We decideto walk back to the Jeep and try to get back to Nalani’s new place so the movers know where to put every box, making it easier on us.
My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out, seeing the picture of Lydia and Maya holding Savannah.
“The Aunties?” Nalani asks, and I nod. “Answer.”
I swipe to answer, already smiling. “Hey, Lydia.”
Her voice is warm, familiar, and until now, I didn’t know how much I missed her. “We got your text. The City is stunning. I haven’t been there since my own internship.” She continues, “Just wanted to make sure you’re okay with all the changes. You’ve been juggling a lot, but from the pictures you’ve sent lately,” she sighs. “You look good, Claudia. Happy.”
“I am,” I say softly. “Mostly. It’s been a lot, but it feels right.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.” There’s a smile in her voice. “And that little one, don’t even get me started. Savannah looks like she’s doubled in size since the last picture you sent fromMaui. Look at those cheeks! I swear she’s growing faster than my hydrangeas.”
I laugh, glancing down at her. Savannah’s half-asleep in her stroller, cheeks round and pink, fist clutching her blanket. “She’s definitely not slowing down.”
“I bet. You sound lighter, too,” Lydia says. “Settled.”
I don’t tell her I’m crashing at people’s places, no need to worry her. “Yeah, it’s… going well. Good, different, almost easy.”
There’s a pause on the other end, soft and full of care. “Well, keep it that way, okay? You deserve easy for once.”
“I’ll try,” I murmur, smiling. “But you know me.”
She laughs. “Yeah, that’s why I’m saying it out loud.”
I can’t help but laugh, too. “Thanks, Lydia. For checking.”
“Always,” she says. “Now, send me another picture of that kid before she’s taller than me.”
I glance down at Savannah again, her tiny lashes fluttering as she sleeps. “Give it a few months,” I say quietly.
“We may decide New York for Thanksgiving or Christmas.”
“That would be amazing. Chat soon.”
When I hang up, I’m in my head, and after a few moments, Nalani asks, “Talk to me.”
“Lydia and Maya mentioned coming for Thanksgiving or Christmas.”
“That’s cool…” She shakes her head as she looks at the expression I did not manage to school. “But no?”
“It’s amazing. They are amazing. But I don’t know if the apartment will be done, and I would of course want them to stay?—”
“Koa has plenty of room.” I must pull another face. “But no?”
“I want them to see me settled. That all the time they have put into me, was warranted. I want them?—”
“Not one person who has spent more than five minutes with you doesn’t admire or envy your strength and grace. They spendtime with you because they care and because you’re freaking awesome.”
Nalani putsthe Jeep in park, and we get out. I grab Savannah’s carrier and balance it against my hip. Trying not to gawk at Deacons’ gorgeous ass, I scan the area and see Paul near the truck, gesturing animatedly at two movers like a retired general giving orders. Deacon’s beside him, phone tucked to his ear, one hand braced against the side of the truck.
When Paul sees me, he waves. “You girls wanna direct these fellas?” Paul shakes his head. “I cannot believe how much you girls have acquired in such a short amount of time.”
I shake my head, smiling. “I packed light.”
He eyes the stack of boxes being rolled down the ramp. “Then someone's been doing some shopping.”
Deacon hangs up his call, pocketing his phone as he walks over. He gives a short nod, all quiet professionalism, but his eyes catch mine for just a second too long. I feel that flicker—familiar now, making it even hotter. I glance away before I forget there’s an audience.
