I hang up the phone before she can say anything.
Thea is still eyeing me like I’ve grown a third arm. “Do I even want to know?”
“My little sister wants me to get married next week.”
“Oh, okay. Well, in that case, I’ll make sure to not schedule any board meetings then.” She hurries in and sets an iPad down in front of me. “This is the projection for the Legacy building if we decide to rent to that restaurateur.”
She stands there while I read over the summary. It’s higher than we predicted—the story of every project. We need to start doubling our estimates.
“How’s it going with Lucy?” Thea asks.
I glance up sharply. Thea’s all business. It’s why she’s great to work with. She actually keeps us all on track. Without her, this company wouldn’t be running as efficiently—or bringing in such a high profit.
“It’s going great.”
Thea nods. “Be nice to her.”
I’m sure I look shocked. “When have I not been nice to someone?”
Thea sits down on the edge of my desk and stares down her nose at me. “I mean, don’t hurt her.”
“Good grief. What do you think I do? Collect bodies in basements?”
“No, I think you’re fun, and I think you’re a flirt.”
“And I didn’t think you knew Lucy that well.” My phone chimes.
Ainsley: Marriage. Make it happen. (It’s my new slogan)
Thea shrugs. “I got to know her a little bit when we were working on the cat café. And she’s sweet.”
I fold my arms across my chest. “And you think I don’t know that? She’s been a great roommate.”
Thea picks up one of my pens and begins clicking it repetitively. “She’s sweet. And wholesome. And even though she comes across bubbly, I think she’s been hurt in the past. I guess what I’m saying is, she’s vulnerable.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. Thea is simply reaffirming exactly what I’ve learned for myself. Lucy wears a mask for the world to see, but I’ve glimpsed under it, and there’s something softer underneath. Something breakable.
“Why are you telling me this? Why isn’t Willa?”
“I don’t think Willa even realizes it. Because I think Lucy is careful to present herself as totally fine to her little sister. I don’t think she wants to worry her.” Thea looks thoughtful.
I nod. “I’ve noticed the same thing. Lucy seems to present herself as this happy, upbeat person, but I do think a lot of it is forced.”
Thea shrugs. “It’s a protection mechanism. She’s probably learned that it keeps her safe.”
I pick up a pen myself and start clicking in tandem with Thea. “I think she feels safe at my house.”
“Really?” Thea says in surprise. “What makes you say that?”
“She doesn’t hold the same mask. She’s still nice and fun,” I add. “It feels more relaxed. Like when she smiles, it’s when she genuinely thinks something is funny.”
“Interesting…” Thea muses. “Which brings me back to my original point. If she’s comfortable with you, don’t screw things up.”
She stands up, tosses the pen on my desk, and leaves the room.
I don’t know how I could possibly screw things up with Lucy. We’re friends now.
I leave the office and ignore Ainsley’s text. I would love nothing more than to make sure that Preston loses the bet. But I don’t know what I’m supposed to do—use a mail-order bride website and pick someone at random?
