“Oh, I thought you wanted to break up with me. I’m making it easier for you.”
She shakes her head.
“Well, I guess we need to work on our communication skills. You, more than me. I was trying to calm down before I could speak. Sometimes, I can say hurtful things, and it’s best to let me calm down. Now you…you have to talk or ask questions and not just assume, Zachary St. James. We had to discuss what happened yesterday, but you left. It’s important if we want to continue. We have to set up boundaries, but if you want us to end, that’s okay. I understand.”
“So, you’re not saying fuck off, Zachary?”
“No. But if you want to stop it…”
I chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“Other than I’m an idiot? Well, Myles told me yesterday that my problem is that I don’t know how to fall in love.”
She caresses my cheek. “You’re impulsive. I can see why he’d say that. For you, it’s all or nothing, and we might have to work on learning that there’s a lot in between.”
“You could teach me.”
“Or we can learn together.”
“Can I ask why you were upset when I arrived?”
“I didn’t sleep. My pillow wasn’t here.”
I smirk.
She points at me with her finger. “Don’t you dare give me a cocky remark.”
“You missed me.”
“I missed your arms. That’s different.”
“Sure.”
I glance at the door and then at her. “So…do you think you two can come to help me pick out my new puppy?”
She presses her lips together and, after a long pause, she says, “You have to be careful with Matilda. She really likes you. If you make promises to her, you have to follow through.”
“I’ll be gentle with her, I swear.” I step closer to her and kiss her cheek. “Let me take this home, change, and I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
Chapter Thirty
Autumn
Life with Zach is unexpected. One day we’re choosing a puppy, and the next, he’s dragging me around some houses in Hunts Point. Matilda helps pick out the dog. My heart stutters when I learned that Zach filled out the application last December. It feels as if he’s been preparing to be a part of this relationship even before we decided to start.
It’s endearing.
Though, it also solidifies the theory that he jumps in headfirst and doesn’t care where he’ll land.
Stella, the new puppy, is the runt of the litter. We’re going to be able to pick her up in four weeks. The owner promises to text us daily pictures and videos so we can watch her grow.
On Wednesday, we drive to Silver Lake to see another dozen houses. And a few more around Hunts Point and Medina. He decides to buy a mansion in Medina. It is on an acreage lot, and the backyard has a dock. He can commute to the city by boat.
Zach plans on making a few renovations. He might not move in until April or May. Around mid-March, we have a routine. He sneaks into my apartment every night, then leaves in the morning and goes to work before Matilda or I wake up. Depending on the day, he’s back at the apartment by noon or three. On the days when I have to be at Silvermoon, he stays with Matilda. Aiden isn’t happy about my decision, but I think it’s best for Matilda to be home. It gives her more stability.
On Saturdays, Aiden stays with them. Even when my brother isn’t happy about my new friend, he’s starting to get his best friend back.
The day we pick up Stella from the breeder, Matilda is the happiest girl in the world. She understands that the puppy belongs to Zach and that we can see her anytime she wants. It’s the second weekend of May, after our trip to Costa Rica to celebrate Eros’s birthday, when Zach moves into his new house.
“I can’t believe I finally got rid of you,” Burke says as we enter Zach’s new place.
Since he didn’t have any furniture, I helped him furnish the house. Against my better judgment, I agreed to set up a room for Matilda.
“In case you ever stay with me,” he said.
I doubt that’ll ever happen. At least that’s what I think until Matilda goes to the backyard with Stella and comes back running and grinning. “Can we move in with Zach, Mom?”
“No. We have our place, and this is his house.”
“Yes, but it’s too big for one person.”
“Maybe one day we’ll buy a house.”
“Are we going to have a playground like the one Zach has in his backyard?”
I glare at him. “Playground?”
He shrugs. “It was Teddy’s idea.”
“Somehow, I don’t believe you.”
Burke laughs. “That excuse only worked with Mom and Dad.”
“Well, it was my idea, but she took care of it.”
I go to check the outside, and my mouth opens wide. It has swings, a slide, and… “That should be at a park, not in your backyard.”
Myles enters the house and shakes his head. “He went overboard again?”
I nod. “Hi, Myles. Yes, he did. Look in the backyard.”
He waves at me. “Oh, that? I already saw it, and it’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” He glances over at where Matilda stands. “I bet I can guess your name.”
“No, you can’t,” Matilda dares him.
“Give me three chances, and if I’m wrong, I’ll grant you three wishes.”
She grins mischievously. “Okay.”
He taps his chin and looks up at the ceiling. “Penny.”
“Nope.”
“Okay, how about Blyss?”
She shakes her head, crossing her arms. “I don’t like that name.”
“Okay, how about, Matilda?”
Her shoulders slump. “I don’t get any wishes now.”
“Since I failed twice, you get two.”
God, the St. James brothers are powerless against my kid. Burke does anything that Matilda asks him to do.
“Okay, but who are you?”
“Call me Uncle Myles.”
“Uncle Myles?” Burke snorts. “He’s Myles.”
“No. If she calls me Myles, then all my other nieces and nephews will call me Myles. I want to set a precedent.”
Matilda covers her mouth and laughs. “You’re not my uncle, silly.”
“I like this kid. Can I keep her?” Burke walks to her and takes her hand. “You’re my favorite. Why don’t we take Stella for a walk around the neighborhood?”
“Okay, but let’s bring Myles with us.”
“I might become her favorite” Myles smirks.
I clear my throat. “Did you forget to ask for permission?”
“Oops. Mommy, can I go with Myles and Burke?”
“Yes, you may.”
“Take your time,” Zach says. “Like twenty to thirty minutes.”
Myles shakes his head.
“What do you plan to do in twenty minutes?” I ask.
He wiggles his eyebrows. “Whatever you want, babe.”
A lot of things, but I also want to clarify something because we went from Teddy knows about us to Burke does too. Now I see that Myles is familiar with us and the situation. This sounds like that episode from Friends when everyone knows, and there’s no such thing as a secret.