“You’ll have to be specific.”
Miles says, his tone light and unserious, “I heard you had a thing with Sienna Fishel.”
“Sienna…?” He pauses as if he’s trying to recall what Miles is talking about. “The model? You mean because of those photos of us that spread all over social media? She was asking me for Chase’s number.”
“Oh shit, does your sister know?”
“Shut the fuck up,” Calvin says, but he’s smiling, and Miles laughs.
They pass a sign that says they’re entering Ridgeford. Dad’s grave is on the outskirts, close to where they currently are, and he sends a silent apology and promises he’ll visit him next time. He usually passes by on his way to the inn, but he’s not about to unload that on Calvin.
When they get to the inn, the lobby’s empty. Again, they don’t have a lot of guests.
Calvin, perceptive as always, says, “It’ll work out. You’re doing the best you can.”
“Thanks,” he mutters.
Gabby’s in her usual spot behind the reception counter and she perks up the instant that she sees them. “Good morning,” she says. “Let me just prepare your keycard.”
“How is everything?” Miles asks, glancing around.
“Same old.” She’s working on the computer, setting up Calvin’s keycard, and doesn’t look up when she adds, “Did you see what Dahlia and I left your dad? Pretty, right?”
“Ah, no, I didn’t pass by,” Miles says. They must have dropped off some flowers from the garden again.
Her eyes still on the screen, Gabby frowns. “You always pass by your dad’s on your way here, though.”
“Not today.” Aware of how Calvin’s listening, Miles attempts to make himself look busy by tightening his ponytail.
“Your dad lives nearby?” Calvin asks.
“Heh.” Miles grins. He’s not usually a fan of dark humor, but the opportunity’s right there. Sorry, Dad. “Quite the opposite of living nearby, actually.”
“Miles,” Gabby scolds, finally looking up from the computer.
They both get a long look from Calvin.
“His grave is on the outskirts of town,” Miles says.
Understanding crosses Calvin’s features. For a second, Miles is worried that Calvin will apologize. He hates it when people do that, even if he’s used to it. When Miles forces himself to meet Calvin’s eyes, his expression’s blank, and Miles appreciates that—he’d rathersee Calvin being his usual stoic self over anything else. If Calvin looked at him any other way right now, he wouldn’t have been able to handle it.
“You could’ve told me, and we could’ve dropped by,” Calvin says, lips a flat line.
His throat is scratchy when he speaks. He shouldn’t have eaten all those gummy worms. “It’s fine.”
“Here you go. Room 203,” Gabby suddenly says, breaking the tension and handing the keycard to Calvin.
He takes it from her and flips it over, studying it, though Miles wonders if he’s only doing that to gather his thoughts over what he’s just learned about Miles’s dad. Then, to Miles’s alarm, Calvin cocks his head at him and says in a teasing tone, “You’re not going to demand to see ID, are you, Miles?”
His cheeks heat, and at the same time that Gabby snorts, Miles mutters, “No. Shut up.”
Even if Miles doesn’t need to wait for a keycard, he still stands there. It’d be strange to leave Calvin at this point—should he walk him to his room, maybe offer to help him with his things. They’re friends now, right? Calvin won’t think he’ll try to run off with his things and sell it on eBay?
Calvin gently prods his arm. “Let me know what you need from me.”
Right. These coming days, he’s going to work closely with Calvin—even if he’s still not entirely sure what Megan has in mind. He’s here, in Ridgeford, because they’ve made a deal.
It’s so incredibly bizarre and daunting, and Miles has to step up—not only because he wants the inn to get back on its feet, but also because he’d feel horrible if this was all for nothing and he ends up wasting Calvin’s time.
