Chapter 23
Twenty-Three
“That’s it. I think I have everything I need,” Logan says as he places the last box, labelled shoes in black marker, beside the back door.
It took me almost the entire week to decide whether I wanted to take Logan up on his offer to move here.
Once I agreed, everything happened quickly.
I thought I would have time to get used to the idea, but Logan was working on his own timeline.
There has been an endless stream of boxes moving in and out of this house for the past two days.
Today is my official move-in day, and everyone has stopped by or touched base at some point.
Meg brought me wine she took from her husband’s collection.
Riot brought over chocolate chip cookies that Ben and Claire made for me.
Carson promised to make me sourdough bread because I guess that’s something he does now.
Even Dillon texted to tell me he was around if I needed anything.
The only person I haven’t heard from is Ryan. He’s been out of town all week, and I haven’t seen him in two. We are still texting, but it’s not the same. Funny how we went from reluctant friends to…whatever this is in such a short time.
When he gets home this weekend, I’ll invite him over for dinner or something. Okay, maybe dinner is a bad idea, but I’ll find a reason to see him. I wonder if he has thought of me as much as I have him.
That’s a silly question. The man has had lunch delivered to me at work every day this week. He has obviously thought about me a little. But he consumes my thoughts.
“If you’re missing anything, let me know,” I tell Logan. “You can stop in, or I can bring it into the studio. Whatever’s easier.”
Swinging my legs back and forth from where I’m perched on the kitchen counter, I look around the large kitchen. “I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with all of this extra space.”
“A little more than you’re used to?” Logan chuckles as he wraps his arms around Hannah’s waist and rests his chin in the crook of her neck.
“Umm, yeah.” I nod slowly. “I’m pretty sure my entire trailer could fit inside the living room.”
When I left Braden, I walked away with the clothes on my back and not much else.
Forget boxes; I shoved what I could into a few trash bags.
I wasn’t sticking around to listen to his attempts to make me feel like I was the problem.
I knew he would have lost his mind if I tried to take the truck, so I asked Aunt Maggie to pick me up.
She was there fifteen minutes later, no questions asked.
I will be endlessly grateful that I had the foresight to store all my sketchbooks and journals at her house while Braden and I lived together. It would have been a devastating loss if I had to leave them behind. Anything else he has likely thrown away or sold by now.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. It’s a triple-win situation for all of us,” Hannah says.
Holding up three fingers, she puts each back down as she counts.
“Logan now has someone living here that he knows and trusts, you have a spacious home that doesn’t have wheels, and I don’t have to worry about you freezing to death every time the temperature drops. ”
Though I highly doubt I would freeze into a popsicle, there is a permanent nip in the air, and the dull grey sky promises snow overnight. Cozying up in front of the fireplace in my pyjamas with a good book sounds like the perfect way to spend my first night in the yellow house.
“Do you need any more help unpacking your stuff? I can stay and give you a hand.” Hannah glances at the few remaining boxes I have left sitting on the kitchen table.
She has already put all my clothes away in the primary bedroom closet and made the bed with brand-new sheets.
Logan went to the grocery store and stocked the fridge. Everyone is trying to feed me these days. They have gone above and beyond to make me comfortable here.
“No, I’m good. I don’t have much left to do, so I’ll finish tomorrow.
Tonight, I’m going to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a bubble bath.
The worst part of trailer living isn’t the tiny space; it’s the total lack of a soaker tub,” I try to reassure her.
I told Ryan the exact same thing not so long ago.
“I pulled your car into the garage. Jackson’s bike is in the back corner so it will be out of your way.”
“Yes, I know. You told me. Thank you.” It’s not a secret that I’m living here, but we don’t need to advertise it either.
“There’s a ton of firewood piled in the yard. If you need help to bring it in, just ask,” Hannah informs me for the third time.
“Make sure you download the app for the doorbell camera. The instructions are on the fridge. And you remember the code for the security system, right? I can text it to you.” Logan pulls out his phone to send it to me—again.
“Stop, both of you.” Jumping down, I cover his phone with my hand. “Claire wasn’t this bad when she had to leave Ben at daycare for the first time. I don’t know why you’re so reluctant to go. I’ll be fine.”
Nobody is saying it out loud, but I know they are worried Braden will show up. He was radio silent for a few days after we saw each other. I’d hoped that after months of harassment, it was finally over. That he listened when I said I was done. But no. He’s back to calling and texting daily.
One of the very first things I did when I left was cancel my—our—phone plan. A tiny act of rebellion and a not-so-subtle fuck you for talking to other women. That’s never stopped him from contacting me though. I could block him, but he would find another way.
Some battles aren’t worth the potential fallout. I just need it to end.
“I know.” She looks down at her socked feet before meeting my eyes again. “We worry about you. You have never lived completely alone before.”
She’s not wrong. I went from my parents’ house to Aunt Maggie’s. Then Maggie’s house to living with Braden, and back to Maggie’s again. I had my own space there, but she was still only a stone’s throw away. But I can do this.
“Good Lord.” I throw my hands in the air. “I’m not fragile. I promise I’ll be fine. I can invite a garden gnome in if I get too lonely.”
“Oooooh, that reminds me.” Hannah scurries from the kitchen to the mudroom and back again with a gift bag. Her eyes light up as she hands it to me.
“You have done so much. You didn’t need to get me a gift as well.” I place it on the counter beside me and remove the tissue.
“Of course I did. It’s tradition.” She is practically giddy, bouncing on her toes as she waits. “Hurry and open it.”
“I’m doing it, girl.” I remove multiple sheets of red tissue paper and pull out a garden gnome.
My eyes dampen as I take in the red hat that covers her eyes, long black braids, and a yellow dress.
“She’s so sweet. Thank you.” What a ridiculously impractical and thoughtful gift. “I think I’ll name her Lucy.”
“That’s a great name. Now you don’t have to invite any of them in because you’ll have Lucy to keep you company.” She beams.
“For the love of God, please do not invite any of them inside. They have taken over the yard; they can’t infiltrate the house too. I’ll never be able to get rid of them.” Logan drops his shoulders and groans loudly.
“Are you not taking any with you?” I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh.
“Fuck, no,” he gasps and steps away. “I’m not letting them follow me. Plus, it’s bad luck. If I remove one, two will follow.”
“So dramatic.” Hannah chuckles, patting his chest. “Don’t worry, they can live here.”
I’m checking out my cool new little friend when I hear Hannah whisper, “You know you can visit us anytime, right?”
“That’s it. Get out,” I insist, pushing them towards the back door before they invite me for a sleepover. “I love you both and appreciate what you have done for me. But it’s time to go. I promise I will call if I need anything.” I cross my heart.
They slowly put on their warm coats, boots, and toques. This is possibly becoming the longest goodbye of my life. After hugs and more reassurance, they finally leave, taking their last box with them.
“Lock the door and turn on the alarm, okay?” Logan calls through the closed door.
“Yes, Dad.” Rolling my eyes, I twist the knob. They listen to the clunk of it engaging before I hear snow crunching on the stairs as they walk away.
I’m surprised they didn’t insist that Logan’s dog, Morgan, spend the night with me.
Letting out a sigh, I turn on the security system Logan insisted he install before I head to the fridge and take out a bottle of wine.
With dreams of slipping into a hot bubble bath, I just about make it out of the kitchen when there’s a knock on the back door.
For fuck’s sake. Spinning around, I place the wine beside Lucy on the counter and disengage the alarm.
Exasperated, I swing open the door. “Back so soon?” I ask.
My eyes widen in shock when I see my unexpected guest. “Ryan? What are you doing here?”
“Hi, Trouble.”