“Oh, okay. Thanks.”
I pouted, taking in a deep breath. I’d been looking forward to picking up the dress. It gave me something to do since it was a Saturday.
“What are you doing now?” she asked in a chipper voice.
“I’m painting the fairy-themed decorations for the oak tree.”
“Want company? I’ve been told I’mexcellentwith heartbreak.”
My heart skipped a beat.What does she know?I opened my mouth to ask, then decided against it. I didn’t want any details.
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I’m going to finish the decorations today.”
“Hmmm, if you change your mind, call, okay?”
“Sure. Thanks, Reese.”
“You’re welcome.”
After hanging up, I picked up the heart I’d dropped, inspecting it for any damage. It was made of glass, but it seemed intact. Thank goodness. I was painting stars on it, and I’d only managed four so far. I still had ten to go.
The next two hours flew by. I finished three pine cones I’d sprayed gold and silver and painted five glass ornaments. My neck was stiff, and my back was hurting from sitting in the wrong position. I needed a break.
Rising to my feet, I grabbed my phone, pacing the living room. I’d put it on airplane mode so I wouldn’t be distracted. To my astonishment, I had three missed calls from Tyler.
Holy shit!I stopped in my tracks, feeling like my heart was about to jump through my rib cage. I called him right back. Something bad happened. I was sure of it.
“Finally,” he said instead of hello.
“Hey. What happened? Is someone hurt?” I asked, almost breathless.
“No, why would you think that?”
“You called me three times.”
"Yeah, that’s because I need some advice. I want to take my woman to a super-romantic place to surprise her. Paisley told me you took her to a clearing that she loved, but she can’t remember how to get there." His voice sounded a bit off, but I couldn't quite understand why. Maybe the idea of doing something romantic scared him. And even though my heart was heavy, that romantic streak flared up.
“Yes, it’s amazing. I think I can grab a snapshot on Google Maps and send it to you. I'm not sure, though, because I don't know if all the trails are on it. I stumbled upon it by mistake."
"If it's not too much trouble, could you show it to me? I have lots of time right now. I have to fill it up somehow."
I was sad for him. It was a good thing that he was in a new relationship because he could at least draw some positive aspects from that and not think all the time about his accident and his career.
“You want us to go there?” I glanced at the crafts table. I still had three glass ornaments to paint. "When?"
“Tonight?”
“You know, it’s funny. I was supposed to pick up Paisley’s dress tonight, but Reese already did it, so I’m free.”
“Cool. Nine o’clock?”
“Hmm… it’s gonna be dark, but maybe that’s for the better. I think it looks even more romantic at night, but you’ll get achance to check for yourself. I’ll text you the address nearest to it.”
"Cool. Thanks, Lexi." His voice still seemed off, but I was going to get the bottom of it tonight. I could give him some advice too, if he wanted it. Not that I was an expert in romance, clearly, but if there was anything I could do to lift his mood, I was willing to try it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up the decorations, trying hard not to think about what would happen when I eventually had to drop them off at the house for the party. Would Tate even want to talk to me? I loved him to the moon and back, but I didn't think I could stand to be on friendly, simple terms when it felt like my heart had a crack right in the middle of it.
At eight o'clock, I left my building and drove my Mini Cooper to the lake, cranking up the A/C because it was hot even at this time of night. When I arrived, Tyler wasn't at our meeting point near the lake. I frowned, picking up my phone. I already had a message from him.
