By midday, we’re back at Masey’s vacation rental. After I call for roadside service to change the flat tire I got Friday night, she insists on packing up her studio and camera equipment first. As we do, Ranger seems blessedly content to lie on his activity mat, batting at the colorful, musical toys dangling from the rainbow arch above his head while he kicks at buttons that make random noises with his feet. Ten minutes later, the video and lighting stuff is packed, along with her laptop, but the room is still crowded with stacks of boxes.
“What’s this other stuff?” I frown.
“Products I haven’t tested yet.”
Is she serious? “You only have one face.”
She laughs, and it does something crazy to my heart. “Which is why I need to get busy putting this goop on and giving the people of YouTube my opinion. I’m hoping to film a few videos tonight.”
And I was hoping we’d be doing something else, but I can’t get in the way of her work when she’s agreed to help me make sure I get to mine. “Once we get your equipment set up at my condo, I’ll keep Ranger quiet for you.”
“Thanks.”
Except for my son’s play noises, silence falls between us. And I find myself wanting to know everything about her. “Do you ever see yourself doing anything else?”
“Right now, no. In five years?” She shrugs. “Who can say? I’ve been asked if I’d like to work at a style magazine or for various cosmetic companies on their development team. They’re flattering offers with decent money, but I like making my own hours, deciding what I want to talk about, and not being beholden to anyone so I can give my unbiased, unvarnished opinion.”
For all that Masey was insanely loyal to Thom for a decade, she has an independent streak. I like it. She and Harlow are both mavericks in their own way, not prone to girl group-think or pack mentality. Probably why they’re such good friends.
“I respect that,” I murmur. “And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I know you’re giving up this insanely gorgeous rental and this secluded beach—”
“Actually, it’s not that much of a hardship. One of my viewers recommended the place, and the pictures looked great…”
“But?” She doesn’t like it.
“It’s not very homey. It’s blandly white and looks like something out of a magazine. And”—she hesitates like she hates to admit what’s rolling through her mind—“I’ve sat on rocks that are more comfortable than that sofa.”
I laugh. “It doesn’t look super cushy.”
“The one time I turned on the TV, I ended up sitting on the floor because the throw rug had more give.”
“Well, you’re in luck. My couch is insanely comfortable. I can vouch for it since I’ve taken many a nap there lately, usually when Ranger gives out.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s a high-energy boy.”
I nod emphatically. “Right? A bottle of over-the-counter pills comes with a warning. May cause dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness…whatever. Kids should come with a warning, too. May cause sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, and eventual insanity.”
“You’re not insane—yet,” she assures me with a musical laugh.
“Good to know I have something to look forward to. And he hasn’t even started the terrible twos, puberty, or adolescence. What was I thinking in tackling this single-dad thing?”
“I don’t know, but you’re a brave man.”
“Or a stupid one.”
She swats my arm playfully. “Definitely not stupid.”
I grunt and start stacking some of the boxes lining the wall so I can haul them out to the car. “Good thing I still have Makuahine’s SUV. Otherwise, we’d have to rent a truck to get this stuff to my place.”
“I forwarded my mail temporarily to Harlow. I didn’t realize how many boxes would be waiting.” Masey winces as she looks at the cardboard overload around us.
Suddenly, Ranger squeals, and she turns her attention to him. When she makes faces at him and plays peekaboo, he gurgles with delight.
Ranger likes her—and he doesn’t like everyone. And Masey seems to like Ranger, too. Sure, it’s good for our temporary living arrangement, and my boy will be in good hands when I’m working. But I’m thinking beyond that. I’m focused on the future.
If Masey and I end up together, will she agree to raise him as if he’s her son?
It’s probably too early to think about that kind of commitment. And I hear Harlow’s warning about Masey not wanting another relationship in my head. But my mother has told me over and over I shouldn’t date