44. Delaney
CHAPTER 44
Delaney
M y tires whirl over the narrow, windy road that leads to Randy’s cabin while “My Favorite Mistake” by Sheryl Crow is blaring from the speakers of my car. I sing along as I stare through the front windshield at the cabin ahead. Jesus. I remember this place from when I was a kid.
The cabin sure does look a lot bigger. With the additions and renovations Randy did, It reminds me of home.
I pull my car to a stop, parking in the space closest to the door. Cutting the engine, I press the button to open my trunk as Callie and Mark pull up behind me.
I gesture for Mark to back toward the front steps, then stand back while he maneuvers his truck.
“Thanks again for your help,” I say as soon as Callie opens the door. “I appreciate it.”
Callie slides out, a smile lighting up her face. “You can thank me by baking chocolate chip cookies.”
A pang goes through my heart, but I try not to show it. My recipe was handed down to me by my mom.
“I don’t have ingredients, or I would.”
“I’ve already checked it out. Martin’s Grocery delivers to your door.”
“Oh, that’s amazing!” Wrapping her in a hug, I kiss her cheek. “You’re the best.”
“Hey. That’s my woman.” Mark’s jovial tone echoes from the trees around us, making me giggle. “Hands off.” He winks at me while Callie blows him a kiss.
“I love when he gets jealous, even if it’s fake.”
I smack her arm, laughing. “Let’s make him real jealous, then.” I throw my arm around Callie’s shoulders. “I don’t know, Mark. She has nice boobs. And her ass… maybe that’s why none of my relationships ever worked out….”
“Get your own woman, Delaney.” He lowers the tailgate and starts hauling my stuff from the back.
“Your relationships never worked out because they weren’t Zayne Morine,” Callie whispers in my ear, dodging my swat as she laughs and runs over to Mark, hiding behind him. “Protect me, you big strong man. She’s evil.”
“Am not.” I grab some boxes and start up the stairs. “You deserved the attempted swat.” I adjust the weight of the boxes in my arms, punching in the code Randy gave me. When the door beeps, I turn the knob and enter.
I look around the furnished cabin, engulfed by memories of home. The cabin is furnished similarly to mine except for different colors and styles of appliances and furniture. But the place is cozy and welcoming, and the décor provides warmth and a sense of coming home.
Gah. Listen to me. What the hell am I thinking? There’s nothing about this town that invokes a sense of home.
“Wow. This is nice.” Callie’s voice comes from behind me.
I nod, but my gaze locked on the massive stone fireplace in the living room. My heart squeezes, missing my cabin. I push the ache away, surveying the rest of the room. A giant L-shaped sectional sits along one wall facing the fireplace. The other end has a staircase that leads to the upper level.
“Remember that summer between our junior and senior year when we stayed here for a week?”
Callie grins. “I sure do. This place looks so different. I like it, though.”
A pang of nostalgia goes through me. “I’m gonna miss seeing you every day.”
Callie’s lip wobbles. “Me, too.”
“Oh, Christ. Here we go again.” Mark gives us a teasing grin, shaking his head as he carries some heavier stuff inside. “I’ve already warned you, Delaney. I don’t share.” He shifts the boxes before leaning over and kissing Callie. When he pulls back, he gestures to the boxes. “Where do you want these?”
I move to him, standing on my tiptoes to read what I’ve written on the boxes. “Those go upstairs.” I grab Callie’s arm and pull her ahead of Mark. “Let’s go check it out.”
“Why do I feel I’m gonna do most of the work?”
Callie and I giggle before she yells back, “Cause you are. I’ll make it worth your while later.”