Page 61 of Head Over Heels

"Besides the cameras, he also hacked into my phone and computer to track my purchases. It looks like he just tracked what books I bought, but it's still enough to freak me out."

"I'm with your mom. I'm glad the world is free of him,mieloji."He stands up. "I don't think she needs to know any of this, but I understand if you choose to tell her."

I shake my head. "Maybe I'll change my mind once this is all settled, but I agree with you."

"I'll take Mom out for lunch tomorrow so you can get into the house. I'll text you when we're getting ready."

"What if she doesn't want to go out?" I ask. Mom can get crabby and contradictory sometimes.

"Then I'll tell her we're meeting you and your new girlfriend. Then your mouthy friend can get in the house with Mel." He glances at Tilly, then turns to Mel. "The spare key is in the same place as always."

I walk him out.

When I turn around, Florence is by my side. "Are you okay?" she asks, talking my hand in hers and lacing her fingers with mine.

I nod mutely. I don't know if I am, actually—but I'm not going to lose it with everyone around.

Then Mel is by my side, pulling me into a tight hug. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

I close my eyes and breathe her in. "I'm fine," I say stiffly, pulling away from her. She knows that too much physical contact is hard for me. I reach for Florence's hand again.

"Do you want us to stay?" she asks gently.

"No," I say firmly. "You don't need to. I need to go to the property and go through the things in the safe there. See what's in there, try to make sense of the appraisals and supposed authenticity paperwork. You should go. Enjoy your evening together. You both work too much." It's one of the things Mel complains about all the time. She never has enough time with Renna outside of work.

"Are you sure? We could help."

I look at Renna for help. "I'm serious. It's not something you can help with. Go love on each other."

My smile must be convincing, because she nods. "Call us if you need anything. I don't like the idea of you being alone."

"The threat is gone, Renna. I'm fine."

"Go already, you lovesick fools." Tilly pulls Renna into a long hug. "I'll stay and make sure she's okay," she whispers.

After they've left, Florence stares Tilly down. "You can stay or go, but I'm not leaving her."

She raises an eyebrow. "I doubt it's in yourcontractto stay, darling. I'm her friend."

Florence releases a long breath. "I'm her friend, too," she says softly. "The contract be damned."

Tilly whistles. "Renna and Mel went out on a limb to save your sorry ass because of that contract."

I glance up at Tilly. "Don't blame her. She didn't ask for that shit." I sink into the couch.

Tilly bites her lip. "You're right. I'm sorry." She plops down on the couch next to me. "I'm worried about you, that's all."She leans against me and puts her head on my shoulder. "I'm allowed that, aren't I?"

I turn and brush her short red bangs out of her eyes. "Yes, you're allowed that. But you're not allowed to be mean to Florence because of it."

"I'm worried about you, too," Florence says, sitting on the other side of me. "Regardless of our relationship status—I'm worried about you, too," she repeats, squeezing my fingers.

Tilly leans forward and looks at her. "You don'thavea relationship status."

"Yes, she does." I lean against the back of the couch, sighing in defeat. "It's complicated, but there's something." I elbow Tilly. "Are you jealous?"

I'm surprised when she lets out a long breath. "Not like that, no. But I lost Renna, and now I feel like I'm losing you, too."

"Nope." I shake my head. "Renna has room for you and Mel. I have room for both of you, too. For all of you."

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