Chapter 43
Gail
S ince Luce came back from New Jersey almost two weeks ago, I’ve been caught up in a whirlwind of open houses and putting the final touches on EduSync. With only two days left until we launch, we’re as ready as we can be. Despite my objections, Luce has taken care of the launch party by herself, insisting she has everything under control and doesn’t need my help.
“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help?” I ask again.
Shaking her head, Luce focuses on the road ahead. “I got it all under control, Gail. You just need to focus on finding the perfect house for you and Fet.”
“Whatever you say, buttercup.”
By now, I’m feeling like Goldilocks; the first house we looked at today was too sterile, the second and third too cramped, the fourth and sixth too big and they lacked charm, the fifth too… well, it just wasn’t right.
The six failures today are just the latest in the long list of houses we’ve visited over the last weeks. Despite the failures, I’m not discouraged. There’s a house out there that’s just right for me, I know it.
“Okay, what about this one? Lucky number seven,” Luce asks as we pull up to the last listing on my list. Actually, this one wasn’t on my list. She found it, and didn’t tell me about it until approximately thirty minutes ago.
Ignoring the way my heart clenches at the mention of ‘lucky number seven’ which is one of the nicknames fans call Mickey, I twist in the passenger seat, taking in the modest ranch-style house, unassuming from the outside but with a promise of something more within. “Only one way to find out.” I hop out of the car, feeling that familiar tingle of anticipation.
The air is different here—crisp, laden with the scent of blooming lilacs that guard the entrance like fragrant sentinels. I feel it in my bones; this is the place. The one I saw in dreams where shadows whispered secrets of a future I could grasp with both hands.
Instead of going inside, she drags me around back to look at the yard first. “Jesus, Luce,” I mumble as I realize just how big the house is. From the front it looked reasonably sized, but from back here, you can see just how massive it is. It’s way too big for me and Fet.
“Don’t get hung up on the size.” Looking around the garden, she throws her arms out wide. “Can you imagine Fet playing out here?” Luce asks, her voice slicing through my reverie as we stand on the threshold of what could be my garden of Eden.
“Every single day,” I reply, gazing out at the sprawling green canvas that begs for little feet to dance upon it. Sunlight plays hide and seek among the leaves, casting dappled patterns that dance just out of reach. It’s perfect. It’s home—or at least it could be.
“Right?” Luce grins up at me from where she’s crouched, inspecting the flower beds. “I should get some of these,” she mumbles, pointing at the colorful petals.
“Let’s go inside,” I suggest, barely containing the excitement that bubbles up from somewhere deep within me. This isn’t just another house; it’s a chance to redefine everything. Noticing she isn’t following me, I turn back around. “Are you coming?”
Laughing, she shakes her head. “Nah. You go look around first. Take it all in.”
As I step inside, the first thing I notice is the light. It pours in through the large windows, filling the space with a warmth that immediately puts me at ease. The living room opens up before me, with high, beamed ceilings that make the room feel grand yet cozy. My eyes are drawn to the sleek, stone fireplace that reminds me of the one in Soren’s house—it’s modern, but there’s something comforting about it, like it’s waiting to be the heart of this home.
I run my fingers over the plush sofa cushions, feeling the softness beneath my touch. The colors are muted, soft grays and creams, but the throw pillows add a pop of life, vibrant and textured. It’s a perfect blend of modern and inviting, just the kind of place where I can imagine sinking in after a long day.
To my left, the kitchen catches my eye, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. It’s a chef’s paradise—sleek, stainless steel appliances gleam under the modern pendant lights that hang above the island. I walk over and brush my hand across the cool, smooth quartz countertop, feeling a sense of satisfaction at how perfect it all is. The dark walnut cabinets are both beautiful and practical, offering more storage than I could ever need.
As I make my way down the hallway, the atmosphere shifts slightly, becoming more intimate. The large windows in the master bedroom let in just the right amount of light, casting a soft glow that makes everything feel calm and serene.
