, I stand in the entryway and release an exhausted sigh at all the stuff we’ve put aside to pack. I reach for my car keys. “I’m going to grab more boxes.” Thankfully we’re not packing up the entire house, furniture and all. I shudder at the thought. It’s enough to make me swear off moving forever.
“Great, I’m going for a nap then,” Beth announces, already heading upstairs to her bedroom. I guarantee that I won’t see her again until I’ve finished all the packing.
Chapter eleven
Hailee
“Holyshitballs,”Bethgasps.
“You can say that again,” I murmur, leaning over Beth to take in the beautiful building through the car window. The six-story structure looks like a modern version of those white cave houses you see on the Greek island of Santorini. And to top it off, directly across the street lies Bondi Beach. Imagining waking up to that breathtaking blue horizon, where the sea meets the sky, has me feeling positively giddy.
Our SUV pulls into the curved driveaway and Dameon swings my door open with a flourish. “Hey, welcome to my humble abode.” He stretches his arms out wide in a grand gesture.
“There’s nothing humble about this place, sir,” I snort, accepting his offered hand. He’s dressed casually in board shorts and a snug tank top, which showcases his remarkable shoulders and biceps. The laid-back beach lifestyle really suits him.
“In fact, there’s nothing humble about you,” I tease, eyeing the outline of his impressive package in those shorts.
“Gross, is that a sex thing? It’s a sex thing, isn’t it.” Beth steps out of the car behind me, fake gagging.
“And you must be Beth. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Dameon.” He extends his hand with a chuckle and shoots her a charming wink. Beth’s cheeks flush beet red, a reaction I’ve never seen from her before. She shakes his hand awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
Stifling my laugh, I take pity on her. “Come on, let’s check out our new digs for the next year,” I say, pulling her into my side for a hug.
“Ladies, if you’ll follow me.” The moment he turns away, Beth looks at me and mouths,He’s fucking hot.
No shit,I mouth back, widening my eyes.
We step into the foyer, where cream tiling and luxurious marble reflect the soft palette of the beach across the street, saturating the space with warmth.
“I’d like to introduce you to Kevin. He’s my building manager, and if there’s anything you need, please just let him know.” Dameon gestures to a short, stocky man in his sixties, who emerges from behind the concierge desk.
I shake his hand and Beth gives a small wave. “Nice to meet you, Kevin.”
“Please, call me Kev.”
His kind brown eyes crinkle at the edges, and I instantly take a liking to him.
“You got it, Kev.” I give a playful wink and his large, bulbous nose burns bright red. There’s a lot of blushing going on this morning.
“Kevin’s aware you’re both my distinguished guests, and he’s here to help make your stay more comfortable,” Dameon says.
“Thank you, I appreciate it. I promise we won’t cause any trouble or make your life hell… Well, not much, anyway,” I joke.
“Honestly, it will be a pleasure to assist you in anything you need,” Kevin responds earnestly.
