Page 35 of Holding You
“I didn’t mean to sound so rude. I just, I barely know him and Luca just offers him my space.”
“Barely know him? Ruby, you’ve talked to that man almost every single day for a year.”
“Not by choice, and we mostly bicker.”
“Bickering can be fun.” Shay smiles.
“Not with Declan.”
The girls all share a look.
“What’s really going on?” Sadie asks.
“I … I don’t know. I have my own space here, and until last year, I’d never had something that was just mine. I don’t?—”
“Don’t want to give it up," Shay adds with an understanding nod.
“I get it, too,” Quinn says. “And I’m not saying this because I think you should change your mind, but this isyourhouse. Before, in Boston, it wasn’t. Your house means your rules. Maybe set some and then charge him rent. Make it worth it for you.”
“She has a point,” Sadie agrees.
Me and Declan? Living in the same house? I can’t even stand him when he’s next door.
Not to mention what the town would say. They would probably find some way to turn this around so that he’s making the sacrifice and not me. At the same time, if word gets out that my house was an option and I didn’t offer it, they’d think I was unkind and the reason he moved away again.
I know it shouldn’t matter what the town thinks of me, but damn it. I’m a good person, and I did the best with what I could when I was a seventeen-year-old girl.
And I could use that rent money right now.
A high-pitched squeal captures all our attention as Susie and Max jump on the trampoline, playing crack the egg.
I blow out a breath.
But sometimes in life, what I want isn't the only thing that matters.
CHAPTER SIX
DECLAN
By Wednesday, I’ve got movers scheduled, a cleaner lined up to get the condo ready in Chicago, and I’ve started packing. I’m still not thrilled over this outcome, but it makes the most sense.
What I haven’t done is tell Susie.
The sooner I tell her, the better, but at the same time, telling her the day before we leave would leave less room for … I don’t even know.
A fight? Fewer tears?
I’m her dad and should know the answer here, but my daughter loves to surprise me every chance she gets, and some days, I have no idea what I’m doing.
I park my truck outside Luca’s house and get out.
Susie is with Max and Ruby for the next couple of hours while I enjoy boys' night.
The last one of the summer for me.
I knew this plan would suck for Susie, but to be honest, being back in Lovers has meant more to me than I thought. I wasn’t a popular kid growing up, and I did have friends, but none of them treated me the way Ashers do.
The way the people of Lovers do.
