“No triggers?”
“No. The stores weren’t busy at all. Seb and Gabby made it easy. I’m…glad I went.”
“Glad you had an enjoyable time. Come out after your call to Jake and we’ll figure out supper, okay? I’m going to call Troy and check in.”
I nod as I put the tops and bottoms away, along with my shoes and leather jacket. The rest I take to the washer and run a load. Back in my bedroom, I grab my laptop and get comfortable on the bed and call Mal. “Hello Sugar. Right on time. How are you doing down there?”
Smiling, I wave at Mal. “I’m actually doing really well, Mal. How is everything up there?”
“Got another snowfall yesterday, but it didn’t stick, and Sue visited Saturday. We had a great gossip. She brought me some lemon squares, too.”
“I’m glad, Mal. How is Jake?”
“He’s fine, Sugar. I’m gonna click you into the holder here now.” The phone shakes for a second before I see my Jake. “I’m leaving you now, Sugar. Be back in half an hour.”
“Thanks, Mal,” I call. Once I hear her leave, I shift my gaze to Jake. “Hey Jake. I miss you.” For the next 30 minutes, I tell him about meeting Seb, Elijah, Nick, and Baylor while hugging my pillow with his cologne. I talk about my great-grandmother’s gardening journals and going to work with Zander. “I wish you were here with me, Jake.”
“Hey sugar, I’m back. How we doing?” Mal calls.
“I’m good, Mal. All done. You can grab the phone.”
The phone gives a little shake again, then I see Mal’s face. “There you are, Sugar. I’m heading back to the desk now. Jake is getting a haircut tomorrow, so he’ll be even more handsome for your visit on Friday.”
“That’s great, Mal. I really appreciate your answering my calls and keeping the phone charged. I’ll talk to you on Friday.”
“You take care now, Sugar. See you Friday,” Mal waves and hangs up.
Walking out to the kitchen, I decide to make a stir-fry for supper. I let Zander know, and he offers to grill up a few steaks. Gathering up all the veggies, I chop while Zander heats the grill. Wequickly put together dinner and eat at the island. I grab a few brownies from the freezer and microwave them for dessert. After we load the dishwasher, I follow him over to the couch. He brings up another Marvel movie for us to watch. As I get comfortable, a text from Seb shows up, saying hi.
Chapter 21
Wednesday morning starts with my phone buzzing incessantly. I groan, wanting to sleep some more in my comfy bed. I stretch my arm out from under the covers to feel for the phone on the nightstand to see what’s happening. Finding the incessant noisemaker, I pull it under the covers, squinting one eye open to find a bunch of texts from Seb. He’s coming over with the guys to work on the deck railing. There are several more asking why I’m not answering him and a final one saying they’ll be there in 20 minutes.
Grumbling to myself about early mornings, I fling the covers off, set the phone back down, and get up. I grab an old t-shirt and new shorts before hopping in the shower quickly.
Brushing my teeth and throwing my wet hair up into a messy bun, I head for the kitchen. Zander is sitting at the island with a coffee in hand, checking his phone. “Morning,“ I greet with an enormous yawn, filling up the kettle and putting it on the stove.
“Morning, Summer,” he smiles. “You’re up early.”
“Seb won’t stop texting, so I figured I’d get up.” I grab a mug and a tea bag from the pantry.
“Oh, sorry about that. We’re putting up the railing today, but I was going to let you sleep in. We have to pick up the lumber first, so it won’t be noisy for another hour.”
“It’s okay. I’ll help. Should I make breakfast for everyone?”
“Ebeat you to it,” he waves his phone. “He made breakfast burritos last night. We have to pop them in the oven when he gets here.”
“He spoils you guys,” I say as I turn the stove off and pour some hot water into my mug.
A knock sounds, followed by the front door opening. “Sunshine,” Seb sings. “Where are you?”
“In the kitchen,” I yell, sitting beside Zander at the island.
Seb comes in and smiles at me. “I’m coming in hot, Sunshine. Prepare yourself!” He picks me up off my stool and hugs me from behind. I sort of just hang there until he’s done, looking over at Zander, nodding that I’m alright. He puts me back on the stool, taking the one beside me. “You didn’t answer my texts this morning,” he pouts.
“It’s kind of early, Seb. You woke me up,” I grumble, blowing on my tea to cool it down.
“Oh, is Sunshine not a morning person?” Seb prods.
