11. Chloe #3
I follow him to the backyard and we walk to where there are large planters.
Most are sparse but there is a patch with some plants.
Tyler picks what he needs, but I can’t help but take in the scenery of the ranch.
The property in the back is vast but at one point a tree line hits the edge and reduces the vision.
Towards the back, a small cottage sits, seemingly unattended.
I remember Reid mentioning a cottage at Tyler’s property but I guess I never gave it a second thought.
“Does anyone live out there?” I point over to it. Tyler looks up from where’s he’s kneeling to follow where I’m pointing.
“Nah, I’d stay there if I was visiting from college, I was fixated on having my own space. Reid stayed there on occasion before he bought his townhouse. It’s vacant, been that way for a while now.”
“You ever think of renting it out? Just to have some company up here?”
Tyler stands and shakes his head, “Nah, I don’t think I’d want any strangers living up here with me.
” He wipes his hands on his pants and motions back to the main house.
“I’ll take you over to it sometime, it’s pretty cute inside.
My dad built it from scratch and my mom designed the interior. It’s a dusty mess right now though.”
I look down at the bare planter beds, “We can tackle that another day. First up, books, then cottage, then maybe we can replant the garden.”
“One thing at a time.”
We go back inside and finish up the cake devoid of any other moments of sexual tension. I help him with a few more boxes of books before noticing the time.
“I should get home and freshen up before we meet at Martin’s house later.”
Tyler follows me to the door, standing in the threshold.
“Chlo.” He says and I turn before walking down the steps. “Thanks for everything, I mean it. I’m– Thank you.”
“Of course, but let’s get a few more hands next time. You have a lot of house for just two people.”
Tyler nods and closes the door. The entire drive home I can’t stop thinking about buttercream frosting.
Annika is home from work by the time I return to our house. Dandy is fast asleep on the couch and Annika is unloading groceries in the kitchen. I cross the living room and greet her when I notice the groceries she’s putting away.
Pancake mix, guava juice, salt and vinegar potato chips and peanut butter cookies.
“Do I want to know why you are stocking up on all my favorite junk foods?” I ask and cross my arms.
“Can’t a friend buy her bestie her favorite snacks without being interrogated for it?”
“Last time you bought guava juice, you said you had to go to like four grocery stores. And that’s when you told me you were in love with Reid. So, what is it now?”
Annika’s mouth falls open. “Since when did you get so snappy? I’m the snappy one, not you! You’re the sweet one.”
“You’re avoiding the question.” I try to return the seething glare she often gives people.
“Snappy does not suit you. You look like you need glasses or something. Come, sit, I’ll pour you a tall glass of guava.”
We’re both settled at the dining table, juice poured in two glasses and I’m waiting for Annika to finally tell me what is on her mind.
I can’t imagine what it would be. It’s not like she could say she’s in love with Reid again.
Or worse, in love with Tyler. Geez, that would really be messy if that was the case.
But, I’d probably help her, even if my own feelings for him would complicate things.
If that’s what she truly wanted. I realize Annika hasn’t said anything yet so I clear my throat and angle my head.
“Out with it already!” I snap.
“I’m moving in with Reid,” she states quickly. “If that’s alright with you!” She puts her hands up.
“Why would I have anything to do with that?”
“I don’t want to think I’m abandoning you.
If you don’t want me to leave, then I’ll stay.
” Annika says finally, slumping back in her chair.
I realize this is what’s been eating at her.
She is worried I will fall apart without her.
I suppose I don’t blame her, we’ve been attached at the hip since we were kids.
It seems like she’s my support person, tethering me along.
Wherever Annika goes, Chloe is there too. But now, there’s Reid.
“I’ll be okay.” I try my best to reassure her.
“I’m not totally convinced at that. Do you remember when I told you I was moving? You were on the verge of a meltdown.”
“To be fair, I had just witnessed my boyfriend cheating on me that same night. This is different and you’re not moving far, just across town. You’re rarely here anymore anyways.”
“Do you think you’ll get another roommate?
” Crap. I didn’t consider the rent situation.
I don’t think I can afford this place on my own.
I suppose I could find a roommate, but that doesn’t sound ideal.
Some person I don’t know living with me seems terrible.
It’s like what Tyler said about renting out his cottage and having strangers on his property.
Tyler’s cottage is empty. I wonder…
“I think I have an idea,” I say and tell Anni about my day with Tyler and about the cottage as we make our way to Martin’s house to celebrate Tyler’s mom. We decide to hatch our plan tomorrow at pub night and hope Tyler can be convinced to take a new roommate after all.