AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hallie smiles. “You’re going to regret saying that.”
She pulls into a driveway behind two other cars ten minutes later.
I grab my luggage, the painting, plus a paper bag from the farmer’s market and head inside.
The bungalow is homey. I’ve only seen photos, and Hallie’s redecorated since the last ones I saw. The living room is scattered with baby toys, beneath them, a brightly patterned rug. The walls are decorated with vibrant prints. The framed pieces are interspersed with family photos, and I’m surprised to see how many I’m featured in.
“Hallie?” a male voice calls as we head toward the back of the house.
“Yeah. We’re back,” she announces as we walk into the kitchen.
Matt is sitting at the round kitchen table, bouncing my nephew on his lap. An older couple I recognize from Hallie’s wedding as Matt’s parents are seated across from him…along with his brother Jackson.
“Saylor!” Matt greets me enthusiastically as he rises to give me a hug. “So good to see you.”
“You too, Matt,” I reply. “The house looks great.”
“Thanks.” He gives me a boyish grin, then holds up my nephew. “Want to hold Matthew?”
“I—well—it’s?—”
Matt doesn’t really wait for a response. He passes me the baby, and it’s either grab him or let him drop.
I clutch Matthew tight to my chest, terrified I’m going to mess up holding him. He appears unconcerned about that possibility, blinking up at me innocently as he waves his little hands about. I stare down at him. He’s so…tiny.
My nephew yawns, then his brown eyes shutter shut. “Um, he seems tired?” I say.
“Wow, he hardly ever falls asleep while he’s being held,” Hallie comments, coming up beside me. “Impressive. We’ll have to fly you down to babysit on a regular basis.”
“Hilarious,” I respond.
Hallie takes Matthew from me and transfers him to a small cradle tucked in a corner of the room. Matt’s parents and brother stand from the table to greet me. I force myself not to yank my hand away when Jackson’s handshake lasts twice as long as necessary.
“I’ll get the couch made up for you as soon as I get these groceries put away,” Hallie tells me, unloading the paper bags from the farmer’s market.
“Oh, Saylor should take the guest bedroom,” Matt’s mother says.
“No, it’s fine,” I tell her, because what else can I say? Actually yes, I’d love to have four walls enclosing my sleeping space that aren’t part of a communal area. Hallie would kill me. “I’m going to go for a run.”
Hallie eyes me, frowning. “I thought you went for one this morning.”
“I did, but I’m missing practice today,” I reply. “So I should go for a second one.”
“Mind if I join you?” Jackson asks, rising from the table and shooting me a grin. “I need to get in shape for lacrosse.”
“Saylor runs fast,” Hallie says. “Just a warning.”
Jackson’s smile only grows. “I’m sure I can keep up.”
I doubt it.
Jackson is tall, but his lanky frame lacks muscle. I’d be shocked if he’s in shape enough to jog more than a couple miles. I can’t recall the last time I ran less than five, but I’ve been inside this house for about ten minutes, and he’s spent eight of them looking at my long legs. Decimating oversized male egos is my favorite hobby. If it keeps him from bothering me the rest of the weekend, that’s just a cherry on top.
Hallie sighs. “Have fun.”
I’m already wearing my standard athletic apparel and sneakers. “Ready?” I ask Jackson, pulling my hair up in a bun.
“Yeah, sure,” he replies with overdone casualness.
