I spend the evening holed up in my room, or what counts as my room now.
I haven’t had much time to make it mine yet. Little Sophie took the old room I used to claim when I’d come here as a kid, and the décor in this barely used guest room is way too beige.
With an old family photo on the desk I swiped from downstairs and lights strung around the mirror on the wall, it’s finally a bit brighter.
I make a mental note to buy some furniture ASAP on the off chance I decide to keep this place. Maybe even if I don’t.
A splash of color never hurt anyone.
But PopPop liked his old-world rustic charm. He was onto the organic earthy look before it ever became a modern trend.
Thankfully, there’s a desk in the corner.
I throw myself into the office chair in front of it, one leg tucked under my rear. Gramps’ cryptic letter sits off to one side like a taunting demon.
Or is that my tablet tonight?
It’s perched in front of me, the screen blank. With my stylus in hand, I halfheartedly try to finish up my latest shoe design with a little AI-assisted variation.
None of the two dozen options it spits out feel right.
It’s not vibing.
And I’m not relaxed, my anxiety soaring as my creative spark wimps out.
Before, I hoped I’d get to chill by coming up here.
Nope!
Below, there’s a steady beat, like someone’s doing a drum solo, banging away like their life depends on it.
The little boy, maybe.
Dan.
He looked like the kid musician type. All gangly preteen and fresh-faced mischief in his eyes. Athletic, too, which probably means he’s into drums when his school band made him choose an instrument.
Back when I was in high school band, the rowdy boys into sports always picked the biggest noisemakers. Drums, trumpets, saxophones, you name it.
I’d be surprised if the little girl was into something so obnoxious.
At least the family’s all settled in, I guess.
Even if their dadcoulduse an attitude transplant or three.
Ugh, Kane.
This must be the tenth time I’ve thought of him since I shut myself away.
The expression on his face when he thought I was kidnapping his daughter…
So ridiculous.
Total overreaction.
How is that a reasonable assumption when you see a strange woman helping your kid off the floor?
Then again, what do I know about parenting?
