Page 19 of Falling Together

That’s the most important part of the house. Everything else can wait. If I can get this taken care of, I can help Luke with his room before grabbing dinner in town.

I’m trying to make this move as easy as possible for Luke. I don’t want him to hate me for the rest of his life. I mean, he’s said more to me the last two days than he has in the last month it seems.

We were also stuck in the car for two days straight, so that might have been the reason why. But I’m hoping for a fresh start here.

Life in LA was stagnant. Luke spent most of his time in his room when he was with me on the weekends if he didn’t have a game. My coaching job? The team didn’t care enough to find good players, so I spent most of the time spinning my wheels trying to improve when no one cared.

I’m hoping this place will be better. I didn’t even plan on interviewing for the job, but after talking to the guy at the baseball tournament that weekend, he liked me and wanted to bring me in.

I couldn’t say no. Anything has to be better than it was back home. And maybe if I’m really lucky, that fresh start might involve running into Georgia again.

Can’t say I’d mind seeing her again.

Who am I kidding? I’d fucking love to see her again.

If only she wants to see me as well…

Chapter Six

GEORGIA

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Ugh. Is it that time already?

Slapping at the alarm clock on my nightstand, I roll over and see it’s well past the time I should be up.

At least it’s not an early work morning I’ll be late for. Brunch with the girls, but I think they’ll cut me some slack.

Except I don’t get out of bed. I’m exhausted. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this tired. I went to bed right after dinner and slept all night, but it’s like all my energy is leaching out of me.

Sunlight is pouring in through the cracks in my curtains. I wish I could cancel, but I need a girls’ day. I haven’t had time with all of them in a while. This is what happens when your friends all find the loves of their lives.

Kicking off the comforter, I head into the bathroom to get ready. Splashing water on my face, I try to perk up a bit, but it’s no use.

Heavy bags sit under my eyes and I look more pale than usual. Maybe one of the kids got me sick.

I pile my hair into a low bun and put on a light coating of makeup. It helps to revive me before I’m throwing on a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt. No point in stressing about what I’m going to wear when I’m already running late.

Thankfully I live close enough to the Pinecrest Pancake Emporium that it’s a short walk. A wave of air conditioning hits me as I shoulder open the door. It’s busy for a Saturday morning, but Joey spots me and waves me over.

“Sorry I’m late. I slept through my alarm,” I say, dropping a kiss on Joey’s cheek.

“Don’t worry about it. We haven’t ordered yet,” she answers. “We got mimosas if you want one.”

I shake my head. “I’m okay today. I’ll just drink my water.”

“Are you okay?” Rylee asks, leaning across the table and slapping her hand onto my forehead.

“I’m fine.” I brush her off. “I’m tired. I’ve been working a lot.”

“You have been,” Joey agrees. “You spend more time at the barn than Sam does.”

“You only know because you live with him now,” I say.

A smile spreads across her face. “Believe me, I’m not tracking you at the barn. It’s just hard not to notice when you’re always there.”

“So is Presley!” I argue.