Rory laughs. “Beck is the best parts of me and his mom. I just want him to be happy, and if I truly believed being alone is what he wanted then I’d find peace in that. But I hope you know it’s not your responsibility either. I’ve overstepped enough for today, but I’ll leave you with that. Everyone deserves to be happy, and if it’s not Beck then I hope you find it too.”
I take a deep breath then swallow hard. I won’t force Beck to want me, and if I can’t tell him then at least someone will know. “I think he’s been my happiness for longer than I’d care to admit.”
“So, I’m thinking an extra sink here. Maybe get you a small private room in this corner, and maybe some—Jensen, are you listening?” Reagan asks.
My nod is slow at first but then my brain catches up. I blink rapidly out of my daze. “Yes, sink sounds great, the room will be appreciated, and if I could finish that sentence for you, it would be extra outlets if possible.”
I flash her some half-assed smile. I was listening to her, but I get why it seems like I wasn’t. I’m officially in a funk. So deep in my funk that even pulling out my tried-and-true sketch book hasn’t helped.
Part of me hoped Reagan wouldn’t be able to make today work, but she said she’d meet me here at ten. While getting ready, I messaged Lucie to meet me there and us get some brunch after.
I have to talk to someone. I have to get this out or I might go insane.
I know Reagan can tell something’s up, but as nosy as she is, she also knows I won’t spill my heart out to her here in our new business space.
A happy squeak comes up behind us and we both turn to find Lucie walking in. “I’m so excited for this!”
Now, Lucie…Lucie will care deeply about my attitude, so I plaster a smile on my face. I’ll spill my guts to her later. “You were right, Princess Peach. I think this will turn out really cool.”
Lucie tilts her head. “Actually, I said it would be the perfect solution, Beck was the one who said it could be a cool concept.”
I roll my eyes. “To-may-to, to-mah-to. You ready to get some food?”
“Considering I actually feel like I could eat something today? Yes, I’m very ready, but I did get here early so no rush if you aren’t done.”
Reagan steps to her sister for a hug then a small pat to her belly. “Well, if these babies are calling for food, then we’re done.”
Lucie scrunches her nose. “I swear if we get there and I start to feel nauseous I will cry. I cried this morning at literally nothing. The sunrise looked so pretty from our balcony, I just started bawling.”
I snort a bit of a laugh. “And Daddy Dex still left your side to go workout with the guys? I’m shocked.”
Lucie lets out a heavy sigh. “Well, he tried canceling. He’s tried saying he’ll just back out of pitching again and coach so he can help?—”
“I bet that went over like a ton of bricks,” I say.
Lucie’s been so happy about him pitching again. Honestly, brave move on Dex’s part.
“I did not take it well.” Lucie folds her lips together for a moment before admitting, “I may have told him that if I have to grow two babies in my stomach, he could throw some effing balls. But I actually said the F word.”
Reagan huffs. “Well, if you’re not going to repeat it correctly then why repeat it at all.”
Lucie’s jaw clenches. God bless her, I think she’s a bit hormonal, and I know Reagan is not about to help at all.
I reach for Lucie’s hand and pull her a step away from her sister. “I bet Dex was impressed you actually cursed. Plus, he has to pitch again, all the guys would stand with you on that statement.”
Instantly, her shoulders relax a bit. “I still felt bad, but you’re right, he was impressed.”
“See, no feeling bad. Let’s head out before your appetite changes.” And I have to referee a sister fight—that’s Will’s job, not mine. It also probably wouldn’t help that I’d take Lucie’s side no matter what.
Reagan pulls out her phone, typing her thumbs on her screen quickly before my phone vibrates in my pocket. “I sent you some screenshots of some things the health inspector emailed me, and a list of the new codes to get in and out of here anytime you want. We’re getting new locks and security cameras outside and in the back room put in today, so might want to keep that in mind in case you bring Beck with you next time.”
The comeback that it didn’t happen in the backroom is on the tip of my tongue but thankfully I have enough forethought to stop it. “Thank you, I’m going to start looking at some furniture so I’ll probably come measure out some stuff later this week.”
And I can’t say whether Beck will be with me or not. Honestly, I don’t know if this roommates-with-benefits thing can go much longer.
My heart keeps going up and down because I feel for him so much that I would never want to push a relationship if he truly didn’t want it. I’d walk away, but my soul feels so deeply entwined with his.
Walking out of the shop, Lucie links her arm in mine. “There’s a cute place a block up. Want to go there?”
