Page 36 of Chalk It Up

Me

Don’t get too sappy on me, August. I might think you have a crush or something.

Billionaire

Princess, crush doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Absolutely refusing to look too deeply into that one, I shoot a text back to August before putting my phone back because I already know what his answer is going to be.

Me

I can be there tonight like we mentioned earlier. Before or after Addie goes to bed.

I already know he’s going to want me to come over before Addie goes to bed because he said he wants both of them to see me. I’m sure the sneaking around is weighing just as heavily on him as it is on me, probably more since she’s his daughter. I look back up at Thea and she’s already mimicking the Cheshire Cat in my kitchen.

“So, how’s daddy doing?” Thea asks, completely disregarding the aforementioned rule.

“He’s great.” I laugh and shake my head back at her. “He’s just desperately counting down the hours until he can see me again, as he should be.”

“Evie, I love the spark that this man has brought back in your eyes. You’re the Evie again that I always loved. I know you came to Pine Lake broken already but you were still so lively. But it felt like over time things just got more dull for you. I’m so happy to see the old Evie again.”

“I think I was just so excited to be away from Dustin, but then when I got acclimated and being alone really settled into my bones, it got harder over time.”

“Well, I’m glad you have a big, strong, hunky man to carry the heavy with you.” Thea has the most amazing gift at turning anything into something we can laugh about and I wish I had that kind of skill.

Our pizza showed up barely ten minutes ago, after we both stole a quick nap, and it’s more than half gone. I don’t know what that says about us, and I don’t want to find out. I love mine and Thea’s ability to eat our way through the day. Maple doddled out of the bedroom the second she smelled the pizza, but the little beggar only got a few pieces of chicken. I get really stressed thinking about giving her bad food, especially for the tiny body she has.

“So are you worried about meeting his ex-wife? You are going to meet her right?” We’re both lying comfortably on the couch with Thea almost slightly upside down and her feet halfway over the back.

“Yeah, I’m definitely going to meet her. We’re going to tell her about us before we tell Addie. It feels like the right thing to do especially if she’s trying to change their custodyship. And no, I’m not too nervous. At the end of the day, I don’t care if she likes me or not, and August said to not worry about her being able to take Addie because the courts will see Larissa’s lack of involvement.”

“That makes sense. Well, let me know if I have to fight someone and I’ll be there.” I will genuinely avoid that at all costs. I’m fairly confident that August will put Larissa in her place if need be.

“I highly doubt I’ll take you up on that, but I appreciate the sentiment. The last thing I need is more attention drawn to me.” I shove another delicious bite of pizza in my mouth.

“I understand, but I’m always here if you need back up or shovels.” We laugh together on our way out of the door as Maple and I walk Thea to her car.

“Thanks again for coming out. You made getting ready for this inspection fun.”

“No te preocupes. All in a day’s work.” And with that she blows me a kiss and she’s in her car, tearing down my driveway. Maple and I head back inside when I find two new texts on my screen

Billionaire

Before she goes to bed.

Actually, can I come pick you up before we leave Wilma’s? I want to talk to you in the car without Addie there.

That has my stomach instantly in knots, but I have no reason to think it’s anything bad. I shoot off a quick, agreeable text and slip back inside to change out of my cleaning clothes and fix the very messy messy bun on top of my head. The kind that looks cute on every other girl except me.

chapter 25

Evie

Like a true gentleman, August doesn’t text me that he’s here or honk for me to come outside. This casanova comes to knock on my door, flowers in hand, already in a vase.

“Hey.” He greets me timidly like he’s taking me to prom and my dad has the shotgun waiting behind the door. It’s so unlike him, but really endearing.

“Hey, weirdo. Look at those, they’re beautiful.” I motion at the flowers.