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I keep forgetting to ask. Are you up for piano lessons soon?
Eric had been through so much. He wanted the piano lessons, and I’d had to cancel when we’d lost Garrison’s business. Beau had agreed to teach him. We’d just never set up a time.
Three dots flashed.
For you I am.
I sent her a kissy face emoji. Now I just had to find a piano.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lincoln
“To the kitchen?”
I glanced at Lexie in the rearview mirror.
She shook her head and pointed to the left. “Go that way. We have masterpieces to create.”
“I thought the dog food was your masterpiece?” I asked.
I didn’t blame her for not wanting to go to the kitchen. It was the place of her arrest. Truthfully, I wasn’t keen on reliving that night either. I didn’t know the effect it had on Eric, but I imagined it wasn’t the best thing for him either. He’d seemed okay with it every day when we’d come to make the next batch of dog food. Maybe better than I had. But we’d been so busy trying to make up for Lexie’s absence—an impossibility. So far, no one had complained that their dog wouldn’t eat the food we’d made. Eric and I had followed the recipes to the letter of Lexie’s instructions.
The distance between my apartment and the kitchen, coupled with the negative memories, had been taxing. Perhaps we needed to find a kitchen closer to the apartment.
Except we may not be living in that area soon.
“It’s one of our masterpieces,” Eric said. “We have many dogs’ stamps of approval.”
That they did. And I wanted to figure out a way to get it into even more dogs’ paws.
“Turn right at the next light,” Lexie said.
She’d been quiet today. All business, though she seemed less burdened. Was that because she told me she loved me? I still wasn’t sure how to accept that this incredible woman thought she loved me. I didn’t deserve it. But did I feel the same? Was that what these strange sensations in my chest were?
Everything was changing so fast. It was a lot to take in if it was only our budding relationship. With so many underlying factors, it was understandable if she needed time to process.
Would that time come for me?
I hadn’t taken a moment to think lately. I’d simply done a whole lot of doing. Like turning my phone off so I could focus on Lexie and Eric’s business instead of my own.
I had employees to think about, but I’d set them up to sustain more than a few days without me. Hollingsworth Properties was strong and secure. I’d made certain of it.
What if those titles come up bad for the company too?
Some of them likely would, but it wasn’t our entire portfolio.
I’d gambled sometimes, though I’d offset it with safer bets. I might hate my father and couldn’t care less if he lost it all, but I loved Hollingsworth Properties. I devoted my life to it. I would not let it crumble.
Eric pointed ahead. “It’s Bob Ross day!” he shouted. “How could I forget?”
His enthusiasm was contagious. Lexie smiled to herself. She’d known this was how the day would conclude all along, that it had slipped her brother’s mind. And she knew he’d be thrilled to do what he loved.
A small crowd was gathered outside the community center. As we drove closer, I recognized Teague, Beau, and Pepper.
I glanced at Lexie again. She’d known they’d be here too. I had been left in the dark.
“There’s a spot.” Eric thrust his finger just down the street from the destination.
