Pretty Sweet - Christina Lee Page 0,78

It was even more perfect than I’d imagined. Like I said, it was older, but that was one of my favorite things about it. It had built-in bookshelves, a gas fireplace with white brick, and a little patio with a sliding glass door. I felt right there. Felt like I did when I went to Jake’s house the first time. Like this could be a home and not a museum. A place I could make my own.

And I wanted that. Wanted something that felt more mine.

I went through the whole apartment even though I didn’t need to. When we got back to the office, I filled out the credit application and was immediately approved. I couldn’t move in for another month, but I didn’t care. As soon as I got home, I was going to give my notice at my apartment.

When I was finished, I went straight to Rose City. I didn’t think Bonnie was working, but I hadn’t been in to play the piano for a while, and Elsie had called to check on me.

I played for about half an hour or so. There was an elderly couple who always danced when I played. It was so sweet to watch them.

“Thank you. We appreciate you so much.”

“We really missed you.”

“Such a sweet young man.”

“What was that last song you played?”

I answered all their questions before I saw Elsie standing there, playfully tapping her foot.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I teased. I grabbed my makeup case, and we found a quiet corner to get started.

“Rumor has it someone’s been very busy with the son of a certain CNA,” she said as I brushed light pink over her left eyelid.

“I can’t do your makeup if you’re talking.”

“Well, then talk first. I’m old. You’re the only gossip I get.”

I couldn’t help laughing. She really was the best. “Maybe…okay, yes.” I grinned, and she hugged me.

“Sweetie, I’m so happy for you. Can I just say that you look different? Happier, more confident, more settled, if that makes sense.”

Hearing that made my chest swell. It did make sense. That was exactly how I felt. “He’s great, Elsie. He’s probably the sweetest man I’ve ever met. He makes me feel special and strong. He’s changed my life.”

“Well, he sounds wonderful and all, but don’t sell yourself short. He might be a good guy, but if there are changes in your life, it’s because you made them. Don’t forget that, okay? People might inspire us sometimes, but we’re still the ones to put the work in.”

I nodded. “I think… I really don’t think I want to go back to school in the fall. Is that crazy? My mom will lose her mind.”

“It’s not your mama’s life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that what works for me, doesn’t work for others. I would never expect my kids to live the way I do. We all have to find our own kind of happiness. She’s your mom. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

I hoped so. The thing was, I wasn’t sure she would.

“You deserve to follow your dreams; everyone does.”

For the first time in my life, I thought maybe, just maybe, it was time for me to do exactly that.

“When you get your own shop, I hope you know I’m going to be your first client.” Elsie smiled.

“I’ll give you a discount.”

She winked. “Only good thing about being old is the senior discount. Now tell me more about this hunky boyfriend of yours.”

Ridiculously, I giggled. “He’s taking me away this weekend.”

I spent an hour doing Elsie’s makeup and gossiping with her.

For the first time in my life, everything felt like it was truly falling into place.

30

Jake

“It’s exactly like I pictured it,” Seth said with wonder in his voice as we pulled in front of the lake house and got out of the car. Just seeing that light in his eyes had been worth the almost two-hour drive out of the city.

Once we grabbed our bags, we stared at the pretty lake with the midday sun beating down on it, like diamonds glinting off the water.

“Let’s check out the place.” I reached for his hand and knotted our fingers together as we stepped onto the porch, and Seth used the key we’d gotten from the property manager to let us inside. The space was open concept, filled with natural light, and just the right size. It was charming really, with new appliances, comfy furniture, and a quaint brick fireplace in the living room.

Fuck, it felt good to be away from