I can tell she means it which makes me happy. Mom doesn’t love Budgie Bay. The memories here are too painful for her. Knowing she’s going to try to come out to be with me means a lot.
“I broke up with Denver.” Relief floods through me. “I also quit.”
She’s quiet for a long beat. “He called me this morning and told me. I was wondering if you were going to mention it.”
Of course he did. Always a fixer. He thought he could fix it without involving me.
Another wave of relief washes over me knowing I’m done with all that.
“I feel good about it,” I admit. “Free even.”
“I spoke to Ron about it. We can cover your rent until you figure things out. You’ll find another job.”
“You don’t think I’m crazy?” I ask, voice strained. “For blowing up my life?”
“I think you’re a big girl who can make her own decisions. You’re smart, Nora. I trust you’ll figure it out.”
I blink back tears. “Love you, Momma. See you soon.”
After we disconnect the call, a floorboard creaks. I whip my head around to see Elias standing there holding a refreshing Goldie Special with three lemon wedges hanging off the lip of the glass. I grin and toss my phone on the bed.
“How do you magically always know what I need?” I ask as I approach him and accept my cold glass.
He smirks. “It’s a gift. Or it’s because I grew up at The Budgie Café helping Grandma Dot with her tables every summer.”
I take a moment to appreciate the man in front of me. He adores his family and this town. Loyal to a fault. Takes care of people who aren’t his blood because it’s the right thing to do.
“Thank you,” I say, leaning into him and resting my head against his chest. “Truly.”
He settles his palm on my lower back where it’s sweaty and gross. We share a quiet moment. It’s nice. Really nice. I can be messy and filthy around this man. He doesn’t seem bothered by it in the least. The thought of Denver ever seeing me without makeup felt like a crime. I’m pretty sure Elias has seen me go without more than he’s seen me wear it.
There’s just a certain comfort that Elias brings.
And I really kind of like it.
I pull back just enough so I can look up at him. His eyes burn intently into mine. Warmth that has nothing to do with the hot house pulses through me. It’s then I notice his lips. Supple and pink.
His head leans forward slightly and my heart trips over itself.
Is he going to kiss me?’
I gasp, unsure if I want it or not. The tingling skin and the roaring in my ears tells me I do. But, before he can make his move, I hear a sound.
Then a light flickers above us.
“Holy schticks we have power!” Elias says, grinning at me.
Somewhere, in Heaven, Grandma is grinning too.
Chapter 20
Elias
It’s amazing how much two people can accomplish with light and air conditioning. The past three days since the power came back on, me and Nora have fully thrown ourselves into getting Goldie’s cottage in order. Now that we’re making incredible progress, and the grief has been gently moved behind us, I know we’re both eager to get this house in shape.
But, the sooner that happens, the sooner she leaves.
I don’t like that reminder. It keeps popping up, especially after we cross things off Nora’s ta-da list and things off my to-do list. Anxiety is my friend now and stays coiled in my gut ready to strike.
