Page 87 of Lease to Love

“I'd prefer to meet here, at my house, if that's okay with you. I don't care to leave very often anymore, outside of block association meetings. Have to show face for my family's sake.”

It took me a second to find my voice, and when I did, it still came out surprised. “No. No, ma'am. That won't be a problem at all. Thank you.”

She smiled. “I'll be in touch with your property manager.”

Then she turned to Summer. “And you call me.”

Summer smiled. “I will.”

“Don't say you're going to and then forget.”

“I won't!”

Ms. Langston pointed one finger at her. “I know you, little girl.”

Summer laughed. “Yes, ma'am. I’ll call you.”

A few minutes later, Ms. Langston disappeared back inside… I stood on the sidewalk. Still processing what the hell had just happened.

Years.

I'd spent years trying to get that woman to give me ten minutes… And Summer had given me access in less than five.

And she hadn't even realized how significant it was.

She turned toward me with a grin.

“That's Mama. Says exactly what she means and not a syllable more.” she shrugged and started walking. “She sits by the window in her den and people-watches every night… I knew she’d come to the door if she saw me walk past. You're welcome.”

I caught her arm.

“Summer.” I could hear the seriousness in my own voice.

She stopped and turned toward me, completely unaware of how she’d just taken all my carefully laid plans and rendered them useless. “Hm?”

I just stared at her for a second.

I'd spent my entire life calculating outcomes… Assessing variables. Planning three steps ahead.

But there was no calculation for this.

“I've been standing in front of this neighborhood for three years.” I held up three fingers. “Three years. With nobody giving me an inch.”

I stepped closer.

“You just gave me a mile. Without me even having to ask.” I searched her face as her expression softened. “Why?”

She shrugged. “It's what any good fake girlfriend would do.”

I shook my head. “Summer.”

Her smile faded, but I needed to understand.

“It's easy when I actually believe in you.” She continued, stepping closer to me and looking at me with those doe eyes. “And I don't know when it happened, but I do.”

Her eyes stayed on mine as her next words landed somewhere beneath my ribs.

“I believe in you, Roman.”