Page 13 of Milo
“I know. I’ve loved every second being here and I’ll be back mid-January if everything goes according to plan. I’m excited about coming back home. New York City wasn’t for me.”
My heart sinks. “You did amazing, though. Thank you for?—”
“Hey, hey, none of this sentimental shit. We got one more wall to paint today before we stop, then it’s off to your sister’s with you.” She shoos me away and we both get back to the task.
Izzy helped me chose fresh colors for the new place. We went with hot pink and emerald green and the match is stunning with gold trim. I want all new branding, eventually. I’ve used the same logo the entire time I’ve been in business and it needs a refresh. People are going to be so surprised with how bright this place is after the neutral browns and grays of my New York office.
We get lost in our own thoughts as we paint the last wall hot pink. I have to wonder what upset Milo so much. I hope it’s something I can help with. At least I know cuddles will help.
“You should probably shower before you head over to Callie’s place.” Izzy pinches her nose and waves a hand in front of her face. “I doubt your sister will appreciate a sweaty man covered in paint showing up unannounced.”
I snort and wipe at the sweat on my brow. “That was the plan.”
“My hotel is closer than your apartment. Come back with me, then head out.”
“Sounds good. I always have a change of clothes in my car.” And that way, I won’t confuse Milo by coming back home, then leaving again without talking to him.
Izzy presses her fists to her hips and looks around at our hard work. We have a couple more walls to paint before it’s doneand maybe a few that need another coat, but I’m happy with the progress we made today. We chose the hot pink for the main color, letting the emerald green be the accent, and I can’t believe how amazing the place is starting to look.
I don’t have some of my equipment, like the refrigeration units, or even flowers, but I’m not worried. I saved up for this, and I won’t fudge the grand opening by rushing to get things done.
We flip the lights off and I lock up. This never would have happened if I had stayed at home all these years. I needed to be away to make a name for myself and I’m so glad I did.
“Come on Clay.” Izzy unlocks her car and I get to my truck to follow her to the hotel. She lets me take the first shower while she plays on her phone. She’ll head back to New York City tomorrow afternoon. Before Milo texted me, I offered to take her out for dinner, but she waved me away, saying she had another hookup.
“Tell Callie I said hi.” Izzy hugs me as I head out. “See you bright and early tomorrow!”
“See ya.” I blow her a kiss and head out. “Love ya.”
The drive to my sister’s apartment takes about twenty minutes. It’s peaceful and I turn up the Christmas music. So many houses have lights, but it’s still too early to see them twinkle. Callie’s apartment is a nice place, and she’s been here for about a decade. She’s two years older than I am and her daughter was a surprise. A lovely surprise.
I shoot Callie a text when I arrive at the visitor parking of her complex.
Clay: I have a surprise for you.
Callie: Oh, I love surprises!
I chuckle as I step out of my truck. I grab the gift bags from my backseat and trek over to my sister’s door. The wind whipshair in my face and I flip up the hat on my coat. It’s not too awful cold, but the wind makes it feel that way.
Clay: Ready for it?
Callie: ????
I knock on her door. Not even ten seconds later, Callie’s ripping it open.
“Clay!” She wraps her arms around my neck in what can only be described as a mom hug. She pulls me into the apartment and slams the door shut before letting me go. I breathe her in. She always smells faintly of peaches and it always reminds me of home. She swats at me. “You could have told me you were moving home. I had to find out by your newsletter? I’ve been waiting for you to say something.” There’s a twinkle in her eye, so I don’t think she’s too mad at me.
“So you do keep up with me.”
“Uncle Clay!” Emily yells from somewhere.
Callie laughs and shakes her head. “Of course I do. You’re my baby brother. I gotta keep an eye on you.” Her auburn hair is swept into a ponytail. She has bright red ornaments for earrings and she looks dressed for a party.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Callie looks over her outfit. “No. No. It’s dress up day for Emily’s karate class. We have time.” She waves to the couch. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“I’m go?—”
