AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s not a problem. I’d be happy to show them to her.”
They returned with the box of samples. Jodi’s face lit up when she learned the contents. She nearly jumped into the box, rifling through the tops, shorts, leggings, and accessories. Ted picked out an outfit, and Julia chose something for herself and for Sara too. A few items were left over, and Reese could see that Jodi wanted them but was too polite to ask for more.
“Why don’t you take these last few things,” Reese said. She had no intention of hauling anything back.
“Are you sure?” Jodi asked, nearly vibrating with excitement.
“It’s my way of thanking you for the being our videographer.”
“This is amazing. You are amazing.”
That statement should have sent Reese over the moon, but if history told her anything, she couldn’t get too attached to the Radcliffes, because like all the other people in her life, they could easily leave too.
ChapterSeventeen
Reese was up first thing in the morning. Even years after retiring from skating, her body was conditioned to get up early for practice. Even if she went to bed late—and that was rare—her brain kicked in to wake her up between five and six in the morning.
She climbed out of bed and watched the beginning of the sun rise over the water from her bedroom window. The Radcliffes had a wonderful place, and she could see herself sitting out on the deck, reading a book, or taking a swim in the water. The place was heaven.
She got dressed and quietly headed down the hallway to the kitchen. She figured she’d get coffee started, but Julia was already there, putting some into a filter.
“Good morning,” Reese said.
“Good morning to you too! You’re also an early riser?”
“My body doesn’t know what sleeping in is,” Reese said with a smile.
“Well, we can enjoy the quiet time. I’m making coffee. Would you like some breakfast?”
“I’ll start with coffee.”
Julia set the coffee maker to start and grabbed two oversized mugs. Even though Reese had declined food, Julia arranged some fruit on a plate.
The coffee finished and they went outside to watch the last of the sunrise. Reese took one of the many comfy blue plush chairs and cradled her mug of coffee. The day was already warm, and she took a few breaths, relishing her surroundings.
“This place is gorgeous and peaceful.”
“You’re welcome to come any time. I spend more time here than Ted does because of his work, but we’d be happy to let you and Grady have the place to yourselves.”
Reese’s head snapped in Julia’s direction. “Grady and I aren’t dating.”
Julia smirked. “Come on, you two aren’t fooling anyone. I’ve seen the way you two are around each other.”
“We aren’t dating,” Reese said as seriously as possible.
Julia’s gaze narrowed. “I know he doesn’t like telling us about new girlfriends, especially when they’re as famous as you are. It’s okay, I can play along.”
Reese gave a slight shake of her head. “We really are just friends. I wouldn’t lie to you about that.”
She wanted to add that she’d said that the first time Julia had asked, but the realization was finally sinking in.
Julia frowned now. “But I just assumed…”
“Grady has been very kind, that’s all. I just got out of a terrible relationship, and with everything’s that’s going on in my life right now, dating is the last thing on my mind.”
Julia seemed to reluctantly accept that. “I suppose maybe it was also some wishful thinking on my part. You would be lovely for him. He’s had a string of girlfriends I could have thrown off our dock! He’s such a sweet boy and sometimes these girls like to take advantage. It drives me crazy.”
“I’ve made my fair share of bad choices too.”
