Gwen pats my legging-covered shin. “I’m really glad you’re here, Gia. It’s nice to have another person in the house again.”
Looking around, I smile at Gwen’s adorable little cottage. It’s boxy, and the rooms are closed off, but instead of feeling claustrophobic, it’s cozy. “This was your aunt’s house, right?”
“Yep. She gave it to me and Charlie after she moved into an independent living community. I thought Charlie and I would live here together until we either found partners or got too old to take care of the place.”
“You miss them.”
Gwen nods, picking at something on her jeans. “I know they needed some space to feel independent. I can’t really blame them, but it was still hard. I’ve been Charlie’s caretaker since I was little. Now, I have to figure out who I am outsideof that.”
“I think you can still be a caretaker, but maybe you channel that into other aspects of your life. We could be a foster home for cats or something.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I wouldn’t be able to do dogs since my shifts at the Grind are way too long.”
“And I am not a dog person. Cats are way more my speed. They’re the perfect amount of asshole to match my prickly personality.”
“You’re not prickly.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Gwen, I just high-fived the man I’m hopelessly falling for. I’ve got some pretty jagged edges.”
“We’ve all done some weird shit to the guys we’re crushing on. There was a hot guy who came into the Grind, and he ordered one of the cinnamon rolls. I wanted to say that I love the smell of cinnamon, but it came out that I loved huffing cinnamon, like I was some kind of spice drug addict or something.”
“Oh, no.” I wince in solidarity. “Do you know who it was?”
She shakes her head. “He didn’t grow up here, so I have no idea who he is. I still can’t face him. I make Charlie serve him anytime he comes into the cafe.”
I chuckle. “I’d so do the same thing.”
“I need to head in for my shift. You okay here by yourself?”
“Yep. I’m going to unpack my stuff and get some work done. Then I need to see about buying a car.” I sold my tiny one, knowing it would never survive a winter in Colorado. Holt told me Xander could help me find a good one, so I’ll probably head over there to see what we can find.
“I’ll bring home dinner, and we’ll celebrate our newadventure.”
Music streams from my laptop as I work. After my campaign for Mayor Dillion went live, I had a couple of towns in the area reach out, wanting similar packages. I’m booked out until the summer now, between my regular clients and the new ones coming in. I owe the mayor a fruit basket or something for the referrals.
I’ve been working at the kitchen table since I got back from finding a respectable four-door sedan this afternoon. Xander was really sweet and just as shy as he’s been every other time I’ve interacted with him. His business partner, Sam, helped me more than Xander.
I also spent a little time getting my stuff unpacked after Gwen left. Everything seems to fit perfectly with Gwen’s, which surprised me. I was fully prepared to shove half my shit into a closet since I moved into a fully furnished place.
Instead, I found out that Gwen and I share a love of coffee mugs with rude sayings and have very similar tastes in artwork.
My phone buzzes next to my computer, and my cheeks heat at Holt’s name on the screen.
Holt
Did you get unpacked today?
Me
I did, yes. And Xander helped me find a car.
Good. What are your plans tonight?
Gwen is bringing home dinner, and we’re going to have a girls’ night. What are you up to?
The guys wanted to get together, so they’re bringing their kids out to the house to play while we hang.
Aw. Look at us being all social and shit.
