Me:Thank you! I can swing by this afternoon on my way to work?
Just send me a pin of your address when you get a chanceplease.
I take a breath and set my phone down, feeling a little spark of hope. Fingers crossed this works out. Gizmo and I could really use a win right now. My phone pings again and I see I have a text from Danielle.
Danielle:Hey girl, how did you go? Did you get some?
I laugh out loud. I have to tell her.
Me:Haha yes, the pool table may need some extra cleaning tonight…
I feel embarrassed but also proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone and just had the best sex that I’ve probably ever had.
Danielle:Yessssss my dirty girl! I knew you had it in you.
Gosh I love her. I feel like we will only get closer now I’m not with Sean.
Me:Did you go home with Tyler?
Danielle:Okay, I did, but nothing happened. Nothing will happen.
Honestly, I thought they would’ve hit it off. They seem so alike—they have the same vibe, same interests, same quick wit. But maybe that’s what makes them clash? I don’t know.
Me:Fair enough. Let’s catch up again soon?
Danielle:We still doing girls night for your birthday next month? Let’s catch up through the week too? We’ll work out the deets later, I’m too hung over right now to plan anything. Love you xxxx
Me:Still on for girls night. Keen for a midweek catch up too.
Will message you later. Love you too xx
I forgot to tell her about my plan today with the house, but I’ll catch her up when I see her.
I follow the directions on my GPS to Emerson’s place. I force myself to stop fiddling with the hem of my lilac dress.
This neighborhood is gorgeous, definitely way out of my price range. It’s only ten minutes from work and a short walk to the beach.
Coevey Bay is a small town, so how did I not know this area existed?
Probably because I could never dream of affording to live here.
This whole estate seemsnew. Every house is modern, sitting on at least a few acres. Almost all of them have those big colorbond sheds out the back, and I’d bet good money that most have pools too.
Who is this Emerson guy? He must be loaded.
I pull into the driveway and stare at the house in front of me. It’s stunning. Literally my dream home—modern coastal vibes, surrounded by palm trees, and a huge backyard that backs onto untouched bushland.
I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves, and head to the front door.
I press theRing Doorbell.
My heart’s thumping harder than it should be. My hands are sweating.
This is ridiculous. It’s just a house tour.
“Coming,” a familiar, husky voice says from the other side of thedoor.
Wait. What?
