Page 45 of Trouble from Abroad
“You done with your book?” I swerve to a different topic.
She nibbles her lip. “Oh, I stopped reading a while ago.Found something more useful to do. Started a new project for you.”
The smile she gives me is bright enough to glow. It does something to my chest. I think I’ve started a new project too. Deciphering Mia.
She looks happiest when she’s helping, fixing. And I think it isn’t just about the task. It’s who she is. She doesn’t just want to serve—she wants it to matter. To leave something better than she found it.
And, fuck, that’s humbling. And terrifying.
What happens when she’s done? Will she pack and leave? When this house, my kid and my chaos are no longer hers to straighten out? I know the answer, but box that one for later anyway.
“Do you ever rest? Take a moment for yourself?”
“Dr. Jett, I’m on the clock.”
“Lily’s at school. You’re off. She’ll be there until six. She has two after-school clubs this afternoon.”
She tilts her head, eyes teasing. “Tell me something. Have you had memory issues for a long time, or is this a new thing?”
“What?”
She leans in, full of mischief. “I’ve told you—multiple times—that I’m here for the whole family, not just Lily. So either you’re forgetful, or you’re actually as ancient as you act, and your hearing’s going too.”
I roll my eyes, and she laughs. “I’m not sure I’ve recovered from your first project for me and already you have another one.”
“Ha! Anotherone? That’s cute. But on that note, I wasjust talking to Callie,” she says, pointing to her laptop. “She sends her love.”
My ears twitch with dread. “Really?”
“Said you’re lucky to have me.”
“Mm.”
If by lucky, she means permanently flustered and edging toward a sexual crisis, then yes, very lucky.
“She’s so gorgeous, isn’t she?” Mia adds casually, sipping from her mug.
My face twists in confusion. That’s… random. And so far from where my mind was. “Calista?”
“Mm-hmm,” she confirms matter-of-factly.
Never once have I looked at my friend that way. Callie’s beautiful, sure. The way all sisters are. She could be dragged across hot asphalt, and I’d still think that. Her beauty is definitely not the first thing I think of when someone mentions her. Calista is April’s chaos twin, all fire and inappropriate commentary.
I say nothing. Probably because the only woman I have eyes for lately is right in front of me.Sheis gorgeous.
From the pink cheeks and flicker in Mia’s eyes, I don’t have to.
“Anyway…” She spins the laptop back to face me. “I want to show you something. Keep an open mind, yeah?”
There’s a full presentation there. Swatches. Mood boards. Pictures of my bombsite bathroom—its floor plan.
“Was breaking it part of getting rid of Blake too?”
I shake my head. “No. I just needed to break something. And it was the farthest space from Lily’s room. Less risk of her walking in or being bothered by the noise and mess.”
Her eyes soften. “And the renovation?”
“I foolishly thought I could handle it myself.”
