Page 96 of Off the Wall

Cash pulls a face. “Not quite as catchy for real estate, though.”

As sad as I am, I huff out the world’s tiniest laugh. “I shouldn’t have unloaded on you like that.”

“I’m perfectly happy to be your … unload-ee.” He brushes a loose strand of hair from my face. “That’s not a word, but I figure you know what I mean.”

“I do.”

Saying those words snaps me back to Hayden’s wedding. From there it’s a quick hop over to remembering Cash left early because his sister-in-law went into labor.

“I’m so sorry,” I blurt as heat floods my cheeks. “I’ve been rambling on about my problems like the most selfish person ever, and I forgot to ask about the baby!”

Cash shakes his head. “You’re the least selfish person I know. And Matilda is … she’s completely perfect.”

“Matilda?” I press a hand to my cheek. “That’s the most adorable name I’ve ever heard.”

“They’re calling her Tilly,” he adds. “Seven pounds, four ounces. Ten pink toes. Big blue eyes. Little tuft of hair.” As Cash rattles off his niece’s stats, his expression goes soft. Like an uncle in love. “She was screaming like a banshee when I left.” He drags a hand over the top of his head. “I miss her already.”

“When do you get to see her again?”

“I came home to shower and change, then I’m headed right back to the hospital. My parents are meeting us there.” He drops his gaze. “But I was talking about missing Tilly once I’m in LA.”

Needles of pain ricochet around my insides, pricking melike I’m a human pincushion. “So you’ll spend as much time with her as you can while you’re still here,” I say. “And visit her a lot afterward.”

Even as I say this, I find myself wishing Tilly wasn’t the only person with ten toes Cash might want to visit.

“You’re right.” His gaze drifts back up to mine. “Thanks for the reminder.”

I draw in a shaky breath. “What are whole-hand friends for?”

Cash is quiet for a moment, then his Adam’s apple bobs. “For the record, I’m really sorry about Serendipi-Tea.”

My internal pain needles only increase. “Same,” I say. “I was hosting a decent-sized pity party for myself when you showed up. And honestly? I have no idea what I’m going to do next.”

“Maybe it’s not a done deal.”

I shake my head. “Violet was expecting to sell the shop to Glen and his son in the first place, so they’re just reverting to the original plan.” I blow out a breath. “I think she only gave me a shot because she didn’t think I could find the money. And I came so close.” My shoulders sink. “Only one more date, and I get the rest of my Swipe Rite money.”

“Yeah. About that.” A strangled noise comes from the back of Cash’s throat.

I swipe at my nose. “About what?”

“Your Swipe Rite contract.” He pulls out his phone. “We’ve got a problem.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Cash

By now,we’ve watched the video at least ten times, and each viewing shows the same thing: Nori Sinclair in my arms at the Spring Garden Terrace swaying to “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

The original footage looks to have been posted by some cousin of the groom, but it’s been shared by countless accounts on multiple platforms. Most of the captions have two things in common: the hashtag #whowillnorichoose, and comments suggesting Nori has, in fact, already chosen.

And her pick isn’t a Swipe Rite guy.

To be fair, I look about as graceful as Frankenstein busting a move under a tree, and what I’m doing barely constitutes dancing. But evenIcan tell there’s a connection between the two people in that video. The way I’m holding her, with one hand at the small of her back. The way she’s leaned into me, her palm against my chest.

Nori and me.

Me and Nori.

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