Kelsey reaches out and taps Oscar’s toe beans with her nail. She flexes her little paw around her fingertip.
“Who’s watching her while you’re in Seattle?”
I feel my mouth go dry when our eyes meet again—her stunning gray eyes. There’s a softness to them that makes me wonder if she’s actually curious about me, asking because she wants to know more about me.
“You heard that?”
“I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping.”
I bark a laugh. “I wouldn’t mind if you were, but Rich is going to check on her this time.”
“How long are you gone for?” she asks, I think trying not to sound too interested.
“Normally I’m gone two or three nights, but this week only for a night. I’ll be back home late Monday.”
She lets out a short little hum and I watch while she keeps playing with Oscar’s paw. “Is that where you normally go?”
“Seattle? No. That’s a new thing. I go where my family needs me.” I don’t want to unpack Sly and Dad’s issues, so I give her a different partial truth. “I’m helping with some family stuff back in our hometown. Like right now, I’m dealing with my sister’s wedding since her caterer canceled on short notice.”
“Oh.” Her eyes fly up to mine. “That sucks.”
A lazy grin spreads over my face. I love her brutal honesty. “Yeah, it really fucking does. I love my family, but one of them always has a fire to put out.”
“Is it always you that puts them out?”
“Feels that way.”
For the first time that I can remember, it feels like someone is looking at me with genuine concern and understanding, as something other than a solution to their problem. She is so fiercely stubborn and proud that she will do everything in her power to fix her own problems. I literally had to snatch keys from her and run off with them just to get her to let me fix her car.
It reminds me of the night we talked about our lives walking along the creek.
A low whine comes from the other side of the apartment and all three of our heads turn to the door.
“That’s the connecting door. I take it that’s Felix?”
“Shit. It’s late. I better let him out.”
She boops Oscar on her head before heading to the door.
I guess fate has other plans for tonight.
“Your key locks that door, but you’re welcome to hang out in here if you want when I’m gone. Pour a drink and makeyourself at home. I know that studio apartment gets cramped. So, whatever you need.”
She turns and nods once. “Thanks, Sutton.”
I just stand there and smile back at her as she walks into the other apartment. I know I’m grinning like a madman because she called me Sutton and not Pretty Boy for a rare change. Not only that, I don’t hear her lock that door behind her. Today, I’ll count that as a tiny victory.
CHAPTER 16
KELSEY
There has beenone unintended perk of the landslide. When it first happened, I had to adjust my sleep schedule for the extra drive time. So when I woke up at the apartment above Gloria’s for the second morning, I now found myself with some me-time. Admittedly, it was a bit surreal when I opened my eyes and saw a view that I’d seen so many times growing up because that was the room I’d stay in for sleepovers. It was actually kind of reassuring in a way though. Instead of starting my day off in a foul mood worrying about rushing to work, I felt almost giddy about the day.
After taking Felix for a long walk, I got to Cowgirl Coffee and started my Monday morning routine way ahead of schedule.
Now, I find myself with a welcome moment of peace and quiet. So I plan to take full advantage of it. After making myself my favorite iced coffee, I head to the cafe and sink into my favorite big, leather chair, propping my feet up on the hearth of the fireplace. It’s June, so there’s no fire, but it still feels cozy. I savor every quiet minute because I never get to just relax like this. Even Felix joins in and curls into a ball at my feet.
My eyes flutter shut and I find myself thinking that if I had someone to rub my feet, this would truly be the perfect start to my day.