Page 88 of Shattered Melodies

So I climbed back into my truck, my mind whirling with possibilities. With half-formed plans and desperate schemes, with wild, impossible ideas that I knew were probably doomed to fail. But I had to try. Had to do something, had to find a way to make it work. Because the alternative the thought of losing everything, of watching my family’s legacy disappear like smoke in the wind it was unthinkable.

CHAPTER 25

Best Friend Day

LIAM

Jimmy and I stood in the living room, the remnants of our breakfast still scattered across the table. Peanut was curled up on the couch, her little belly full and her eyes heavy with contentment.

It was a peaceful scene, a moment of calm and normality in the midst of all the chaos that had been swirling around me lately. But of course, Jimmy being Jimmy, he couldn’t let it last for long.

“So,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned against the kitchen counter. “That was Caleb, huh? Gotta say, your descriptions didn’t do him justice. The man looks like he just stepped out of a Marlboro ad.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the way my heart skipped a beat at the mention of Caleb. “It’s not what you think,” I said, my voice a little too defensive even to my own ears.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. “Oh? And what exactly am I thinking, Liam? Do tell.”

I shot him a glare, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “You know what I mean. Don’t start with your matchmaking nonsense.”

“Matchmaking? Me?” Jimmy placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “I would never. I’m just making an observation about your ruggedly handsome neighbor. Who, may I remind you, you have a complicated history with.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Jimmy, I appreciate you being here, I really do. But can we not do this? It’s complicated.”

“When is it not complicated with you two?” Jimmy chuckled, but there was a hint of concern behind his teasing tone. “Come on, spill. Has anything happened already? Any longing gazes across the fence? Accidental touches while fixing that rickety porch?”

“For God’s sake, Jimmy,” I groaned, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. As annoying as his prying could be, I had missed this. Missed him. “Nothing’s happened. We’re just figuring things out.”

Jimmy waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Figuring things out, eh? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

I threw a dish towel at him, which he deftly caught with a laugh. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“It’s part of my charm,” he grinned, tossing the towel back to me. “Seriously though, Liam. Are you okay? With Caleb being back and all?”

I hesitated, not sure how to answer. The truth was, I didn’t know if I was okay. Seeing Caleb again, being near him stirred up a whirlwind of emotions I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.

“I’m managing,” I said finally, opting for honesty. “It’s not easy, but I’m glad he’s here. Even if it complicates things.”

Jimmy nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think it’s good. You two have a lot of history to sort through, but maybe this is your chance to finally get some closure. Or who knows, maybe even a fresh start.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Speaking of my fancy new digs, want the grand tour? I’ve been working my ass off on this place, and I’m pretty damn proud of how it’s turning out.”

Jimmy’s eyes lit up, his face breaking into a huge, excited smile. “Hell yes, I want the tour! Lead the way, my man. Show me what you’ve done with the place.”

I felt a flicker of pride as I gestured for Jimmy to follow me. We started in the living room, where I’d refinished the original hardwood floors and painted the walls a warm, inviting shade of beige.

“Nice,” Jimmy nodded approvingly, running his hand along the smooth surface of the newly installed fireplace mantel. “Very… rustic chic. Is that what they call it on those home renovation shows?”

I rolled my eyes. “I wouldn’t know. Some of us have been too busy actually renovating to watch TV.”

Jimmy grinned, unrepentant. “Hey, someone’s got to keep up with the trends. Can’t have you turning this place into some backwoods cabin, can we?”

We moved on to the kitchen, where gleaming stainless steel appliances stood in stark contrast to the vintage-inspired tile backsplash.

“Ooh, fancy,” Jimmy whistled, opening and closing the soft-close cabinet doors with childlike glee. “I half expected to find a wood-burning stove and a butter churn in here.”

“Ha ha,” I deadpanned. “You know, if you’re not impressed, you’re welcome to eat at the diner for the rest of your stay.”

Jimmy clutched his chest in mock horror. “You wouldn’t dare deprive me of your culinary expertise. I’ve been dreaming about your pancakes for weeks.”

---