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“I don't think people one-click houses,” I mutter, feeling bitter at what I am losing.
She laughs. “Well, this buyer did.”
“Right,” I say, resigned. “So, what do I need to do?”
“Come in here later today, and we can draw up some paperwork. I think I need a few documents from you. I can email them to you if you'd like.”
“That's fine,” I say, craving a shower and hot water to wash my tears away. I wipe my eyes. “Great. Sure. Just let me know what you need me to bring in.”
“And congratulations. The offer is 10 percent above asking.”
“Wow.” It’s all I can manage to say, realizing I hadn't even asked what the offer was, just assuming it was better than nothing. I hang up and step into the shower, turning the water as hot as it can go. Tears fall from my eyes and I want to get all the emotion out before I see Filson. Not because I'm trying to hide anything from him, but because I know that me selling the house hurts him and I don't exactly want to fuel that fire.
I don't want to hurt Filson anymore than he already has been over me selling the house. I take my time showering, washing my hair slowly, and running a bar of soap over my skin, thinking about Filson running the same bar of soap over his skin. The sheer thought gets me all excited. My body is warm and piqued and I'm thinking about crawling back into bed with Filson and prolonging our time together.
But as I step out of the shower and begin to dry off, I remember my actual responsibilities. Namely, the soup kitchen. Jody and Isaiah are already doing so much to throw the New Year’s Eve fundraiser. The last thing I want to do is let them down by not showing up for work. I need to prep for the feast for Christmas morning and I need to get some grocery shopping done to actually be able to provide that.
When I get out of the bathroom, Filson has already made us tea and he hands me a cup of Earl Grey.
“Thank you,” I say wrapping my hands around the mug.
“Look at you all cleaned up,” he says, giving me a morning kiss.
“What are you trying to say?” I ask, eyebrows raised.
“Just that you were really dirty last night,” he teases, slapping my ass.
I run my hand over his thick beard. “I wish I could stay for round one hundred, but I have to get dressed and go to town. I need to be at the soup kitchen this afternoon and prepare for Christmas morning. It’s only two days away.” I feel the tightness in my voice and wish it weren’t there. But the growing stress of the situation is eating at me.
“Something bothering you?” he asks.
“No,” I say. “I’m fine.” I give him another kiss and then I force myself to get dressed. Slip my feet into my boots and then grab my coat. My hair is still wet, but I put my knit cap over it.
Filson, like a gentleman, has warmed my car up for me and scraped the ice from the windshield. Is this what having a man in your life is like? Not having to do everything on your own. A girl could get used to this.
I grab my purse, tossing my phone into it and then I lean down to give Sammy a kiss on her nose. I ruffle my hands under her curly ears. “I’ll see you later, girl,” I say, and then I head out, thanking Filson for getting the car ready.
“Anything for you,” he says, and I bite my lip.
“Thanks, Filson.”
“Of course.” He leans down and gives me a kiss. “I’ll see you later, baby.”
I drive away, wishing I didn't have to but knowing that duty calls. I turn on Christmas music on the radio and find myself singing along to “Silent Night” all the way home.* * *All afternoon I find myself watching the clock, wondering when Filson will stop by. But he doesn't call, and he doesn't show. Jody finally asks what's my deal is.
“You keep staring at the clock like it's going to tell you a fortune for the future.”
“You’re imagining things,” I say, waving her comment off just as Annabelle steps inside the kitchen.
“Hey,” she says. “How can I help?”
I give her a hug and pull her into my office, “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Of course. I heard a rumor down at the bank and needed to come over to find out if it’s true.”
I swallow. “It’s true. The house sold. I was just at the real estate office signing some documents. It’s all happening insanely fast.”
“I thought you needed like thirty days to close on a house.”
“Not when it’s an all-cash offer with no inspection or title search.”
