Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Enjoy the rest of your day.” She smiles politely as she walks to her car and climbs into the driver’s seat.
Letting out a sigh, I head back into the house, and when I look at all the bouquets that were sent to Easton after Rachel passed away, I notice the flowers in the vase are wilted and need to be replaced. It’s something Rachel insisted on doing on a weekly basis.
“I need to get fresh ones,” I whisper to myself before I go upstairs to check on Lainey as well.
Chapter 23
Nova
Since the kiss and therapy sessions, things have felt awkward.
I honestly don’t know what to do to make things better between Easton and me, so I focus all my attention on the household and Lainey.
Exhausted because I had a nightmare last night and struggled to fall back to sleep afterward, I head down the stairs.
Easton comes into the living room from the opposite direction, looking all hot and sweaty. The T-shirt he’s wearing sticks to his muscled chest from the workout he must’ve just done in the gym.
Don’t drool.
Noticing my handbag, he asks, “Going somewhere?”
“The flowers in the foyer are wilting, so I’m going out to get fresh ones.” I glance at Lainey, where she’s sitting on the couch, playing a game on her phone. “Lainey, do you want to come with or stay at home?”
“I’ll come with,” she answers.
Easton pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and types something on it, then says, “Izak will be ready in ten minutes.”
“Oh.” I hold up my truck’s key. “I was thinking about taking my truck. That’s if it will even start. I might have to get a new battery.”
He shakes his head and comes to take the key from me. “There’s no way I’m letting you drive around in that unreliable thing. You need to sell it.” When my lips part, he gives me a serious look. “You’re Lainey’s godmother, Nova. How do you think it will look if you’re seen driving her around in a beaten-up truck?”
“I wasn’t going to argue,” I mumble. “I’ll sell it this week.”
“Oh.” He visibly relaxes. “Good. Let me know if you need help.”
I just nod before walking away from him. “Come, Lainey.”
“See you later, Uncle Easton.” She falls in beside me, then asks, “Can we stop at The Sweet Spot for milkshakes?”
“Bring me a strawberry one,” Easton calls after us.
“Okay,” Lainey replies.
When I see Izak already waiting out front, I give him a polite smile. “Hi. Thank you for driving us around today.”
Returning the smile, he nods. “We’re just waiting for Tyler, then we can leave.”
I forgot we have to take a guard with us. No one will recognize me, but Lainey draws attention wherever she goes.
Rather safe than sorry.
We climb into the back of the SUV, and while we wait, I check my wallet to make sure I have the credit card Easton gave me.
It’s the first time I’m going to use it, and the thought makes me feel nervous.
You’re getting things for the house.
Tyler joins us, and as he climbs into the front passenger seat, I say, “Hi, Tyler.”
“Afternoon,” he greets us.
Izak slides behind the steering wheel, and starting the engine, he asks, “Where to?”
“The flower shop we always go to just off Sunset Boulevard,” Lainey answers.
“I’d also like to stop at a Walmart to get some groceries,” I add.
“We can go to Ralphs. It’s closer.” Lainey grins at me. “And then The Sweet Spot for milkshakes.”
During the drive, I look at my goddaughter and ask, “Is there anything you’d like to do for your last two days before you go back to school?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know.” She thinks for a moment. “Porsha and I can go to the spa for manis and pedis.” Lainey’s gaze drops to my hands, then she adds, “Maybe you should come with.”
I chuckle. “Is that your way of telling me my hands look bad?”
“No. But your nails would look pretty with some nail polish on.”
I glance down at my short nails and scrunch my nose. “Okay. Give me the name of the spa, and I’ll make an appointment for us.” My gaze returns to Lainey. “Do you think I should invite Porsha’s mom?”
She nods. “You could get to know her better.”
“I’ll put in more effort with Charlotte for you.”
Izak parks the SUV on the side of the road, and we wait for Tyler to open the back door before we climb out.
I walk with Lainey into a cute little flower shop and glance at all the pretty arrangements.
“Hi, Lainey,” an elderly woman says as she comes out from behind the counter. “I haven’t seen you in a while.” Her eyes flick to me, then she asks, “Where’s your mom?”
Shit.
My heart squeezes painfully in my chest, and I instantly worry about Lainey.
I quickly place my hand on her shoulder and tug her against my side before I say, “I’m Nova, Lainey’s godmother.” I hold out my hand to the woman, and after we shake, I explain, “We lost Rachel recently.”