She laughs softly and turns to face forward when Wade gets in the car.
“Were you able to get everything switched over—new phone, new passwords, and all that?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“Great. We’ll be watching closely. I’ll go over your apartment thoroughly, make sure there aren’t any cameras or recording devices. Same with your shop.”
“I’ve let Briar and Juni know that someone will be doing maintenance tomorrow after closing.”
“Sounds like you’ve done your homework.” He smiles at her. “Now we’ll be tracking and see the log-in attempts, get IP addresses and whatnot. Don’t worry. We’ll find out how he’s getting in.”
We go over a few more things on the way to my condo, and it’s not very far, so the ride goes by fast. I’d offered Lola a hotel room, my guest room, or our family home in St. Paul. She chose my guest room, so I had my condo cleaned and ordered groceries ahead. Everything’s ready for her, and it’s funny how nervous I am.
When we walk in, Lola takes everything in.
“This is so nice, Tully.”
“Goldie helped me with everything. She’s better at all that than I am.”
“Well, I love it.”
Her hand glides along the back of my couch, and it’s hard not to stare at her. She pauses and looks at a framed picture I have of my family in front of Windhaven.
“Such a beautiful family.” She grins.
I can’t believe she’s here. I’d given up hope of this ever happening.
“Are you hungry? Do you need a bedtime snack or some hot tea?”
“No, I’m good. I have a little bit of water left.”
“Your room’s up here.” We go upstairs, and I show her the bedroom.
She turns, smiling as she looks at everything in here too.
“What are you thinking?” I ask, chuckling.
“You’re so grown up now. College Tully’s room was not like this.”
I swipe my hand down my face, laughing. “College Tully was definitely more of a slob. It helps that someone cleans forme. But yeah, I like to think I’ve matured and gotten some style.”
She glances over at me, her eyes genuine when she says, “I’m really proud of you too, you know.”
“Thank you,” I say sincerely.
She tries to hide a yawn.
“I’ll let you get some sleep.”
“Thank you, Tully. For everything.”
“Are you kidding? This is the least I can do. I wish I could undo everything that man has done.”
She reaches out and touches my arm. “I wish I’d told you years ago, and at the same time, I’m terrified that you know now.” She shakes her head. “He’s done a number on me.”
I put my hand on top of hers. “It’s understandable. I wish you’d told me too, but I get why you were scared to.” I move my hands to her shoulders. “We’re working together now, and there’s strength in numbers.”
Her lips lift and she nods. She leans up and kisses my cheek. Everything in me comes to life. When she pulls back, I put my hand on her cheek. I want to kiss her so bad, but I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles instead. We stare at each other, our breathing shallow.
