Only one came fully furnished, and right now, that was what I needed. I didn’t want the hassle of trying to find everything to fill a six thousand square-foot home.
“I did,” I replied.
Janet gasped. “Seriously? That’s great news. Which one do you want?” I told her which one and her excitement echoed through the phone. “I’ll have the papers drawn up this afternoon. You’ll be ready to move in tonight.”
“Perfect, thanks. I’ll see you later.”
We finished our call, and while I knew I shouldn’t have bought a house I didn’t want, it was what I had to do. Ididn’t want to interfere in Lydia’s life anymore. I’d already tried coming between her and Max, and it didn’t work. There was a reason Lydia hadn’t chosen me . . . she didn’t want me in that way. We had history, but that didn’t always mean anything.
“Jake?”
Out of all the people to run into, it had to be him. My teeth clenched, but I tried to relax and smile when I turned around.
“Max.”
Max held out his hand. “Hey. It’s good to see you again.”
I shook his hand. He was dressed just how I’d imagine a young college professor would be: khaki pants, a white button-down, and a navy sweater vest over it.
“Same. Are you done with classes for the day?”
He nodded and blew out a relieved sigh. “Yes. I’m finished until after New Year’s.” He pulled his phone out and held it up. “I’ve tried calling Lydia today. I know you’ve still been there with her. Is she okay?”
I couldn’t hold back the chuckle even if I tried.
“You’ll have to excuse her today. She took nighttime medicine by accident this morning. She’s been passed out since.”
Max tilted his head back and laughed. “That’s hilarious. I can’t wait to tease her about it.”
His words made a pang of jealousy spark in my gut. Max was a great guy, but I didn’t want him with Lydia. If he was what she wanted, though, I wouldn’t come between them. Sadly, it was hard to like the guy when he wanted the only girl I’d ever loved.
And there it was . . .
It took until now to actually say the word in my mind.
Love.
I loved Lydia. I always had and always would.
Once Max was done laughing, he pointed at the gallery. “I love that place. I go in there all the time to find peace after a long day of class.”
That made me smile. It took special, hardworking people to want to teach.
“Yeah, it’s nice. I’ve been in there before with Lydia.”
Max’s smile faded slightly, and he stared at me, almost as if he was trying to figure me out. “If you wanted a painting, she could’ve gotten it for you.”
I nodded. “I know, but I was getting her a Christmas present.”
Silence fell between us as realization set on his face. From the looks of it, she’d told him what she wanted as well. “Did you buy her what I think you did?” he asked, his voice astounded.
“Enchanted Fallsby …”
“By Kenneth Halvorsen,” he finished. “Yes, that’s it.”
“I did,” I said. “She’s wanted it for a while now.”
Max averted his gaze to the gallery windows and sighed. “I would’ve loved to have gotten it for her, but it’s way out of my budget.”
