“What did you used to think of us?”
“Let’s just say I was a bit more traditional, but your grandmother showed me what Reed women truly are.”
“Hey, Taylor,” Thelma called from the other side, pointing at the clock.
I got up and gave Charlie a hug. “I’ve gotta let Thelma take her break now. Will you be around tonight for dinner?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Changing Charlie’s mind about us was one thing, but I wasn’t so sure I had enough charm to work on the likes of William, or Lucas for that matter.
* * *
The black Mercedes was parked in the driveway, and I sat inside Blush for a good five minutes to prepare myself for thirty days with Lucas Freeman and his brooding stares. The half of pastrami I ate for lunch suddenly felt very heavy in my stomach. I sucked in a deep breath and stepped out of the car to face the inevitable. Not because I wanted to, but because the sun beaming through the windshield was enough to roast me alive.
The chainsaw was still going strong out back, and I wondered how long Lainey had been at it, and if she had remembered to eat lunch. When she found something to do, she went all out. She lived and breathed a new hobby until she tired of it, and then moved on to the next thing that inspired her.
I opened the front door, tossed my keys into the dish, and headed straight for the stairs without my usual hello. I was hoping to make it to my bedroom without seeing Lucas, but no go. The moment I reached the landing, he was coming out of the guest bedroom in black slacks and a blue short-sleeved oxford tucked in, just like his father had worn.
“Thank you for making up the room,” he said.
“I didn’t.” I passed by him and headed for my door.
“But your grandmother said—”
“She lied,” I cut him off and walked into my room, shutting the door behind me.
Before I had the chance to start my music and get out of my work clothes, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find Lucas standing there with his usual scowl and brooding stare. Apparently, he wasn’t very good at reading between the lines.
“I don’t like this setup any more than you do, but here we are. Could we at least be civil to one another while I’m here?”
I folded my arms and leaned against the door frame. “I’m the great-granddaughter of a stripper, the granddaughter of an ex-hippie who still consumes marijuana, and the daughter of an artist who didn’t even know the full name of my father. What do you expect from my kind?”
He stared, almost challenging me. “Your great-grandmother was a burlesque dancer, not a stripper. I learned there’s a difference.”
Comebacks and the last word usually came naturally for me, but he caught me off guard with that one. Before I had the chance to come up with a response, he walked back to his room and closed the door.
* * *
I decided to be polite and civil with Lucas throughout dinner. Not to the point of going out of my way or anything, but just enough to keep from getting lectured by my grandmother later.
“I have a home inspector coming on Wednesday.” Lucas set his fork and knife across the edge of his plate. “If there is anything specific that you know needs repair or replacement, could you please let me know?”
“We have a list.” My grandmother grabbed his plate. “Taylor can show you. She also has the day off tomorrow and can give you a full tour of the estate.”
I gave her a warning glare. “I have to do the grocery shopping tomorrow and run a few errands in town.”
“Lainey and I will take care of that. Walking this estate is too much for my bad back and Lainey’s poor knee.”
Great.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to work on the landscaping,” Lainey said. “My friend, Bill, owns a landscaping business and can help.” She fumbled with her silverware. “I also have a few ideas to really make the flower garden shine… if that’s okay.”
Uh-oh. Lucas was in for a bit of a surprise if he let Lainey take over.
“That would be one less thing I’d have to worry about, thank you,” Lucas answered unwittingly. “If you could make a list of what you’ll need, we’ll go over it, and I’ll write you a check.”
My grandmother raised her brows and looked my way as if to say,See, he’s not so bad.
