“Yes, it does. I would love it so much if you and Dad were here all the time. Would you sell the house in St. Paul?”
“It’d be hard to let that go…I’m not sure. Maybe Jackson and his new wife would want to raise a family there. You still feel like Windy Harbor is where you want to be full-time?”
I think of Camden and how I love that we’re in the same town after all these years. But if things go wrong, it could be wretched to be in Windy Harbor together. I was here first, but…I think he’s here to stay too.
I nod. “It feels like home.”
She pats my hand. “I’m so happy you’ve found a place here…it’s amazing to see how much everyone loves you. That cafe is thriving. I’m so proud of you, I can hardly stand it.”
“Aw, thanks, Mom.”
“Are Papa and Uncle Hal driving you crazy?”
I laugh. “Not at all. At first, I wasn’t sure I could handle them under my feet at the cafe, but they’ve actually become pretty helpful.”
She grins. “They love it. Think you could use a couple more underfoot?”
“Yes! Hurry up and get here. I can’t wait.”
I have to return to work, so I get up and hug her again. She promises that they’ll stop by the cafe on their way out of town. I peek out the window and wait until Ralph is closer to the coop and then make a run for it. He catches sight of me—of course he does—but I’m too quick for him. Maybe that flight he took earlier has slowed him down a bit.
The afternoon passes quickly. My parents come over for hugs, and once I’ve closed the cafe, I check outside. As always, I’m on constant alert now for Ralph, who’s in the coop, so I go home. I’m exhausted from staying up late with my parents each night, so I eat with Papa Hector and Uncle Hal and then get in the bath.
I lay back and wish that Camden were in this tub with me. It’s much cuter than the ship at the apartment. A teal claw-foot tub that’s roomy, although probably still not spacious enough for Camden’s six-four frame.
I wipe my hands on the towel and text him.
My parents went back to St. Paul. I think I’m ready for that getaway soon, if the offer still stands.
It’s about ten minutes before he replies, and I’m still in the tub.
Camden
Hell yeah, the offer still stands. Tomorrow night?
I…think I can pull that off. Yes.
Camden
Can’t wait. Miss you. What are you doing right now?
I miss you too. I’m tubbing it.
Camden
Was that a typo? Did you mean rubbing or tubbing?
TUBBING. I am in the tub.
Camden
Either way. What I want to know is: without me?
I did wish you were here, yes.
The phone buzzes, and it’s him FaceTiming.
I make sure the phone only shows my face when I answer.
