Page 44 of Take This Heart
That softens her and I feel the slightest pang of guilt for using her dad as an excuse, even though it’s the truth. He is inside. He just doesn’t know we’re looking at material samples.
“Okay,” she says.
She looks at Josh and smiles again. What is her deal?Why has she given me all forms of hell since the moment we met and yet looks at him with melty eyes?
“I’ll talk to you later, Josh,” she says.
“Sounds good, Goldilocks,” he says.
I snort.Goldilocks? Talk about unoriginal.
His eyes meet mine and he gives me a knowing look.
I give him a look of my own. One that saysI’m watching you.
She doesn’t speak to me all the way to the house, and when we get there, she looks around.
“Was my dad waiting on us?” she asks.
“I thought so,” I lie, looking around the room.
She heads to his bedroom and I put my fingers on my throbbing temples, frustrated that I’m succumbing to this childish behavior.
Fortunately, he comes out with her and is happy to look at the samples. We’re done all too soon and go our separate ways.
It was a mistake to kiss her again.
“It’s so good to see you,” Mom says.
I kiss both her cheeks and then hug her tight. My dad is next and he kisses both my cheeks, laughing as he hugs me.
“Mio figliolo.” He leans back, both hands on my arms, and studies me. “You look good. There’s something different about you.”
“I’ve been spending a lot of time outside…”
His lips pucker. “Maybe that’s it. You look happy. There’s a little light in your eyes that I haven’t seen in a long time.”
I shift, unsure of what to say. I do feel happier lately.
“I guess it’s been nice to get out of the city more. I didn’trealize how tired I was from working so much…and I’m still working a ton, but it feels different in Windy Harbor. The pace is slower, being by the water is invigorating in a way I didn’t know I needed.”
“And what are Everett and his family like?” Mom asks.
“Everett is great. Easy to work with and I can see why he’s been so successful. He’s a true visionary. And his family is equally talented. Goldie is a lot to handle, but her ideas are excellent.”
“Who is Goldie?” Mom’s head tilts.
“Everett’s daughter.”
“Ahh. And how old is she?”
“I don’t know. 25? 26 maybe?” I frown.
I guess I’ve never really thought about how old she is. She feels like my equal in every way, but I suppose she’s probably a little younger than me.
“Is she pretty?” Mom asks, shooting me a look that says she sees right through me.
My mouth parts and I shake my head, starting to laugh. “I’m not even in the door yet and the questions are already endless.”
