“I think they’re right. Life is short, and line dancing is a lot of fun.” I wink, thinking she might be going to the same one Alfie and I watched Helen at.
“Oh, don’t think I hadn’t noticed that slight Texas drawl, honey. Your accent might be locked down most of the time, but I hear it.” She shuffles through the office waving goodbye as Alfie approaches my desk.
“She’s right, you know. You have a slight lilt still. It becomes stronger when you drink.”
I grin. “I guess I should stop drinking then.”
“I like it. It’s like I’m unmasking you when you let your guard slip.”
My lips part, but no words come out. How does he have this ability to push past all my defenses?
He smiles softly, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear as if the very action isn’t making my blood heat.
“Are you ready to catch our flight?”
Considering I packed a week ago from sheer excitement, I’d say yes. “Yeah, I’m all packed. I just want to change quickly.”
“No problem. Do you want to head off now?” he asks, his voice so low, I have to remind myself we’re still in the office, and I’m not actually going on a vacation. This is a work trip…sort of.
“Sure, I’ll meet you at yours in an hour.”
I step out of the office, the quiet street empty save for a few cars. Outside my house, an old Ford F-150 sat parked. The old rusty bumper had a sticker for the Dallas Cowboys, and I smiled, thinking about my home team. I’d be seeing my mom this weekend. Whilst we aren’t actually going to my hometown,Mom, Levi, and Annie are traveling to spend the day with us where we’re spending the weekend with Olivia and Austin. He and Alfie are going to have their weekly session in person, and then they’ll discuss a business opportunity that Austin was looking into. At this point, I’d say that Alfie was more of a life advisor than a therapist. But it helps that Olivia and I are very close, so we get time to hang out together whilst the guys talk about life.
I smile as I make my way to the house I’m taking care of for the next year. Only a month ago, I thought my life here was over. I thought I’d have to restart again, and now I have an amazing home, I love my job, my boss has stopped acting like an ass, and I’m heading to Texas to see my family and friends for the weekend. I don’t think life gets much better than this.
Chapter Nineteen
Mia
“Hey, Mom. I’m glad you’re here.” I pull her into a hug, taking in the smell of home as I do.
We’re outside a cute bistro-style restaurant, one that Austin and Olivia love. It has over a hundred different tacos, so we’re going to be trying a lot of different flavors today.
My brother sweeps in, pulling me into a big bear hug before Annie clings to my leg.
“Hey honeybee, look at you! You’ve grown so much already, and I only saw you a month ago!”
“Daddy got mad.” She giggles.
I bend down so I can speak at her level, pushing her hair behind her ear, but not before looking at Levi's confused face.
“Why’s that?” I ask.
“He just bought me new clothes, and now none of them fit. My legs are too long. See!” She sticks her leg out to me, and her cute jeans are showing off way too much sock. I giggle too, holding her outstretched hand.
“I don’t think Daddy was really mad, was he?”
She shakes her head, her little curls bouncing around.
Levi swings down, picking her up. “Alright, little monster, let's go get you some lunch.”
She squeals with delight as he peppers kisses all over her face.
My mom gives Alfie a nod, and my brother shakes his hand. It’s a little tense, but the side-eye my mom gives me as Alfie puts his hand on my lower back tells me everything I need to know.
She saw it coming. I should be careful. Make sure he treats you right. Yaddah yaddah.
Alfie stands to my side, and his chin tilts up when he sees Austin and Olivia approach the restaurant.