The en-suite bathroom is a revelation. The marble-topped double vanities feel cool and smooth under my fingertips, and the deep soaking tub beckons to me. I can almost feel the warmth of the water wrapping around me, the stress melting away. The walk-in rain shower is spacious, it could easily fit three… not that it matters since this place is just for me and Fet.
The other three bedrooms are just as inviting, each with its own personality. I smile as I walk through them, imagining how each space could be filled with love and life. The closets are large, the windows bright, and everything feels so perfectly balanced—modern, but not cold; cozy, but not cluttered.
When I reach the indoor swimming pool, I have to stop for a moment, taking it all in. A freaking swimming pool!
The floor-to-ceiling glass makes the space feel open, almost like it’s part of the outdoors. The natural stone tiles under my feet are cool, and the air smells faintly of chlorine, clean and crisp. I can hear the faint lapping of water, and it’s soothing, almost hypnotic. The lounge chairs are inviting, and I can already picture myself here, relaxing by the water. I could teach Fet to swim right here.
Though it’s way too big, this house is amazing. It reminds me so much of Soren and Mickey that my heart contracts, tears gather and burn behind my lids. Even after all this time—twenty-two days to be exact—it still hurts to think about them.
Even though Soren, Mickey, and I have been together since December thirty-first, it didn’t really start until they found out I was the woman from Cupid’s Court, which was after their game on March fourth. We only spent five weeks together, granted, most of my time was spent in their company, but still. Is five weeks really enough to feel the way I do?
“So what do you think? Do you love it?” I let out a loud squeal as Luce sneaks up on me.
I spin around to face her, slapping my hand over my heart. “Don’t do that,” I warn, rubbing my chest. “But yes, I love it.”
Linking her arm with mine, she says, “I knew you would. If you ask me, I think it’s perfect.”
She’s right; this house is everything I want, even if I didn’t know it before. It’s luxurious without being ostentatious, modern but full of charm. Every room, every detail, feels carefully chosen, like it was made for me—for us. As I stand there, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging, like maybe this is where I’m supposed to be, where I can finally let go and just… be.
“Too perfect,” I sigh. “Look, Luce, I appreciate you showing me this. But there’s no way I can afford a place like this.”
She shoots me a sly smile. “Sure you can. Let’s go talk to the realtor.”
Without giving me time to answer, she drags me back to the living room where the realtor is waiting. She’s a petite woman with so many bracelets they jangle with each movement she makes. “Ahh, there you are,” she says, clapping her hands. “Did you like the house?”
“Yes, it’s very nice,” I say sincerely. “What’s the rent?” Since Luce has refused to tell me, I have to ask the one woman who has to tell me.
“Oh, well, let’s not discuss that yet,” the realtor, Heather, grins. “The owners are very picky, you see.”
“How so?” I ask, scrunching up my nose.
“This property is privately owned, and the owners have requested to meet all potential tenants personally before making any decisions. Would you like me to arrange a meeting for you?”
Well, that sounds weird. “No—”
Interrupting me, Luce says, “Yes, please and thank you, Heather. We’d appreciate that.”
“Let me see what I can arrange,” Heather replies. She taps away at her phone for a few minutes before finally looking up, a cautious gleam of optimism in her eyes. “They’re willing to meet you on May second, if that works?”
“Can they do it at a later date?” I ask as I have plans with my parents the day after we launch EduSync, and since it feels like we’re getting closer, I don’t want to cancel.
“I’m afraid not. They’re very busy, so that’s the only day that works for them until the end of June.”
After agreeing and setting a time, Luce and I leave the house, and as we pull away, I crane my neck to get a last look at the garden that’s etched into my heart.
“Told you it was lucky number seven,” Luce cackles when she notices me staring longingly at the house we’re driving away from.
“Today was good,” I say to Luce as we drive back to Jamie’s. “I mean, really good.”
She grins, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “You’re doing it, Gail. You’re taking control.”
I look at her, really look at her, and see the truth in her eyes. This is growth. This is me, claiming my life, one decision at a time. And damn, it feels empowering.
As we pull into Jamie’s apartment, I notice a very familiar SUV, and the guy leaning against it is even more familiar. “Soren,” I gasp.