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“Coffee?” Rory held the mug aloft, its rich, nutty scent filling the townhouse. He settled on the uber-modern couch and grimaced. Stella’s taste had made his living quarters almost unbearable. The uncomfortable furniture boasted loud geometric designs. The color palette of gaudy gold and purple made him want to gag. It played a large role in her ex-girlfriend status. On good days, he thanked God their relationship had ended. The rest of the time, he wanted to smack himself for playing the fool.
Jesse placed his mug on the end table, sitting in a glider that didn’t match anything. Once Rory’s initial horror of Stella’s taste in design sank in, he’d retrieved his favorite chair from Dad’s house. Stella had objected, of course. Said it clashed with the rest of the room. Her “my way or the highway” attitude had been the last straw. Rory chose the highway.
“Hey, bud. What’s up?” Jesse’s dark eyes had lost their perpetual flintiness. Falling in love had done wonders for his best friend. The regular counseling sessions for anger and PTSD hadn’t hurt either.
“Dad wants us to scope out another tract of land besides the one he’s working on for us.”
“Bigger?”
“Same thing I asked. Twice the size of the one we’re buying. You know what I’m thinking?—”
“More land to expand for Peeps—if we can afford it.”
“Yep. You up for a look-see? Tomorrow morning works for me.”
“Let me check for appointments.” Jess studied his phone. “Day after tomorrow I’m free all day.” When Rory nodded, Jesse clicked his phone shut. “Shoot me a text whenever you shake loose. Now tell me the real reason you’re here.”
Rory’s throat dried. He sipped his coffee, gathering the courage to discuss Vi and her house.
A half-smirk curved one side of Jesse’s mouth. “How about we cut to the chase here—is this about a girl?”
Jesse knew him too well. “Yeah.” He drew the word out to three syllables. “I … um … I kissed Vi.” Rory studied the design on his coffee mug. Shoot! Not how he wanted to start this conversation.
“You what?” The disapproval slicing Jesse’s tone didn’t bode well.
Rory’s back stiffened. “It’s not what you’re thinking … at the hospital, she woke up … and … those lips …”
“You mean after she’d fallen into a hole, nearly died from bee stings, and likely in a lot of pain?” Jesse’s eyes bored into him. “How did that work?”
Provoked, Rory fired back, “It worked fine … until her mother interrupted.”
Jesse stared at him, open-mouthed. Then he threw back his head and howled with laughter, jerking the glider back and forth. “Unforgettable for sure.”
Vi’s mom ranked low in his concerns. “I told Vi later I wouldn’t initiate any more kisses.”
“Uh-huh. Did she bite your head off?” Jesse guffawed again, making Rory’s eyes shoot skyward.
“So, you’re the expert on women now?”
“I’ve learned a thing or two, mostly the hard way.” Jesse paused for breath. “Bud, you’ve always liked to kiss the girls. Might be, this gal’s a stretch, even for you.”
Piqued, Rory tried to defend himself. “I’m drawn to her. I’m also her contractor. Today, we ran into a termite issue.” He grimaced. “It’s going to cost thousands in cost overrun. I advised her of her options—she’ll either have to spend the money or sell and start over. Now though, I’m torn.”
“Why? You did the right thing.”
“Then she asked what I would do.” He stared at the vinyl floor, remembering. “Jess, I nearly begged her to continue the remodel. It’s nuts how much I want this job. It’s a new twist in my wheelhouse. I’m getting to breathe life into her dream. Moving forward has to be her decision, but I don’t know how long I can stay neutral.”
“What do you think she’ll decide?”
“I don’t know. I get the impression the house means more to Vi than a place to live. It’s part of her identity. She’ll regret it if she sells.”
“You have her best interests at heart. Have you prayed about it?” Jesse’s demeanor remained non-judgmental.
Peace wrapped around Rory as his hard-won lessons in prayer came to mind. A soft smile curved his lips. “Thanks for reminding me prayer should be our first option.”
Jesse set his cup aside. “I understand you’re attracted to her. But what about Paige?”
Rory gazed at his friend in befuddlement. “What about her?”
