Page 54 of Goode Tidings

It's the worst.

I heave a gusty sigh. "What's No More Sad Man Hermit?"

"It's me"—she points at her chest—"soft launching you"—she points at me—"back into life."

"I'm a soft launch?"

"Not yet. You're way too grumpy. But spend a little time under my brilliant tutelage, and I'll have you on your way."

"What makes you think I will agree to this idea?"

"Do you want to be a hermit grump for the rest of your life?"

"I planned on it." A few weeks ago, I would've said absolutely, yes. I want nothing more than to stay here in my cocoon of safety and rarely interact with people.

"Well, Naked Squatter, how lucky are you that I came along?"

I look up at the beautiful woman with her hands fisted on her hips, a pleased smile turning up the corners of her perfect mouth.

I am the most fortunate man alive that it was Eden who interrupted the life I'd grown accustomed to, and simultaneously the most unlucky.

"What if I refuse?"

"You won't. Because, Callum, deep down, you want to be happy." She leans over, pressing a fingernail against my chest. Dragging it in a figure eight, she says, "And, I'm currently unemployed. Consider yourself my new job."

CHAPTER 26

Eden

Why did I have to hear about you quitting your job from your brother?

Hey, Mom. Sorry about that. I was hoping to have a good job prospect before telling you about the whole thing.

Are you ok up there?

Yes. Everything is good.

What are you doing to fill your time? I know how you like to keep busy.

Very little has changed except that now instead of turning in my designs, I'm adding them to my own portfolio. And I'm looking for a job. I promise, I'm not idle.

I don't need to tell her about my new job that I created and gave myself, No More Sad Man Hermit. That will lead to a cadre of questions I'm not interested in answering.

Alright. I love you. Let me know if you need anything. And give my grandson a kiss and hug from me.

Will do. Love you.

Then I fire off a text to my chatty little brother.

Thanks for telling Mom about my job before I was able to.

How was I supposed to know you hadn't told her yet? Also, it's not like I was telling on you. She extracted it from me. That woman is a magician.

I'm helping Oliver with an English assignment when Justin calls.

"Hey," I answer, tapping on my phone where it lays on the table beside Romeo & Juliet. "You're on speaker."

"What's going on, guys?" Justin asks in a conversational tone. "Everyone good out there?"