Another head shake. “Yeah, those two are so business-driven, that was almost a non-announcement. Only they could make a proposal part of a business plan.”
“I know, right? I’m hoping Axel will be a little more romantic than that.”
“I’m sure he will.”
“So, about tonight?” she prompted. “Let me text Axel and feel him out, and if he’s in, I’ll reach out to Lexi and ask her if we can take Jonah. If she agrees, then it’s up to you to get rid of everyone else tonight.”
“Easier said than done,” he murmured. “You know Walker’s going to give me shit and ruin everything.”
“Oh my God, Connor. Do you even hear yourself?” Maisie demanded with a laugh. “What happened to the man who met every challenge with confidence, huh? What happened to the guy who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty?” Stepping around the workstation, she stopped in front of him. “But mostly, what happened to the friend who always encouraged everyone else to go after what they wanted most?”
Damn.
“All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t let anyone else’s reaction be a deterrent. If Lexi didn’t want to spend time with you, then she wouldn’t, plain and simple. If she were uncomfortable with you, she would have let us know.”
“I guess.”
“But if you’re using Walker as an excuse because you’re afraid she’s going to reject you, then…I get it.”
“Thanks, Maisie.”
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think she’s going to reject you. She’s probably going to be just as nervous as you are, and that’s okay. You’re both older and wiser and probably a lot more cautious. Take things slow and prove everyone wrong.”
He smiled.
“I’m going to text Axel right now so we can figure the rest out, so…hold on.” Pulling out her phone, she quickly tapped out a message. A minute later, she was grinning. Holding her phone up, she laughed. “Do you see all the exclamation points?”
Looking at the screen, he let out a bark of laughter.
Axel: ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?? I AM SO IN!!!! YES!!!!
“Obstacle number one cleared,” she said. “I need to head down to the Evergreen cabins and meet with Reece. His crew is working with Axel on more punch-list stuff. Text me if you need anything, but…you’ve got this.”
“Thanks again, Maisie.”
When she walked out of the kitchen, Connor went to work prepping for today’s lunch. He had a pot of chili going, but he wanted to bake some cornbread and make up a small toppings bar for everyone to test.
He had no idea how much time had passed when Walker came into the kitchen. “Is that chili I’m smelling?”
He nodded. “It is. And cornbread.” Wiping his hands on his apron, he turned around and saw Walker sitting where Maisie had. “But it won’t be ready for another two hours.”
“That’s okay. I can wait,” Walker said with a grin. “So I hear Axel and Maisie are taking the kids to the movies tonight.”
“That’s the plan,” he said, busying himself with clearing away the extra dishes he didn’t need.
“Is it just because Axel’s dying to see that damn cartoon or are you looking for a break?”
“A little of both,” he said honestly. “It’s a Friday, and Annabeth’s always looking for things to do, so I thought it could be fun.”
“And the fact that Jonah’s going?”
“That’s Lexi’s call. It would probably hurt his feelings if Axel and Maisie took Annabeth and not him.”
Walker nodded. “Are you planning on spending your free time alone?”
His head fell forward with a sigh before he rested his hands on the cool stainless steel. “If you have a question, Walker, just ask, okay?”
“Are you hoping to spend some time alone with Lexi?”
