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I want to argue with her because pets can be good for lonely people, but Estella would never agree with me that she’s lonely.
“Well, I’ll bring Meredith over later this week.”
“Yes. Come for lunch. It’s going to be warmer in a day or two. We can eat on the terrace.”
Yeah, I grew up with a back porch, not a terrace, but Estella is from another world.
“That sounds like fun.”
After waiting for Estella to lock up, I head off to my car and decide to go to my sister’s place early. A little nap is in order, in my opinion.
ChapterEleven
Jon
At about eleven, Avery leaves. Blessed peace fills the house. Granted, I thought she would leave the cat, but she took Meredith with her, leash and all. She even hauled a little pillow with her. I shake my head and work on setting up a base of operations in the office.
I step in and smile. After my dad left my mom, we would come back into town, and my grandmother always had this house available for us, which became my favorite room.
Running down each side, there are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with books from my childhood and teen years. A massive window looks out into the backyard and the birdbath. I would sit here for hours, working on my computer and watching the birds. I know my grandmother planted perennials that drew in butterflies and hummingbirds.
But the masterpiece of the room is a massive desk in front of the window. It’s dark wood and ornate, which goes against things I usually like in an office. My tastes run more to sleek and modern, but I love this desk. So many memories rush forward. I actually came up with the idea of the JSE and designed it at this desk.
I put my laptop on the top of the desk and plug it in. I’m settled in for some work when my phone rings. It’s Nancy. I would generally ignore her, but since I’m in town and she’s not filming, there is no telling what she would do. More than likely, she would just show up.
“Why are you calling?”
“I love you too.” Then she makes obscene kissy sounds on the phone.
“Ugh, stop that.” Even as I say it, I smile. The only good memories I have of Juniper growing up were with Nancy. I have always suspected my grandmother ensured my mother had sole custody if Mom agreed to bring me to Juniper. I spent a lot of time with Nancy since we’re close in age.
“You love me. Admit it.”
“No.”
She just laughs. We have a massive family, but Nancy and I can only stand each other. We bonded over the absurdity of our fathers and the fact that we think most of our cousins and half-siblings are idiots.
“I have Liv, who wants to talk to you.”
“Liv?” It sounds oddly familiar. I’m trying to remember if I know anyone by that name.
“Your new roommate’s sister.”
Ugh. That’s it. I rarely forget details. It’s one of the things I pride myself on, but since meeting Avery, I can’t seem to keep anything straight.
“I don’t have a roommate.”
“Sure, buddy.”
Then the phone gets jostled around.
“Hello, Jon?” A soft yet firm voice says over the phone.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for using your cousin, but I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight.”
I frown. “Is there a reason?”
