Page 6 of Spring Break with a Bass Player
“I appreciate your confidence,” I say wryly, stabbing my eggs with a fork.
“Happy to help.” And despite the fact that he’ll never give up an opportunity to bust my balls, I know he will be there if I need him.
He just wants to get his punches in too.
I chuckle. “I have no doubt.”
3
SAIGE
“Auntie Saige!” Haven yells as she barrels into me, my audibleoofmaking Wells laugh as he stirs a pot at the stove.
“Hey, kiddo, how are you?”
“Good! I haven’t seen you inforever,” she whines the way only an eight-year-old can, but I love every second because this girl is my favorite.
“It’s been like three days.” I laugh but don’t let go as she squeezes me and looks up, her eyes bright and full of mischief.
“I went with Dad to work!”
“Oh yeah? How was that?” I ask as she unwraps herself from me before taking my hand and pulling me toward the island.
“So fun! The guy from the band came in and heplayedfor me!”
“He did, huh? That was nice of him,” I say, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice and a smile on my face. It’s hard though, especially when I can see my cousin shaking with silent laughter.
“Dad never lets me go when they play, but he had his guitar and Dad had to finish up before we could go. Isn’t that so cool?”
She’s beaming, and I want to kiss him for putting this gigantic smile on her face as much as I want to throttle him for thinking he can get to me through my niece.
“The coolest,” I confirm. “I’m glad you got to hear him play. He’s very talented,” I tell her because heis,and even though he’s not my favorite person right now—or ever—I can still give credit where credit is due. I just won’t dwell on it. “Where’s Vienna?” I ask, satisfied that I’ve appropriately responded and can now change the subject.
“She’s finishing up at the shop and then coming home.”
It’s my turn to beam. The thought of Vienna settling into her dream space that she’s worked tirelessly to turn into The Greene House florist shop is one of my favorite parts of real estate. I’d known before it was even officially available that it would be perfect. For so many, the high is getting the client into their space, but for me, it’s seeing themthrivein that space, and Vienna Greene is doing just that.
“Hey everyone!” Vienna says, swinging the front door open with a flourish and dumping her bags on the floor. “Sorry I’m late.”
“You’re not late,” Wells says, kissing her firmly on the lips in a way that’s obvious he’s holding back. “The mac and cheese is almost done, so just throw some stuff in a bag when you’re ready and we can go.”
Prying herself from his grasp, she turns and wraps me in a hug. “Thank you so much.” She whispers the words and I nod.
“You guys have been going nonstop. You deserve this,” I tell her because I think she needs to hear it—they both do. “Besides, we’re going to havewaymore fun, aren’t we, Haven?”
“Yes!” she cheers, jumping up and down before squealing in delight as Vienna chases her out of the room, both of them giggling as they go. Wells’s expression is wistful, his gaze locked on the hall long after they’re gone.
“You’re allowed to have adult time,” I tell my cousin gently.
“I know that,” Wells says slowly, his palm rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s just hard because I fought to have her with me and it just feels like…” His voice trails off, an odd mix of guilt and relief in his tone.
“You are allowed to have time away with Vienna. You love her and she loves youandHaven.” I motion toward where they just disappeared. “Your daughter is loved. She’s safe and happy, and you leaving with your girlfriend for the weekend does not change that. We’re going to have a great time, like we always do, and then you’ll come home and spoil the hell out of her likeyoualways do.”
I smirk as he chuckles, thankful to see him visibly relax. I’d watched helplessly as his ex-wife, Haven’s mother, came and went for years, wreaking havoc on their lives and any sense of stability they tried to create. He’d taken her back to court after Christmas, and because she never showed, the court revoked her visitation, granting Wells sole custody of Haven.
“Thanks,” he says, swallowing hard as his eyes meet mine. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” It’s the truth. Before Wells and Haven had moved to Love Beach, he’d had a summer fling with Vienna… and it should’ve ended there. But a job offer changed everything, and they’d moved in with me before finding a place of their own. Vienna ended up being his nanny, and it hadn’t taken long before they rekindled a lot more than just a physical connection.
I’d never seen him happier. I’d never seen Haven happier.
