Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
I don’t know if I agree with that assessment. I’ve been responsible all my life. Losing my parents at twelve does that to a person.
Like when London got married, I bought her out of the apartment so I didn’t have to move or downsize. Although, “bought her out” is probably the wrong phrase. I paid her a hundred dollars because she’s married to a seriously rich man, and there was no way she would take money from me when she could literally fill a pool with hundred-dollar bills and swim in it. I also paid a dollar for our car and the cost of transferring ownership into my name.
“It won’t be like this forever. And I’m not missing out on all of the good stuff.”
“Just three-quarters of it with all your working weekends,” Chad counters.
I know he’s not trying to lay a guilt trip on me, but I already feel bad about not being able to make most of the last-minute stuff, and this doesn’t help. Thankfully his phone pings with a message, distracting him from what had the potential to be an argument. “Allen is on his way to the restaurant. We can meet them there in about twenty. Do you want to walk over or catch an Uber?”
“I’m good to walk if you are.” I push up out of my chair.
“Sounds good. I’m gonna use the bathroom, then we can go.” He disappears down the hall.
I breathe a sigh of relief, happy to avoid dissension. This isn’t the first time my work schedule has thrown a wrench into weekend plans. Or the first time he’s made an offhand comment about moving in with me. I thought he was joking, but now I’m not so sure.
Sometimes I wonder if part of the reason moving in here appeals to him is because it’s a nicer apartment in a better location. The neighborhood has access to more pubs, and all his favorite restaurants are out this way. Plus, Andrea and Allen live a few blocks away, and we spend a lot of time together.
I’ve also never lived with anyone other than my family and my sisters. And we really haven’t been dating that long, so jumping into that kind of change doesn’t seem like the best idea.
My phone rings. I assume it’s Andrea, either telling me they’re running behind or that they’ve arrived early. So I’m surprised when Gavin’s name flashes across the screen instead. “Hello?”
“Hi, Harley, I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.”
“Oh, Gavin, hey, not at all. What’s up? How’s unpacking going? How’s my favorite fairy-princess-in-training?”
He chuckles. “Unpacking is slower than I expected, and your favorite fairy princess keeps asking when we can see you again because she had so much fun at Chuck E. Cheese.”
“Are you sure it’s me that’s the common denominator, or is it the chocolate milk, pizza, endless games, and amazing prizes?”
“I have proof that you’re the common denominator because I asked if she wanted to go back there this week, and she asked if you were coming along. When I said no, she told me she’d rather not.”
“Is that so?” I grab my purse and check for my wallet and slip my feet into a pair of sandals.
“Apparently it’s not as much fun without you.”
“There’s a panda exhibit at the zoo. I could take her on Wednesday afternoon if that works for you? Unless it’s too short notice.”
“It’s not too short. I can definitely move a few things around to make that work. She really needs something to look forward to.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, for the most part. But Peyton misses the girls who lived on our street. She’s used to running down the street and knocking on a door, but Claire is a car ride away. It’s an adjustment period is all.”
“I’m sorry. That can’t be easy for either of you.”
“It’ll be fine. School starts soon. But the zoo will be a great carrot to dangle in front of her. I really appreciate you giving up your afternoon for us.”
“Honestly, it’s my pleasure, Gavin. You know how much I love Peyton. And I love the zoo and was planning to go on my own, so now I’ll have company.” I’m a bit surprised that he’s willing to move his work around for a trip to the zoo, but I guess it would make sense that he wants time with Peyton before school starts.
“Okay. Great. Thanks again. I’ll touch base on Wednesday morning.”
“Perfect, talk to you then. And if you need anything, just call.”
“I will. You’re a godsend. Have a good night, Harley.”
“You too.” I end the call and glance up to see Chad standing in the kitchen, checking his reflection in the mirror by the door.
“Who was that?”
“Just one of the dads I used to nanny for. They moved back into the area and they’re just getting settled in.”