Page 121 of The Outpost (Jamison Valley 4)
I smiled. “Hi, Tim.”
I always smiled when I talked to Tim. He was more like an uncle than a doorman. At nearly sixty-five, he had been in this building long before I’d moved in and he’d be here long after. This place had become a part of his soul just like the outpost had imprinted on mine.
“What can I do for you today?” he asked.
“I wanted to let you know that my movers should be here within the hour. You can just send them up when they arrive.”
“I’ll see to it but are you sure that you really want to move? It’s a long way away.”
I smiled wider. “I’m sure.”
For the last two weeks, Tim had been relentlessly trying to convince me to stay in Seattle. He’d written me a note that summarized all the negatives of moving. Every time I came in or went out, he’d remind me of all the wonderful things about the city. He’d even had my favorite Thai food delivered one evening with a red circle on the attached menu showing its Washington-only locations.
“All right,” he muttered. “I’ll expect you to come back and visit.”
“You can count on it. Thanks, Tim.” I hung up and swiped through my contacts, pressing Felicity’s name next.
“Hey, hold on one sec,” she answered. In the background, baby Victoria was wailing like a banshee. A door clicked shut and Felicity sighed. “There.”
“Um, maybe you should call me back. Don’t you need to get her?”
“She’s fine. Silas is with her.”
“Is everything okay?”
“No. Yes. I don’t know.” Her voice cracked as she started crying. “We’re trying to get her to drink from a bottle so that Silas can get up with her at night too. My nipples need a break and I am just so tired. I’ve barely slept in two weeks.”
“It will get better. I promise.” I had no idea what else to say to a new mother.
She sniffled. “You’re right. I keep telling myself that too, but it’s just been a rough couple of weeks.”
“Hang in there. She’ll probably be sleeping through the night by the time she goes to college.”
“God, I hope so.” Felicity laughed and sniffled again. “How’s the packing going?”
“All done. The movers should be here soon and my car is all loaded up with the stuff I’m hauling myself, so as soon as they’re finished, I’m out of here. Good-bye Seattle.”
“It’s a long drive so please be careful and call me if you get tired. No matter what time it is, I’m sure I’ll be awake. Victoria and I can keep you company.”
“Sounds good.”
“Good luck today.”
I smiled. “Thanks. Give my girl a hug and a kiss for me.”
“I will. I’d better go rescue Silas.” The sound of Victoria’s screaming got louder as Felicity went back to the nursery.
“Okay. Bye.”
Tossing my phone on the couch, I scanned the stacks of boxes in my living room. My movers would be packing up the rest of the apartment but these boxes were all going to charity along with most of my furniture. Where I was going, I didn’t need a bed, couches or chairs.
Beau’s house already had it all.
Felicity thought my plan to show up on Beau’s doorstep tonight was romantic. I’d thought so too, at first, but now I was starting to think it was foolish and impulsive. What if he turned me away? Or worse, what if he was with another woman when I showed up?
The thought made me nauseous so I went to the kitchen to get some water.
Chugging it down, I willed myself to stay positive.
