Page 102 of Fish Out of Water

“No more buts. This conversation is over. Find another buyer, or else we’ll all be waiting Mier knows how much longer.”

Jake hung up after exchanging curt goodbyes. He poured himself a cup of coffee, combing his fingers through his messy hair.

“Good morning, Jake,” Isabel said. “Was that the realtor?”

“Morning.” Jake took a drink of coffee. “Yeah, it was him. I told him the same thing you said yesterday. I think he finally got the picture.”

“Good.”

Her word was so final, Jake finished his coffee and went to the bathroom to shower and get dressed in silence. His days were now spent keeping the house and yard tidy, and it was during quiet moments like this that he missed volunteering at the beach or texting Robbie to get lunch more than ever.

The wave of sadness hit him like a ton of bricks. If he texted Robbie right now, after their meeting yesterday, Robbie would probably agree to see him again. He might even agree to lunch, as bad an idea as it was.

But Jake held his resolve and stepped into the shower while it was still cold. Seeing Robbie one last time was the worst idea he’d ever had—worse than hooking up with Robbie in the first place, and worse still than admitting his love when Robbie was so vulnerable.

When he got out of the shower, there was a voicemail on his phone. For just a second, his heart thumped—until he saw the number.

“Fuck you,” Jake muttered. “Stop calling me.”

He redialed the number and waited for Carson to pick up. Two rings later, the man answered:

“Ah, Jake, hello, hello. Thank you for calling me back.”

“What is it?” Jake asked with a shortness he would have regretted if it were anyone else.

“I’d like to come over. I have some developments I’d like to share, but in person. Would your aunt possibly be disposed to that idea?”

Jake took a deep breath. “Uh, maybe. Why can’t you just tell me over the phone, and I’ll relay it to her?”

“I’d really prefer to meet in person. These things always go over better when we’re face-to-face.”

Carson was pushing it, but Jake took another moment to consider before answering. “Okay, come over after lunch. I’ll make sure my aunt is aware you’re coming.”

“Thank you, Jake. I will see you soon.”

“Yeah.”

Jake hung up and shoved his phone into his pocket. Right now, he would have given almost anything for one of those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls Robbie liked to make.

“It’s good news,”Carson said, beaming.

Jake had seen him like this before, and so this particular look now was not as promising as Carson probably hoped. “Yeah?” he said, glancing over at Isabel, who kept a neutral expression.

“Eaton’s offering asking price.”

Jake narrowed his eyes. “Those bastards. I wonder if Robbie talked to them.”

“Did you tell him to?” Isabel asked.

“No, I told him not to. I’m gonna go talk to that piece of shit. You deal with Carson.”

Isabel started to shake her head no, but Jake was trembling with rage. He’d specifically cautioned Robbieagainstgetting involved. Why did he have to ruin everything?

“What was that about?” he heard Carson ask as he stalked down the hallway.

“He has a past with the Eaton family,” Isabel explained. “There’s some bad blood there.”

“Ah, I see. Well, shall we discuss this offer?”