“And I owe you a cake,” I add, grateful for his kindness. “Thank you for letting me come here, Mr. Donovan.”
“Call me Grandpa, please,” he insists.
“Thank you, Grandpa,” I reply, feeling a comforting sense of belonging as I gather my things.
I pet Peanut one last time before putting on my shoes and leaving. As I step out, I text Grey back.
On my way home. Why?
His answer only comes twenty minutes later when I’m in front of my door.
Grey
Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.
I frown at the phone, puzzled by his message, just as the elevator pings and Willow steps out.
“Hey, Amelia.”
“Hey. Wait, perfect timing. Could you do me a favor, please?”
“Sure, what’s up?” Willow asks, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
“I’ll probably be away for a few days in a couple of weeks. Would you mind feeding my fish?”
Her face lights up with excitement. “Oh my God, yes, please!”
I smile and open my door, reaching in to grab the spare key.
“I don’t know when I can go, so I’ll give you the key now. But I’m going to text you when I know more. That okay? Sorry, I don’t have all the details yet, but I promise there will be a family pack of Twizzlers in it for you. Deal?”
She takes the key, her eyes gleaming with delight. “Deal. Ha! I would have done it without the Twizzlers.”
“Ha! I would have given you two packs.”
“Dang it.”
We both laugh, and I say goodbye, feeling a bit lighter after the encounter.
At least I have that problem off my hands.
As I step into my flat, I place my bag down and let out a deep sigh before I send another text to Grey.
I’m fine. Just had a good talk with your grandpa. I think everything will be okay.
Grey
Thank you, Princess.
I set my phone down, hoping I’m right.
Maybe everythingwillbe okay.
TWENTY-FIVE
The work weekis finally over, and I’m spending my Friday evening in the gym of my building, determined to strengthen my muscles a bit.
Misha teased me at lunch about our next hike, which could be on Sunday if the forecast stays good. I don’t want the aftermath to be as disastrous as the last one, so here I am in the weight section, which is completely unfamiliar territory for me. But at least the struggle to figure out how to do this keeps my mind off the guys and August, who hasn’t reached out since his initial call, leaving me anxious.
