Page 151 of Triple Play
Jordie’s already heading for the door. “Come on. We need to make sure everything looks good before she gets here.”
Inside, the house is empty. Echoing. The furniture won’t arrive for another week. But there’s something about the space—something that feels right. Wood floors, cream-colored walls, and a big fireplace in the living room.
The kitchen is huge. Jordie walks through it, trailing his fingers along the counters. “Gonna cook so much pasta here.”
“You’re obsessed with pasta,” Wyatt says.
“It’s a love language.”
I’m standing in what will be the living room. Big windows, hardwood floors that need refinishing but have good bones.
“Her office is upstairs,” Jordie says. “Second door on the left. It has the best natural light for studying.”
We all go up to check the room. It’s smaller than the master, but it has a desk built into the wall and windows that overlook the backyard.
“She’s going to love it,” Wyatt says quietly.
“She’s going to think we’re insane,” I counter.
“Both can be true.”
My phone buzzes. It’s Elise.
Elise: I’m two minutes away. Why does this address look residential?
Me: Because it is.
Elise: ??
Me: Just two minutes. Trust me.
I can picture her face—confused, maybe a little annoyed, definitely curious.
“She’s almost here,” I tell the guys.
We head back downstairs, standing in the empty living room like idiots waiting for—
Headlights in the driveway.
A car door slams.
Footsteps on the front walk.
The doorbell rings.
The three of us look at each other.
“Who’s opening it?” Jordie asks.
“You do it,” Wyatt says.
“Why me?”
“Because you’re the least terrifying.”
“That’s debatable.”
“Oh for—” I cross to the door and pull it open.
