“What’s up?”
“I got another job!”
“What?” I smile and pull her in for a kiss. “That’s amazing.”
“I know! Graham said his landlord needed to come fix the dishwasher, and when he saw the place, he complimented it, so Graham told him about me. Turns out, this guy not only has rental properties, but he’s a Realtor, too, and he wants to meet me to see my portfolio. If he likes it, he wants me to stage a few houses for him. If he likes that, he wants a twelve-month contract.”
“Holy shit, that’s amazing.”
“I know. I just—” Her eyes widen. “Three weeks ago, I had no idea what I was going to do with my days, and now, I just can’t believe it.” She pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you, Beck.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You got me the work with Graham.”
“You got you the work, Calla.”
She grabs my shirt and pulls me in for a kiss. “I need to make a portfolio by Friday. Your house and Graham’s are all I have to put in it.”
Her shoulder drops at the thought, and that just won’t do.
“What about Willa’s studio? You’ve done things there.”
“True.”
“And,” I pull out my phone, “I happen to have a sister and future brother-in-law who own a coffee shop. I could pull a few strings to see if they’d let you come in the next day or two. And my office needs a touch of your charm too. I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now.”
Her entire face lights up. “Why are you so good to me?”
“Because I like you.”
She squeals.
“Hey, I need to talk to you about something,” I say as she types away on her phone. “Do you remember that—”
“Hold that thought.” She beams at me. “Willa said I could come right now for pictures.”
“Oh yeah, of course, go.”
“Do you want to come with me? We can talk in the car.”
And chance ruining her mood on the good news? Not a chance.
“You’ll be quicker without me. Go. Work and get your ass back here.” I smack her butt and kiss her cheek.
She gives me a tight hug. “You’re the best, Beck. I think I like you.”
“I think I like you too,” I tell her as she rushes out the door.
Which is exactly why tonight is not the night for me to tell her about the book.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CALLA
“You still owe me twenty bucks,” Willa says, picking a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie off the cooling rack.
“Don’t remind me,” Greer says and does the same. They both sit at the kitchen island of Beck’s kitchen while I prepare the next batch for the oven.
