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Chapter 27
Jasmine
Did I wear Tyler’s T-shirt to bed last night?Yes.
Am I glad it’s been washed multiple times?Also yes.
As I sip my morning coffee, I shoot Tyler a text.
Me:Did any of the guys know you’d met me twice?If so, I’m amazed that no one breathed a word.
Tyler:Only Kent knew about what happened at the party.And he knew you were Bottle Caps.The man can keep a secret.
Me:Clearly.
Me:I have to get in gear or I’m going to be late.Love you.Have a good day.
My phone rings, and I can’t answer fast enough.“Hey there.”
“I love you too.Want to have dinner with me?I know Ava won’t mind.”Tyler laughs when a cow moos near the phone.“Bessie says hello, by the way.”
“Hello.”It doesn’t even feel ridiculous that I’m greeting a cow over the phone.“Just tell me what time I should be out there.”
“Will do.”There’s rustling.Then he says, “Gotta go.”
I hang up and quickly dress for work.Since Daisy is away on her honeymoon, I have to wait to tell her that the one who got away was actually here all along.
And it’s a bit sad that I’m in no hurry to call my mom.But she won’t have time to talk to me anyway.
As I walk out to the car, Mrs.Grindle waves.“Yoohoo!Have a second?”
I check the time.“What’s up?”
Her grin makes me wonder what she’s about to say.
“James and I are so fond of you.So glad you moved in here.We were hoping that one night soon, you’d have dinner with us again and bring Tyler with you.”
I am not at all prepared for the flood of gratitude washing over me, and I surprise her with a hug.“I’d love that.And I know he’ll want to come too.Thank you.”
She cups my cheek in a motherly way.“I never had a daughter of my own.Thank you for letting me be part of your life.”
“It was meant to be.”The last two days—actually, the last few months—have taught me so much.Family can be two people who love each other, a couple who looks out for a neighbor, or a roomful of guests who celebrate the happy times and show up whenever needed.
I felt so alone for so long.But not anymore.
“I’ll talk to him tonight and let you know what day works.”
“Perfect.We could even make it a monthly or weekly dinner.Whatever fits your schedule.”
“I’ll call you.”I don’t want to be late for my last week of work, so I climb into my car, smiling at my neighbor as I back out.
Before turning on to the main road, I call my mom using the speaker phone.
“Hello?Jasmine, is everything okay?”Strain is evident in Mom’s voice.
“Better than okay.I was thinking about you and wanted to say hi.Is now a good time?”I’m prepared for her to end the call because the beast she calls a husband needs her attention, but I also need her to know I care about her.
She sniffles.“Your timing is good.I’m home alone right now and can talk.Do you like your new place?You’ve been there almost a year now, right?”
