“I figured.”
“I, uh, I probably shouldn’t have said that. Sometimes I don’t think things through before I say them. I didn’t mean to be sexist or offensive or—or make you uncomfortable.”
“You weren’t. And you didn’t.”
“Good.”
I smile at how relieved he sounds. He’s a lot more sensitive than I figured an ex-jock would be.
“Listen, I’m calling because I’ve drawn up some graphics showing how we could remodel that last house. They’re preliminary, of course—just a starting point. But it’ll give you some idea of the possibilities for that place, as well as the cost estimates.”
“This really is likeProperty Brothers.”
“I don’t have a twin, but I do the best I can.”
I laugh. “You’re as good as two people.”
“Do you want me to text or email them?”
“Email, please.”
“Will do. I didn’t put the timeline on there, but the whole project would probably take about eight weeks.”
“That’s not bad.” I turn and pace back to the kitchen. “Especially if we can lease the condo you showed me for the eight weeks.”
“Absolutely.”
“Sounds great. I’ll look forward to seeing the graphics. And I’ll be back out there next week.”
“Good.” His voice is warm. “How is everything else going?”
“With Zack? It’s kind of a mixed bag.” I stare out the window. “He seemed less than thrilled at my unexpected return, but I interrupted his workday and he’s under a lot of pressure. We had a great evening, though. But then, this morning, he left before six to go to the hospital.” Before I know it, I’ve told him practically everything—including how Zack didn’t seem interested in getting full guardianship, how I went by Quinn’s store undercover, and how seeing Quinn and Lily had affected me.
“Lily looks so much like Zack that it shocked me. It was like apunch in the gut or an out-of-body experience or being punched in the gut while having an out-of-body experience. But that’s a non sequitur, because if I were out of my body, I’d have no gut to punch.”
“Yes, that’s a consideration.” I could hear a smile in his voice. “I get what you mean, though.” There’s silence over the phone, but it isn’t uncomfortable. “I think you were wise to go home and be with your husband.”
“I do, too, but it feels likehe’snot really here withme.”
“Hoo boy.” He sighs. “I know that feeling.”
“Any suggestions about what to do?”
“I’m the wrong person to ask.” His voice has a rueful tone. “Your situation is different from mine, though. Off the top of my head, I’d say you need to hang in there and get to know the key players.”
“That’s what I think, too.”
“But, Jess—you have to be up front about it. You can’t give your husband any more reasons not to trust you.”
I feel a little stab of guilt about going by Quinn’s shop the way I did. “Yeah. You’re right.”
We share another second of silence. “Well, I’d better let you go.” He sounds a little reluctant to hang up, and I’m not eager to get off the line, either. But it’s time.
“Okay. I’ll look forward to seeing the house plans.”
“Good. I’m eager to know what you and your husband think. And, Jess?”
“Yes?”
