Since I know her heart better than I know my own, I’ve picked the ideal place to start our lives.
She’s absolutely gonna love it. Especially when she sees what’s waiting for her.
In our backyard.
Yes, ayard. With grass, trees, birds, bugs, weeds, and everything that goes with it. Plus, some bonus items at no extra charge.
I’m not a madman, so I didn’t buy a house without consulting her. This is a rental for now. But we have the option to buy if she loves it. And if she doesn’t, we’ll find something even better.
While she was busily packing her apartment over the last two days, I secretly did the same at my place. It took some maneuvering to keep her away from the condo to preserve the surprise. After day one of packing, I showed up at her apartment with dinner and suggested we sleep there. Worked out perfectly.
Last night, the ruse was unnecessary. She called and ordered me to stay away. Apparently, I kept distracting her with my dimples. I had every intention of helping her pack, but she’s powerless to resist my animal magnetism.
Seriously, Reed? Animal magnetism? You’ve been spending too much time with your twin.
Fuck you, Morgan Freeman. Why are you still here? Don’t you have some emotionally closed-off asshole to torture?
Of course, I do. That’s why I haven’t left. It seems there’s still one last thing this asshole needs to face before I can work on my Oscar acceptance speech.
I have no idea whatlastthinghe’s referring to might be. Because I’ve convinced myself it doesn’t exist.
And he’s delusional if he thinks this role is Oscar-worthy. Last time I checked, they don’t give out awards for intrusive thoughts or nagging inner voices.
Listen here, young man. I know when I’ve delivered the performance of a lifetime.
Oh, really? How did that turn out for you in 2010?
Now you’ve gone too far. I love Jeff Bridges as much as the next person, but I was robbed.Invictuswas one of my best performances.
Fine. I’ll concede that single point. The other thing about my brother isn’t something you need to stick around for. I’ll handle it when the time is right.
Whatever helps you sleep at night, Reed.
Thankfully, my cookie snaps me out of my momentary psychosis with a crisp swat against my chest. “This has gone on long enough. We don’t have time for a detour. Your friends have probably dumped my belongings on the sidewalk in front of your condo by now.”
I snicker diabolically. “Don’t you trust me?”
She rolls her eyes, expelling a breath that flutters her bangs. “Even trust has limits. What are we doing out in the sticks?” She points at the map on her phone. “Allegedly, we’re almostthere, yet it seems we’re closer tonowhere.”
For the first time since I set this plan in motion, uncertainty sours my confidence.
Welp, too late to cash in my chips and leave the metaphorical table. I’mall inwith no choice but to let it ride. Sometimes you just gotta roll the dice. And other dumb gambling puns.
Instead of offering reassuring platitudes, I mime zipping my mouth and let Cookie Monster do the talking.
“Almost there. Me so excited. Last turn before we get cookies.”
I hold my breath as she turns off the two-lane country road onto the gravel driveway.
She slows the car to a crawl, cutting a scrutinizing glare at the well-weathered mailbox. “Reed?”
“Keep going, cookie. It’s a couple of hundred feet ahead.”
Her white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel gradually loosens as we bump along the narrow path to our new home. Well, new to us. Old as hell, otherwise.
Not to worry. It came highly recommended.
Despite Sawyer hooking me up with the property owner, he was gravely concerned when he saw the quality of the home’s interior. Not to say it’s shoddy or ready to be condemned; it’s simply from a different era. My bougie twin took issue with the cosmetic aspect. All I had to do was point out how much shopping he’ll get to do to help us update it. He was instantly on board.
