Page 123

Matt and I have come to an understanding. Also, he’s excited that I’m adding a new member to the team. Sophia was right. We’re stretched too thin and running on fumes. It’s not fair to him or Casey.

I try not to smile as Matt walks backward, gesturing pumping heart hands over his chest. The little fucker has grown on me. But then a kid smacks his arm in a game of tag, and he chases them to the front yard, acting like a terrifying monster.

“Who knew a little attention would make that bonehead so happy. He even checked DMs today.” Casey toe-bounces a soccer ball into her grasp. She drops it in the container, then says, “Continue.”

“Amber and Adam are finally on talking terms, though he still hasn’t met Joy. She’s five now. Anyway, Amber kept me in the loop about his schedule. I didn’t want to cross paths. That’s the entire story. You know Adam’s an asshole. I couldn’t let him near Sophia.”

“Oh, I know why you did it. I’m just wondering how long you’re going to keep the truth from her. You can’t save Sophia from everything. They’re going to meet eventually, whether it’s in Hawaii or somewhere else. It’s unfinished business for her. In fact, Amber said Adam leaves today. He’s probably headed for the airport now.” She looks at her phone.

“Casey, what if I lose her?” I clutch the basket tighter, becoming crazed at the thought. “I’m head over heels, and I’ve already ruined everything.”

I knew this moment was coming, but still, I’m not ready. I’ll never be.

“I tried to confess yesterday, but she wouldn’t hear it. I’m such a dumbass, I listened.”

Why am I such a simp for this woman? My face folds.

“So, she’ll have an old-boyfriend reunion, and then she’ll come back to you. She’s a smart lady,” Casey says.

I pinch my forehead. “But that’s the thing. That asshole is charming.”

“And hot, and famous, and rich,” Casey adds.

I glare at her. “Why don’t you stick a knife in my heart, already?”

Casey picks up a yard dart and tests the silver point with her fingertip. She nods as if to say that’ll do, then presses it against my chest.

“I’ll go talk to Sophia now.” I sigh.

“Good boyfriend.” She drops the dart into the container and takes the entire thing from me to return it to the garage.

As she walks away, my head snaps around to the sound of a car door slamming in the distance. An engine sounding suspiciously like the Jeep roars to life. My brows knit when tires peel out of a gravel driveway.

I circle the yard, but only to catch sight of Sophia in the Jeep, her blond hair blowing in the wind. Spinning tires scream down the country road, kicking up rocks in their wake. When she disappears, my heart sinks, even though I don’t know what’s happened.

This can’t be good. Nothing about this is good.

My gaze returns to the driveway, where a cheery Matt waves good-bye. Then, like a storm, I descend on him.

46/

sophia

Cookie-Miser Mishap

I’ve scoured every inch of the pantry, except one last cereal box. When I take the box into my arms like a baby, I know I’ve found what I’m looking for. No cereal weighs this much.

No baby weighs this much.

I grin and pop open the top. A bag of coconut cookies lives inside. I open the resealable tab and the scent wafts out, making my nose flare and my mouth water. I lift one cookie and study all sides. I’m truly curious about the magic Tina bakes inside to elicit these intense reactions.

“Mmm.” I do a happy dance, thrilled with my illegal contraband.

Then, thinking better of it, I tuck the rest under my armpit to protect them in case Gio appears with the same idea. Paranoid, I look over my shoulder as if I can hear him coming to fight me for them. And then, somehow, I do hear him.

I stand up straight, preparing for another showdown, but relax when I realize it’s only him and Casey on the other side of the wall. Perhaps outside? I glance around the pantry, trying to find the source. Finally, I spot a small vented window near the ceiling.

There are many tidbits of their conversation I zone in on, but there’s one, in particular, I listen to with great interest. Gio’s been keeping me from Adam on purpose. The so-called truce we made weeks ago where I traded the bungalow for his help in finding Adam was a trick, of sorts. He never wanted me to find him. Gio duped me from the very beginning.