“Why? So you can insult me some more?”
She takes a deep breath. “I have one thing to ask of you.”
“What?” I quit tapping my foot.
“Don’t talk about selling the house when Cami is here.”
My forehead scrunches. “She doesn’t know?”
“Nope, and I plan on keeping it that way.” Her gaze drops toward her glossy red toenails.
What are you hiding, Lana?
“She’s going to find out eventually, especially when I’m packing stuff into boxes,” I press.
Her jaw ticks. “How I handle things with my daughter is none of your business.”
“Fine. I won’t tell Cami about the house. But if she asks me questions—”
She doesn’t bother letting me finish my sentence. “Deflect like you always do. It’s one of the few things you’re actually good at.”
“I seem to remember you thinking I was good at more than just that.” I fight my frown with a smile, although her words pierce at what little confidence I have left.
Her nostrils flare as her cheeks turn pink. She all but launches the keys directly at my face before slamming the door shut.
Totally worth it.
Lana is a filthy liar. I checked the guesthouse twice for any mice and didn’t find a single critter. The house is in far better condition than I thought it would be in after being abandoned for a few years. My grandfather built it for any visitors long after he moved in, so the modest 1,100-square-foot floor plan is more modern compared to the main house. With three bedrooms and its own private dock, it’s the perfect hideaway.
I let Merlin out of his crate and set up his litter box and water bowl before spending the entire day cleaning the house from top to bottom. Although I considered hiring a crew to help me, I decided to do it myself to keep my mind busy. It’s not like I have a job or any real responsibilities besides completing my part of the will.
I lose track of time. It’s not until my stomach growls that I finally stop cleaning and drive into town for dinner. Most of the restaurants are closed already, so I’m left with only one option.
The diner.
The bell above me rings as I open the door.
“You again?” Isabelle sighs from behind the counter. A couple of people turn in their barstools to search for whom she is talking to, only to glare once their eyes land on me.
“Nice to see you too, Isabelle.”
“The feeling isn’t mutual.” She walks toward the hostess stand at the front of the diner.
“You know, I’m starting to think small towns aren’t as sweet and charming as people make them out to be.”
“Oh, we are…to anyone but you.”
“You wound me.” I rub at the spot above my heart with a pout.
She smacks my head with one of the menus before showing me to a corner booth toward the back. There are only a few people seated throughout the place, all of whom watch me take my seat.
“What can I get you to drink, Hal?” She taps her notepad with the tip of her pen.
“It’sCal.”
“Stick around for long enough this time and maybe eventually I’ll get it right.”
“Is that the reason why you hate me now?”