Page 23 of Savage Keepsakes

As I take my last bite, there is a loud knock at the door. I jump up, causing the plate to fall to the floor and shatter. Closing my eyes, I sigh and tip-toe around the shattered porcelain and go to answer the door.

Cracking the door, I find a couple of strange men in blue uniforms standing on my porch. A large white box truck is parked in the driveway.

“Can I help you?”

“Hello, Miss Warner. We’re here to deliver your order.” The one holds a clipboard and a scanning device.

Furrowing my brows, I tilt my head. “I didn’t order anything.”

“Here’s the order form. It’s paid from uh… Mr. Davis.”

He hands me his clipboard, which I take, reading over the items listed: a desk, couch, and bed.

“Can you hold on a sec?” I’m not comfortable letting these random men into my house.

He nods curtly, and his partner stands behind him with a friendly smile.

After closing the door, I reach for my phone to call Billy. Pressing the speaker, it rings for a while before clicking to voicemail. I redial and clean upthe mess on the kitchen floor while I pray he answers the phone.

“What’s up, Lou?” His deep voice comes through the speaker.

“Why are there delivery men at my front door?”

“Because I sent them. I couldn’t fit everything in my car. Don’t worry, I had a bump in sales and wanted to load up those empty rooms. It’s been depressing me. I’ll be there as soon as I fill these orders.”

My heart clenches. I don’t deserve this. It was going to take me months to get to a place where I could afford to furnish the house, though.

“Just say thank you. We can figure out a trade, okay?” His voice cuts through my thoughts like a knife.

“Thank you,” I whisper before pressing the end button.

Nothing comes for free. Gifts are always tied to how well you can provide or perform. I do have an offer for him, though.

Heading back to the front door, the delivery guy stands with a grim smile.

“Sorry, I wanted to be sure,” I whisper. My voice should be louder. I don’t need to be such a scaredy cat.

“Not a problem, ma’am. Where do you want the items? We’ll get out of your hair as quick as we can.”

“The couch can go into the room on the left. The desk, and bed, go to the first bedroom at the top of the stairs.”

I move out of the way as they do their job. I haven’t been able to sleep in the room that Miles stayed in, but putting a spare bed in there makes sense.

JoJo and I stripped the wallpaper and painted the room a deep green colour to erase more of the memories he left behind.

It’s not long before they’re back on the porch asking for my signature. I scribble my name as he says, “Have a good day, ma’am.” With a quick nod, he turns and heads off to the white truck.

Once I’m upstairs, I’m in awe of the furniture. The desk, with its spacious surface and pristine white colour, stands out in the room, especially flanked by my large bookcases.

In front of the desk, there is a comfortable leather chair that invites me to take a seat. I pace around the room, hope growing in my core for the productive work that lies ahead.

“I believe in you. You know that, right?” Billy’s voice startles me.

“What?” I turn to stare at him. I have no idea how I didn’t hear him come up the stairs, but I’m glad he’s here.

He grins, wets his lips, spanning his hands in front of him. He’s wearing ripped grey shorts, a darkblack tee, and a blue hat sitting backwards on his head.

“You’re gonna write epic books and become a bestseller, obviously.”

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