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“I wish you both would just let me take care of you and quit your jobs.”
“You know that’s not going to happen. That’s your money, Holden. We both love our jobs.”
“Come on, Mom. You wipe noses for a living.”
Her laughter rings out through the room. “I’m a teacher. Sure, I’m still reminding them to wipe their noses in third grade, but it’s more than that. I love my students.”
“I know you do.”
“And your dad, he’s been working at the feed mill since he was in high school. He’s running the show and loves every minute. He’s content, and so am I. We do well for ourselves. You don’t have to worry about us.”
She can ask me not to worry all she wants, but we both know it’s not going to happen. My parents busted their asses when I was growing up to provide for me. I played select baseball, and we traveled all over. They never once complained, and I always had the best equipment. Sure, I put in the hard work, but they got me involved when I was young and supported me every step of the way. I owe them my career.
“Houses,” Mom says, smiling. “You found some options?”
“I found a few. I messaged a real estate agent, and I’m going to look at them tomorrow.”
“Well, let us know if you want us to go with you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Love you, Holden.”
“Love you too.” She smiles softly before turning and leaving the room.
I scarf down the rest of my dinner and set the empty bowl on the nightstand. Phone in hand, I pull up her contact and hit call.
“Hello.” I smile at the sound of her voice.
“Hey, sweet pea. What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Um, this feels like a setup.” She chuckles.
“You’d be right. I have three appointments to look at houses tomorrow, and I wanted to see if you’d come with me. I could pick you up, and we can go get breakfast before we have to be at the first showing.”
“That’s not very slow of you, Bailey,” she says. I can hear the humor in her voice.
“I’ll eat really slow and promise to drive under the speed limit,” I joke.
“You’re too much.” She laughs.
“What do you say? Breakfast and touring a couple of houses?” I’m keeping it light, but I really want her to go with me.
“I don’t know.”
“You can meet me at the restaurant. That way, I don’t get to find out where you live yet. You can leave your car there, and I’ll drop you back off when we’re done. Come on, Parker. You know you want to. How are you supposed to get to know me and see if the media is right unless you spend time with me?”
“We said slow. You’ve asked me to dinner and now inviting me to breakfast and house showings, and it’s been what, five hours?” she asks.
“Five hours is a long time,” I counter.
“I’m pretty picky about my breakfast.”
“Lucky for you, I have the perfect place.” She’s quiet, and I know she’s thinking. It’s time to seal this deal. “Come on, sweet pea, please?” I ask. My voice is soft. When she sighs, I know I have her.
“What time?”
“Nine. My first appointment is at ten thirty. That gives us plenty of time to eat and drive to the first showing.”
“No funny business, Bailey. I’m going as a friend. That’s it.”
“Friend. Got it.” I agree, keeping my fingers crossed. This girl is going to be more than just my friend. What exactly is yet to be determined, but I can feel it in my bones.
“Send me the address of where we’re meeting.”
“I’ll do it now.” Pulling my phone away from my face, I put the call on speakerphone and google the address. I copy the address and text it to her. “Done.”
“Momma’s Grill. I love that place.”
“Yeah?”
“You have good taste, Bailey.”
“Of course I do. I picked you, didn’t I?”
“I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?”
“Nope. I’ll be on my best behavior. Promise.”
“Fine.
“So, what are you wearing?” I ask, barely able to contain my laughter.
“Stop!” She laughs. “We are not going there.”
“Party pooper.”
“What are you wearing?” she fires back.
“Same thing you saw me in earlier. I came home and started looking for houses, and now I’m talking to you.”
“Such an exciting life for a playboy.”
“Yes, I’ve dated—a lot. I’m young and single. Dating isn’t a crime.”
“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” she asks.
“I don’t sleep with all of them, Parker.” My tone is serious as I will her to believe me.
“It’s none of my business either way.”
“Maybe not, but you’re refusing to spend time with me because of it. Tomorrow and even today is the first step in me proving to you I’m not the player you think I am.”
“You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“Nah. I know me, and soon you will too.”
