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“Just because I have a clear vision of what I want and it’s changed from before doesn’t mean I’m on drugs.” I dwarfed the man sitting across the outdoor table from me, but I usually did listen to him. “Maybe I met someone.”
“Christ, that’s even worse. Are you telling me you’re in love?”
I nearly choked on my next bite of cake, which was complete garbage compared to Laney’s. Maybe I’d felt those feelings, but it was a different ballgame to hear them spoken out loud.
George shook his head and then crashed his palm to his forehead. “How far gone? Maybe today instead of the business plan, I should be drawing up a prenup?”
I hadn’t really thought of that. I’d just got as far as the cherries and buying a condo on the waterfront in Springfield, but my heart surged at his suggestion. I could ask Cherry to marry me—to be my wife. I loved that idea. I thought Cherry would love it too. I’d, of course, have to ask the judge first.
“I need a real drink,” George said. He swallowed the last of his mimosa and signaled for the waiter. “I don’t like the look on your face, Roads. Why don’t you at least sleep on it?”
I smiled at him before rubbing my eyes, which felt scratchy and bloodshot.
“You didn’t even sleep last night, did you? You eager fucking giant puppy.”
I shook my head at him. I’d been too wired for sleep. In fact, I’d never felt this energized. Being around Laney had me feeling super-charged, virile and potent, indestructible even.
“I’d like her to be an equal benefactor in everything,” I said with a steady voice.
“That’s the honeymoon speaking. As your father’s lifelong friend, I’d advise you to wait.”
“Sorry, I can’t do that,” I said as I took another bite of cake.
“Tell me she at least comes from some money, Roads. You’re not shacking up with an unestablished gold-digger are you?”
“Laney Mills. She’s a mechanic and a baker.”
“In Springfield? Judge Mills’ only daughter?” He frowned.“Do me a favor. Propose first and see what she says before you make any changes in your portfolio. That’s the most solid advice I can give you. Not to rain on your parade, Roads, but they all start out as sunshine and rainbows. Wait until real life kicks in and you see their true colors.”
George Horace was jaded. Too bad for him. I’d seen Laney’s colors, and I was absolutely blinded by them. I stood up to leave.
“You’ve barely eaten your cake.”
Poor George Horace and his lonely life filled with money. I’d take Laney Mills over his empty heart any day. Why eat shitty cake when you can have the best in the world?
I step on the gas and rip the Tesla onto the exit for the highway. Screw all my plans. I can’t be away from Cherry for that long. I’d drive all the way back to Springfield, even though I just returned in the wee hours of the morning. I wanted to scoop that woman up in my arms and walk off into the sunset with her. I’d do whatever she wanted—close the shop, open a new one, go into business with her… None of it matters. I wanted Laney Mills in my life however I could get her. She was it for me, and it felt like I’d been waiting my whole life to get to this moment.
I was almost halfway there when I realized I left my phone at the restaurant. Whatever. I didn’t need it. I knew where she lived. I knew where she worked. How many places could there be between work and home? George Horace could keep my phone. He could throw it in the bay for all I cared. I believed I was in love, and nothing—not a single thing—could dampen my day.
Thunder cracked so loud that the car swerved with my startle. Then the heavens opened up and poured down a rain so dense that I was forced to pull over to the side of the road. No phone. I could talk to Google, have it call my phone perhaps. Maybe I’d ask Google to peruse diamond rings. I could study up on different cuts while I waited out the rain.
16
Laney
I found his house easily enough. I wasn’t a sleuth, but I had Clem call the chocolate-covered cherries place, and it was easy enough to finagle out of them with a little white lie. His house looked nothing like I would have imagined. Grand, stately, but old-fashioned. Fancy but strangely out-of-date. I rang the doorbell just as it started to rain. No one came. No dogs barked from inside. I tried the door, and it was unlocked. I swallowed hard and stepped into the dark foyer.
“Eddie?” I called. The house smelled like someone’s grandmother. Chanel No. 5, fake flowers, lavender soap. I wondered for a second if I had the right address or if I was breaking and entering the residence of a complete stranger.
