“You won’t have to worry about that. He’s one of the best guys I know. Maybethebest. He’s always looking out for everyone in his life. Always thinking about others. He’s only recently done something for himself starting a new business, and heneverdates. He doesn’t have time for it.”
Damn, now she’s really laying it on thick. I mean, I love my cousin Memphis and think the world of him, but the way Natasha’s serious eyes lock on mine as she describes this guy, it’s clear her cousin’s probably done more for her than most people in her life.
“Got it. I’ll behave. Doesn’t date. I won’t make jokes about being damaged. I promise.”
She studies me for a moment like she’s trying to decide whether she believes me then nods. “Okay, well, you set up this blind date with Memphis, and I’ll set it up with Gabriel.”
I nod enthusiastically. “Gabriel,” I say lowering my voice into a rasp.
She laughs. “Don’t say his name like that when you meet him!”
“Yay! This is going to be so much fun.”
“I hope he agrees when I tell him about this. If not, I can always see if my brother’s available,” she laughs.
“You have a brother?”
She rolls her eyes. “You really don’t pay attention, do you?”
“Nope.”
“Anything else I can help you with?”
“Seriously?” I ask.
“No,” she deadpans, but my grandma’s words pop into my head, and I know I need to rip the Band-Aid off anyway. If I’m going to settle into this small-town life, I’ve got to start putting myself out there. Asking for help. First starting with a dick appointment, second with finding a new place to live.
“Actually… I’m in a really tough spot right now.”
She leans forward. “What’s going on?”
“My grandma’s kicking me out of her house.”
She snickers, covering her mouth with her hand. “Saw that coming. I noticed her and her new boyfriend in here a few weeks ago.”
“Ugh, and you didn’t tell me?”
She laughs. “They looked sweet and in love. Your grandma’s gorgeous, by the way.”
“Okay, so help a girl out. Everything to rent in this town sucks andcosts a fortune.Help me. I’m poor,”I say blinking my eyes and throwing up my best Kristin Wiig impression fromBridesmaids. “I don’t want to live with total strangers, but I will if I have to. Do you have any leads?”
Natasha wipes down a glass, stacks it carefully, and pauses like she’s really considering her next move. Then she sighs. “Ugh. I never mix work with my personal life, but I’m going to make an exception for you. You should know just how special you are.”
I beam at her, clutching my chest dramatically. “Stop it. I’m going to cry.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re the worst but weirdly, you remind me of my cousin Rhiannon.”
“Oh… another cousin? Is this one single too?”
“Not your type, and no, she’s married,” she says with a smile before shaking her head. “Anyway, I just bought a house in Brookhaven. Right on the lake.”
“You own a house?”
She nods, like this is no big deal. “It was impulsive. But my brother said it’s a smart long-term investment despite his disdain for Brookhaven. He’s always been the one good with money. But with the way the town’s expanding, I think he’s right. It just needs… some minor fixing up.”
“Minor?” I arch a brow.
She flashes a plastered-on smile that screamsnot minor at allbut nods anyway. I know I don’t have a choice. The place could be a total dump, and I’d still be saying yes to the offer that I know is coming. I don’t know Natasha well, but I know her enough to know she’s not a stranger or a serial killer that I’d have to worry about.
