Page 116 of Off the Wall
Cash Briggs is still the same generous, funny, sexy man I met one year ago. He just knows how to change a diaper now. We babysit Tilly a lot. Lauren and Cullen aren’t complaining.
On that note, East and Becca ended up unexpectedly … expecting in November. At first, she was a little freaked out about being pregnant at forty-four. Until East pointed out they’ve got plenty of great history with surprise parenting. Becca came around after the morning sickness stopped.Andafter Cash and I said we’d watch the baby whenever they need a Cabo getaway.
Last October, Jasper got a work transfer too good to pass up, so he and Hayden moved to Santa Monica. When I tell you I cried … Well. It was an entire situation. But the Perkinses are really thriving on the West Coast.
Cash hooked Jasper up with Alex so they’d know at least one person to invite over for barbecues. Now Hayden’s studying to get her California teaching credentials while simultaneously setting Alex up with all the single teachers in her program. She claims she’s giving him six months to fall in love, then they’re pivoting to dating apps.
I’m not even going to comment on that.
As for Keeley, she’s made big changes of her own this year, along the lines of “out with the old, in with the new.” Her surprise romance even led to abromance for Cash. But that’s her story to tell another day.
My phone chimes—loudly—and I glance at my purse. I should probably check the text. Cash will be here soon, but his scrimmage was at Oldford Park, and he might want to stop and change first.
If so,Imight want to order appetizers.
Turns out the text isn’t from Cash.
Yvette
NORI! Record numbers showed up for tonight’s book club discussion of Pride and Prejudice!
Me
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
Yvette
???
Me
Girl. Go read the book.
Promoting Yvette and Ben to full-time managers was the first thing I did when I took over Serendipi-Tea. Since then, they’ve helped hire several more employees to handle the influx of new business. Almost every idea I shared with Violet worked to increase traffic. Except for poetry night.
Turns out she was right about that one after all.
Violet was also right about Montana. She and Larry love spending their days milking cows, driving tractors, and slopping pigs. (Or whatever they do on their ranch.) They almost make being septuagenarians look like fun, although I’m in no hurry to test that theory myself.
Speaking of thriving over fifty.
The real estate office Glen Cottage started with his son next door to Serendipi-Tea is hopping. Cottage and Cottage sends us clients. We send them customers. Glen and Cash manage the occasional house flip on the side. It’s a whole neighborly vibe, and we’re all here for it.
Yvette
Don’t forget to ask Cash about me moving into his apartment. Whenever the timing is right. Lol!
Me
Our timing is not your business. Now get back to work. (Love you!)
Yvette
Fine. But if you make this happen, I’ll name my first baby after you.
Me
Deal.
