I agreed. I got Jack buckled in, and Evan drove off. I followed behind his shiny Maserati. We drove down a few streets and then turned down one of those tree-lined streets I'd always dreamt about living on. The sidewalks were clean and chalky white, and everyone's lawn was neatly trimmed and bordered by perfect landscaping. I could just imagine Jack on his bicycle riding up and down the road beneath the shade of the trees. Mom could plant tulips in the front garden. She loved tulips. I could spend more time with Jack. That was the biggest bonus of all. I felt like so much of his childhood was passing me by while I served greasy food and danced in front of hungry stares.
The Maserati slowed and parked in front of a house with a for sale sign. I pulled up behind Evan, and we both got out. Jack was already fast asleep in his car seat.
There was a sprawling maple tree in the front yard and a red brick chimney jutting up from the black slate roof. The teal door looked even prettier in person.
"What do you think?" Evan asked.
I smiled. "It's as if you snuck into the dream box in my brain and pulled out a picture of my absolute perfect house." I glanced around. "And neighborhood."
"Thought you might like it. I'll send you the listing link, so you can see the inside." Evan took my hand again. His touch was gentle. It didn't stir anything in me. Not like when Ronan took my hand. Maybe Evan was right though. Maybe I could learn to love him. It might be the best of both worlds. Time with him but also independent time to do what I wanted.
"I'll think about it, Evan."
He leaned over and kissed me lightly on the lips. "That's all I ask."
Evan walked me to my car and then returned to his. I took one more long look at the house. It was so perfect it made my heart ache. I glanced back. Jack was still asleep. I pulled away from the dream house and drove back to the apartment.
twenty-four
. . .
Ronan
Colin left to get burgers. I told him I wasn't hungry. I fell asleep on the couch with my throbbing hand resting on a pillow on my chest. My phone rang, and I reached over to the coffee table quickly and clumsily with my left hand. The phone fell on the floor. I snatched it up, hoping it was Rachel. It was Zander.
"Hey," I said, my voice still fuzzy from sleep.
"What the fuck? You sleeping?"
"I just dozed off. Colin and I went riding?—"
"Yeah, yeah, I don't have time to hear a narration about your day." I could hear Nev in the background telling him not to be an asshole when asking for a favor.
"What's the favor,asshole?" I asked.
"Nev and I are in the city. She's looking at a new refrigerator for the sandwich shop. I need you to feed the horses. Dad said his back is out again."
I lifted my bandaged hand. There was so much tape, the last three fingers couldn't move at all. I supposed that was the whole point.
"We fed and clothed and kept you warm for many days," Zander said.
"Oh my gosh, you really do excel at being an asshole," Nev said sharply. She grabbed the phone. "Sorry to ask this of you on your day off, Ro, but if you wouldn't mind. You don't need to muck. Just drop a flake in each stall and check that the waterers are flowing."
"Yep. I'll head over there just as soon as Colin gets back with his car."
"Thanks, you're a peach."
Zander's laugh followed. "A real fucking peach."
"Thanks again, Ro. See you later."
I got up, took some aspirin and pulled on my boots and coat. Colin walked in a few minutes later.
"Need to borrow your car. Z needs me to feed the horses."
"Where's Dad?"
It wasn't easy zipping a coat with one hand. Colin had a good time watching me do it. "He threw out his back or something." I got the zipper up and smiled victoriously. "I will need help with my fly and wiping my ass later."