though I don’t care for that word. Normal only stuffs a person into some boring box, leaving the rest as outcasts. I know this all too well since I was not normal growing up.
But when it’s time for business, Crew’s entire aura transforms. He’s sharp and cunning and someone you don’t want fucking with you. I’m happy this man is on my side.
“I’m making plans. When the time is right, we’ll sit down and talk. Know I’m doing everything I can to make sure you have a place here to do what you do best.”
“That means the world to me.”
“Also, I just came from camp. Cole left Simmons’ house and it sounds like it went well. I’m sure he’ll be calling you soon.”
“Thank you. I wanted to get over there but it was lovely to spend the day with Abbott, especially after what happened last night. Dinner should be ready in about forty-five minutes and there’s enough for a small army.”
“Good, since it’s what Crew is trying to build,” Addy adds.
Crew smirks but doesn’t disagree. “Aimée and I are going to walk the vines since it seems we’re running each other’s businesses now. Let me know if you make an official offer to Bella.”
Addy laughs and I’m pretty sure she’s the only person on earth who can roll like that when it comes to Crew Vega. I love it for her but, more so, I love it for him. He needs balance. My mum gave it to my dad. In the past week, I’ve felt the craving for it deep in my soul.
“Bella,” Addy calls for me after Crew walks out the back door with the little one.
“Hmm?”
“Telling you to be patient seems cruel after what you’ve been through. But I promise, it’s worth it.”
“I’m seeing that.”
She stands and fixes the pile of long dark hair on top of her head. “The cook needs wine. I’ll be back.”
Yes, I do think the cook needs a glass. I could get used to living on a vineyard until Cole can rebuild.
Cole hasn’t called me but he did text. He said everything went well—better than we’d hoped. He was managing another case for something completely unrelated, and despite his current status with the Agency, he did not want that case to go cold.
I understand even though I’m anxious to know everything and to have control over my own destiny. If it were anyone other than Cole, I would be in a fit of fury.
But it’s Cole. I find myself more relaxed than I’ve been in years. It could be the wine or being able to cook a full meal for the first time in a long while or sharing that meal with a fine group of people with whom I enjoy spending time.
Or it could be the fact Abbott asked me to read her a book before bed. I expected to like Cole’s child. How could I not? But I did not expect for her to pull at my heartstrings the way she has.
“You’re getting used to the country.”
I find myself on Crew and Addy’s patio once again. I didn’t feel like making the trek to the old farmhouse yet so I settled here for a few quiet moments, waiting for Cole to call. The view of the vineyard under starlight is a sight.
I look over and smile because Red has settled himself next to me again. “I’ve never lived in the country. I’ve vacationed or visited many spots in Europe, but never slowed down long enough to allow it to pull me in the way it has here.”
“You and my boy.” He shakes his head and tsks me. “You both need to slow down. You’re in the best years of your life. If it weren’t for Abbott, he’d still be chasing that high and I have a feeling you’re in the same boat.”
I lean my head against the cushion. “I was definitely in that boat, Red. I think I jumped ship and sailed the angry dinghy all by myself. It’s nights like this I realize I’m tired, yet I still want to work.” I take a big breath and close my eyes. “Am I crazy?”
“I’m not like you, Queenie, and I’m not like Cole. I wanted a life with his mama and a family. I did what I could do to support them but that was it. Besides them, I didn’t have a passion. I fix shit out of necessity because I can’t afford to replace it. You and Cole have no