“No, I want to be inside you so badly right now.”
She giggles. “You’re drunk, aren’t you?”
“I sure am. But I want to be inside you all the time.”
“You should drink some water and go to bed, slick.” She yawns.
“Just needed to hear my favourite voice,” I whisper, meaning it.
“Anyone ever told you you’re pretty sweet.” There’s a smile in her voice.
“Just you, baby. And that’s enough for me. Good night, firefly.”
“Good night, slick.”
When we end the call, I close the bottle, hydrate, and drag myself to bed. Tomorrow my father will have answers. I may not like them, but he’ll have them.
Chapter 19
Shelby
This space is bigger than it looks from the outside. And there isn’t much to do in the way of remodelling. This was a bakery about a year ago, so the kitchen is fully equipped. There are small Victorian-style tables and chairs scattered around, and all it really needs is a dusting off. “Will, this is perfect.”
He smiles so wide, it looks as if I have just told him I’ll marry him.
“It really is, and the owner is more than willing to negotiate the price for you. She admires the work you do at the foundation.”
“That would be wonderful.” I beam. “William, I want to put in an offer.”
His eyes widen. “You’re serious? Is there nobody you want to give you a second opinion?”
And at that exact moment, I think of only one person and feel my eyes burn. “No, he’d like it too.”
As if understanding, Will walks toward me and wraps his arms around me. It doesn’t feel awkward, just comforting. “You are going to make a huge success of this, Shelby.”
He pulls away, his hands on my shoulders. “And when you do, you’ll be honoring Drew’s memory while celebrating your life.
I look around the space one more time, and I can see myself behind that counter or in that kitchen baking. I can see Brody running around. I can’t wait till it’s official so I can bring him in here. And then I think of Ember, and I smile.
I stop at the cafe and pick up lunch for both Grady and Ember. I know that coming empty-handed will only make things more awkward. Walking into the fire station, I am met with catcalls and whistles. These guys know more than they let on, and they’re just going to make things worse for the conversation I need to have with Grady.
I knock on his door, and he immediately looks up from the paperwork he was focusing on. “Hey, Shelby. Come on in. Sit.”
“Thanks, I brought you some lunch.” I wave the bag and set the other one down in my lap. He glances at it but doesn’t say anything about it.
“You are too good to me, you know that?”
“And you have been too good to me, and Brody. How’s Dylan?”
“She’s been a bit cranky, but otherwise, she’s Dyl. She’s writing a new song.”
“She is one driven woman.” She inspires me every single day.
“So what brings you around, besides this bagel.” He bites into the delicious goodness.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about, and I wanted you to hear it from me.”
“You and Ember?” he asks.
