“You know me. Settling down isnotin my future.”
“Boy, do I…. The trail of broken hearts is proof of that. I’m not surprised you have the same thing in San Diego. Maybe he’ll be seeing someone, and you’ll be free to do what you want.”
My gut clenches at the suggestion, which is ludicrous since I’ve already seen plenty of his exploits over the past year online—not that I’m constantly looking or anything. He’s had nothing serious so far and is rarely with the same girl more than once, but the few times he was… it drove me crazy. He continued texting me every now and then after the engagement, but the more time that passed, the more infrequent they became until they tapered off completely.
“He’s not. It would be all over the internet if he were,” I state with more certainty than I feel.
“Hmmm. I say go for it if the opportunity arises, and I can’t imagine it won’t. Isn’t he your best friend’s fiancé’s brother? Whoa, that’s a mouthful.” Poppy wiggles her eyebrows, making us both crack up.
“You should come visit and check out San Diego.”
“Yeah, right. I’ll be up to my eyeballs in work between your deals and mine.”
Since we’re in the same office, Poppy will be my boots on the ground while I’m away, showing buyers potential properties and attending closings. “Sorry. At least all my clients know I’ll be gone and only available by phone. Plus, I’ll watch for new listings that match their profile, so you won’t have to worry about that aspect. Thanks for picking up the slack, though. You’re a lifesaver. If my brother weren’t already in love, I’d repay you by setting you up with him.”
“Too bad, ’cause he’s a hottie. I’m sad I didn’t meet him and Mia when they visited,” Poppy says with a pout.
Jackson had to cut their visit short and left the day I planned to introduce them. “Me too. Next time, for sure. Let’s just hope he brings her back soon so I can come home. It would be perfect if Grayson was back by then so I’d finally have a chance to meet your brother.” Her brother is in the military and hasn’t visited the entire year I’ve lived here. He’s fricking hot, and I’ve been dying to see him in person after being introduced while he and Poppy were on Facetime. He’s a little on the stiff side for me, but from what I could tell of his physique… damn.
“His duty ends in December, so he’ll be here for Christmas but might not stay if he re-enlists. And anyway, let’s not forget about your trail of broken hearts. If we want to be friends for life, you may have to hold back from making moves on my brother. The thought of you and Grayson together is cool but gross at the same time, especially if you guys were just a one-time thing. I don’t think family dinners would be very relaxing.”
“Yeah, true. Oh well. I’m still excited to meet him, though.” She’s right about family dinners. Her parents have officially taken me in, and we go to her childhood home every Sunday night, so I’d hate to ruin them. I love it since my parents don’t find me worthy enough.
“Hey, I couldn’t do this without you. I’m sorry for everything I’m piling on, but I really appreciate it.”
“Don’t be. You’d do the same for me. I’m more upset at losing my wingwoman than the extra work I’m getting.”
I pick up the pillow and hit her with it. “Yeah, right, Ms. Picky. It takes an act of God for you to date.”
“Hey, one of us has to have morals. And who would keep all those other guys preoccupied while you steal their friends away?” Poppy laughs.
“Ugh. I’m gonna miss you.”
“I’ll miss you more.”
“You okay with everything?” Jackson asks for the hundredth time this week while he’s been catching me up to speed on everything at the office. It’s too bad Cindy’s still on maternity leave for another six weeks. This would’ve been way easier with her here.
“Yes, Jackson. I’ll be fine. Rebecca’s doing well for filling in, plus the staff you have in place are rock stars. You’ve done well with the restructuring. I’m proud of you, big brother.” I give him a pat on the back. We’re both in chairs behind his desk so I can see everything he’s doing.
“Thanks. It’s become a smooth-running machine, but with the deals we have in the works and all the new properties we’re managing, someone needs to be here to oversee it all. Rebecca handles herself well, but I’ll be glad when Cindy gets back. What a mess.” He sighs, looking worn out. I’m sure he’s been under a ton of stress preparing for what lies ahead.
“Hey, it’ll all work out. Don’t worry, I’ve got this. Plus, you’re only a phone call away. Just focus on what you need to do to be happy again. You’ve been a real Debbie Downer lately.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. All right, I don’t think there’s anything more to go over at this point. Mom and Dad will be back in a week. I’ll talk to them more when they’re settled, but I left a letter explaining what’s happening. When they have service after the cruise, I’ll give them a heads-up on their way home. Keep me posted if they get out of hand. They’ve been mostly hands-off since retiring, besides having me hire Mia, but they shouldn’t bother you. I’ll step in if I need to, though.” He’s always ready to step into his role of the stern big brother.
“I appreciate it, but stop worrying. I’m a big girl, Jackson. I can handle them. I’ve grown up a lot this past year, and I’m not as hung up on the situation as I was before. It’s their problem if they can’t accept the fact that I’m doing just as well on my own as I would be running this with you, and besides, you’re doing an amazing job, and who’s to say that would’ve happened if both of us were at the helm. Maybe they’ll come to terms with my decision. Maybe they won’t. Either way, I’m done worrying about it, and you should be too.” I’m not just trying to make him feel better. I have come a long way. I’ve mulled over the situation a lot the last two weeks. It sucks being at odds with them, but I’ve decided it doesn’t matter until they accept me for who I am.
The following words prove he’s not convinced. “I’m just worried about you is all.”
“Well, don’t be. I’m happy, and even though I’d rather be home—as in Bozeman—I’ve loved being back. Lily and I get together almost every night to talk about wedding plans, and it’s fun being here to help. Plus, you were right—your condo is way better than mine was when I lived here.”
“Well, make yourself at home, but don’t get too comfortable, as in no guys. Go to their place instead. Or better yet, don’t date while you’re here.”
“Really? You’ve had more action in your bedroom than I’ve had my entire life, I’m sure. But I’ll respect your space. It doesn’t matteranyway. I’m not planning on dating anyone. What’s the point since I’m leaving again? I mean, unless I only want to—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” he growls, making me laugh.
“Listen, go do your thing. I’ll hold the fort down while you’re gone. And Jackson?” He raises his brows in question. “Be safe but hurry up and find this guy,” I finish and stand, giving him one last hug, then head home to change for dinner at Lily’s.
