“Fine.”
I hang up and shoot him a text with a picture of Harper as a newborn. No way will he be able to recognize our daughter on the street if he does come to town early.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Deacon
I’m in a love triangle with myself. I can’t stop thinking about Amelia and trying to come up with ways to see her again.
I also can’t stop thinking about DogPerson and her ex-husband showing up in town. If given the opportunity, I can’t promise I wouldn’t meet up with her. There’s no way I can set her up with Sebastian now.
Not after the way I felt like I’d been punched in the gut when she brought up the idea of getting back together with her ex.
I feel like a cheat, but neither Amelia nor DogPerson is asking me for anything anywhere near exclusive.
And if one of them did? I’m honestly not sure who I’d choose.
“Leaving already?” Cash asks as I drop the last of my tools in my truck bed.
“Lunch break,” I say. “I do still get one of those, right?”
He shrugs. “Sure. Just don’t let Sebastian see you leave. He’s on a mission today.”
“He needs to learn to relax. We’re all caught up, and we’ve got five properties to look at for Mom and Dad this weekend.”
“Five?” Cash says. “I didn’t realize Ryland found so many.”
I nod. “How’s the search for an office manager going?”
“The office manager who’s going to have to work out of Levi’s dining room? Not great.”
“One thing at a time,” I say. “We’ll find a place for Mom and Dad, then we’ll find a space for the business.”
He slaps my shoulder. “Good plan. Have fun on your ‘lunch break’.” He uses air quotes and smirks.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugs. “If you were having lunch alone, you’d have invited me.”
“Maybe I’m just sick of your face.”
“Probably.” He heads back toward the house. “I’m sure as hell sick of yours. I don’t know how Amelia can stand it.”
As soon as I’m in my truck, I shoot a text to Amelia asking her to meet me for lunch so we can talk cat gym plans. I was up way too late last night looking up new ideas so I’ll have an excuse to expand Marmalade’s gym. An excuse to see her again.
Amelia:I’ve only got half an hour for lunch today. I’m probably going to be eating in my truck.
Not ideal, but I can work with it.
Me:What do you want? Send me your location, and I’ll bring lunch to you.
Amelia:Fine. But I’m paying. I want a tuna sub from The Deli.
Me:Perfect. I’ll let you know when I have it, and you can send me your location.
Amelia:You’ve made my day. Thank you.
I don’t stop smiling, even when I see that the line at The Deli is out the door. I smile while I wait.
