Page 119 of Almost Love

Proud of you, Tiny.

Clementine

Thanks, Dad. I’ll pass the love on, Mama.

Camden

When will it stop looking like that?

Clementine

Soon. And no, you’re not invited to the opening.

Camden

Rude.

Mama

Looking forward to your new space, honey.

Clementine

Love you guys *kissy face emoji*

At the sound of Mack’s loud groan, she looked up to a deep scowl. She put her phone away and matched his frown.

“What’s with the face?”

“You’re sexting with him, aren’t you?”

I’d love to be sexting with him. Making a face, she said, “Texting my family. Gross.”

“Right.” He dragged a hand over his face. “I’m glad you’re getting laid and having the best sex of everyone’s life, but please stop.”

“Why?”

“I’m jealous. I want to sext with someone and hell,fucksomeone.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” her contractor, James, said with a faint blush across his cheeks. “I’ve got some measurements for you to look over.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded, following him to the window ledge where his notebook was resting. She could hear Mack mumbling to himself, but focused on the job at hand. James had numbers for everything that she wanted to revamp—the floors, windows, doors and counters—as well as the things she wanted to add in. He rattled off details and asked herquestions, she felt bubbles of excitement in her chest. Like she’d drunk a whole lot of champagne. It felt so fucking good.

“So it’s all doable?”

“Absolutely. I’ll get back to the office and go through raw materials to get you an estimate,” James stated, surveying the space. “I think the vision you have for this space will really work.”

“Thanks, James.”

After he left, she walked over to where Mack was standing. His arms were crossed as he assessed the wall, muttering to himself.

“I’m thinking pastel shades, to match your coats and aprons.”

“As long as it doesn’t clash or be too much of a contrast with the dark green trim.”

Mack pursed his lips, paint-stained fingers tapping against his mouth. Now that inspiration had struck, he was always covered in paint. She was glad that he was painting again, because Clementine knew how worked up he’d been about his creative block.

“Should be fine.”

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