Page 81

My heartbeat picks up at the mention of Hayden. “It’s her great-nephew, actually. And it’s going great. There is still a bunch to do, but I feel like the big stuff is out of the way.”

We talk for the rest of my lunch break. My mom fills me in on her time in the Caribbean, and I give her updates on Kora and Mort. I forgot to tell her about Mort’s emergency surgery, and she sounds worried.

“You’re sure he’s fine now?”

“Yes, we had to leave him at the animal hospital for a few days, but it shouldn’t happen again thanks to the surgery.”

“We?”

“Oh, yes,” I say, trying to keep my tone neutral. “Hayden, the guy who’s helping with the funeral. He took us to the animal hospital because my car was broken down.”

“That was nice of him.”

“Yeah, it was.” I really hope she can’t pick up on my feelings for him over the phone. It’s not that I can’t tell my mom about who I’m dating, but I don’t know what Hayden and I are to each other. It seems like too much to explain, and I’m already confused about it all. Plus, there’s no future for me and him. No point in getting my mom excited about a potential love match for her daughter.

“You need to get your car fixed. It keeps breaking down.”

“It’s fixed,” I say, not telling her who fixed it.

We end the call when I have to go back to work, and the next few hours breeze by.

Once I get home, I notice a missed text from Hayden.

Hayden: I’m having some issues with my rental. Can I come over this evening?

I scrunch up my nose in confusion. I keep forgetting that he’s staying at a rental. Another reminder that everything about this is temporary.

Me: oh, no! what’s the issue?

A text bubble immediately appears, and I smile. He’s always so quick to respond.

Hayden: The issue is that you’re not there

I snort. This man is something else.

Me: smooth.

Hayden: So… Can I come by?

Me: obviously. so there’s no real issue at your place tho?

Hayden: Your absence is a real issue.

Me: get your butt over here then.

Hayden: Thinking about my butt, huh?

Me: you’re a cliché. but yes, hurry on over.

Hayden: *gif of Forrest Gump running

I laugh. I was slightly nervous things would be awkward after Saturday night. I was scared it was just a one-time thing, but the way that he’s been texting me over the last thirty-six hours suggests otherwise.

I take a quick shower and put on a pair of athletic shorts and a tank top. I’ve barely put the shirt over my head when I hear a knock on the door. I grin. He sure came over fast.

I practically skip down the hallway, eager to see him. It’s only been a day and a half, but I missed him already.

When I open the door, I’m greeted by the sight of Hayden in his usual all-black attire. On the ground next to him are three massive grocery bags.