“It’s Cohen and his brothers’,” Val offers.“So we’re keeping this ‘in the family.’”
Yep, she definitely didn’t miss it.
A few minutes later, we’re stepping through the door of the first-floor condo, a small but newly renovated two-bedroom unit with a spacious open living area and a balcony off the front.It would be the perfect place for a relaxing morning coffee before work or to put a small day bed to curl up on during the weekends after a long week.
When I turn to look at the kitchen, my pulse kicks up because I can see myself cooking there, maybe for movie nights with Luc or—
“Oh, no.What was that look?Don’t you like it?”Val asks, leaning a hip against the counter.
I shake my head.“No.It’s great.It’s perfect, actually.”
“Phew.That’s good.Otherwise, I was going to have to slap you around the head.This place is just what you need.”
I smile at my boss and one of my closest friends.Val has been just as much a constant presence in my life as Luc has.She’s never been one to hold back her opinion on anything either.She’s good value, and I always make sure she knows how much she means to me and how much I appreciate her.
I look around again, taking note of the well-suited furniture placed in the room.
“All Jamie is looking for is a month’s rent upfront.That’s all,” Renee explains.
My head snaps her way.“No security deposit?”
“Nope.As I said, you’re family, and they’re as good as family given that their brother is married to Skye, and both Val and I have vouched for you.And it comes furnished as well.”
I switch my gaze between her and Val, my mind blown at how everything seems to be falling into place.Almost like it wasmeantto happen this way.“Are you sure I’m not being punked?”
Val pushes off the counter and walks over to me.She places her hands on my shoulders and locks her eyes with mine.“Babe, this is your new home if you want it.If you don’t like it, Renee says she’s got a few others we can look at, but—”
“I’ll take it.”That first big step toward independence ...from everything and everyone ...
Renee laughs and Val’s answering smile is huge as she shakes her head at me.“You want to see the rest of the place first?”
“Well,duh.But yes, the answer is still going to be yes.”
“Awesome,” Renee says.“I kind of knew you’d say yes, but if you hadn’t made your decision yet, I knew that when you saw the rainfall showerhead you'd promise your firstborn to get the place.”
My eyes widen before I giggle.“You’ll be waiting a while before I’m anywherenearhaving children, let alone before I find someone to have babies with.”
She winks at me.“Little steps, London.First, you get a new apartment; next, you find yourself a man.Hey, you’re coming to the charity auction, right?Maybe we’ll find you a firefighter of your own to bid on.”
“Oh, God.I think I’ve had enough of firefighters.Ilivewith one; I’ve grown up around abunchof them.And I’m best friends with another.”
“Hey.I was anti-uniform, too, until Marco won me over.”
“Or maybe her best friend needs to sort his shit out,” Val mutters under her breath, earning an elbow in the ribs from me.She looks at Renee.“What?You agreed with me in the car that Luca is an idiot if he doesn’t wake up and open his eyes before it’s too late.”
“Val, I love you, but Luc and I aren’t going to happen.He effectively said as much when he dropped me home after lunch at your parents’ house.”
“Did he though?”Val says, studying me.
“He pretty much said in not so many words that he knew I had feelings for him.If there wasanychance of him reciprocating, that was his chance to say it.”A week and a half after the fact, I’ve found my peace that it’ll never happen.Now I just need Val to accept it too.
“What if I wanted you as a sister, dammit.”
I smile, my heart melting.“You’re my sister from another mister already.You’re stuck with me.That’s enough, don’t you think?”
“For now,” she grumbles.
Renee’s shoulders shake and I can’t help but grin at Val.Nothing is going to burst my bubble today.Soon, I’ll be living in this amazing condo and the world will be mine for the taking.