Page 187 of Well That Happened

Chapter Fifty-Five

Rilee

The house is perfect in that sun-drenched, too-good-to-be-true way only Southern California rentals can be. White stucco walls, big windows, a backyard pool that glitters in the late afternoon light. There’s a lemon tree near the fence, a patio strung with fairy lights, and enough space inside to actually breathe.

It’s nothing like my tiny apartment.

We talked about a hotel, but landed on a rental house instead—something private, with space, a private pool, and the idea that they’d stay for a while. Neither Caleb nor Grayson have jobs lined up after graduation, and training doesn’t start for Hunter for a few weeks.

Inside, it smells like fresh linen and something citrusy. The kitchen gleams. The bedrooms are huge. There’s a fireplace in the living room and a deep soaking tub in the master bath. Outside, the pool is edged with smooth stone and flanked by two chaise lounges that look like they were designed specifically for making questionable decisions.

And I can’t quite catch my breath.

Because suddenly, it’s real. They’re here. We’re here.

We set our bags down and it only takes about three seconds before I’m surrounded—Caleb pressing a kiss to my mouth, Grayson slipping a hand around my waist, Hunter’s fingersbrushing the back of my neck like he’s checking to make sure I’m still real.

And I love them. I love them so much.

But right now, it’s too much.

“Guys,” I say, stepping back, voice soft but firm. “I think I need a minute.”

They all freeze.

“I just… I missed you. I did. But I’ve been in survival mode for weeks and this is a lot. Can we just take things slow?”

Grayson is the first to nod. “Of course.”

Hunter clears his throat and steps back too. “Guys, give her space.”

Caleb raises both hands in surrender, backing toward the kitchen. “Want me to go pick up groceries?”

“I’ll go with him,” Grayson adds, already grabbing the keys off the counter.

They head out, the front door swinging behind them.

I glance at Hunter. He gives me a small, almost-smile. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I whisper. “I think I just need a shower.”

He nods. “I’ll be here.”

And somehow, that helps more than anything else could.

I lock the bathroom door behind me and sink onto the closed toilet lid, phone clutched in my hand. The cool tile presses against my bare feet, grounding me as I stare at the screen.

Lexi’s name stares back at me. I tap it before I can overthink.

She answers on the second ring.

“Hey, stranger! How’s sunny California?”

“Lex,” I whisper, voice tight. “They’re here.”

A beat of silence. “Wait, what? Who’s there?”

“Hunter, Caleb, and Grayson. They showed up. Rented a house with a pool. Said they want to figure things out.”

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