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The en-suite bathroom is a revelation. The marble-topped double vanities feel cool and smooth under my fingertips, and the deep soaking tub beckons to me. I can almost feel the warmth of the water wrapping around me, the stress melting away. The walk-in rain shower is spacious, it could easily fit three… not that it matters since this place is just for me and Fet.
The other three bedrooms are just as inviting, each with its own personality. I smile as I walk through them, imagining how each space could be filled with love and life. The closets are large, the windows bright, and everything feels so perfectly balanced—modern, but not cold; cozy, but not cluttered.
When I reach the indoor swimming pool, I have to stop for a moment, taking it all in. A freaking swimming pool!
The floor-to-ceiling glass makes the space feel open, almost like it’s part of the outdoors. The natural stone tiles under my feet are cool, and the air smells faintly of chlorine, clean and crisp. I can hear the faint lapping of water, and it’s soothing, almost hypnotic. The lounge chairs are inviting, and I can already picture myself here, relaxing by the water. I could teach Fet to swim right here.
Though it’s way too big, this house is amazing. It reminds me so much of Soren and Mickey that my heart contracts, tears gather and burn behind my lids. Even after all this time—twenty-two days to be exact—it still hurts to think about them.
Even though Soren, Mickey, and I have been together since December thirty-first, it didn’t really start until they found out I was the woman from Cupid’s Court, which was after their game on March fourth. We only spent five weeks together, granted, most of my time was spent in their company, but still. Is five weeks really enough to feel the way I do?
“So what do you think? Do you love it?” I let out a loud squeal as Luce sneaks up on me.
I spin around to face her, slapping my hand over my heart. “Don’t do that,” I warn, rubbing my chest. “But yes, I love it.”
Linking her arm with mine, she says, “I knew you would. If you ask me, I think it’s perfect.”
She’s right; this house is everything I want, even if I didn’t know it before. It’s luxurious without being ostentatious, modern but full of charm. Every room, every detail, feels carefully chosen, like it was made for me—for us. As I stand there, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging, like maybe this is where I’m supposed to be, where I can finally let go and just… be.
“Too perfect,” I sigh. “Look, Luce, I appreciate you showing me this. But there’s no way I can afford a place like this.”
She shoots me a sly smile. “Sure you can. Let’s go talk to the realtor.”
Without giving me time to answer, she drags me back to the living room where the realtor is waiting. She’s a petite woman with so many bracelets they jangle with each movement she makes. “Ahh, there you are,” she says, clapping her hands. “Did you like the house?”
“Yes, it’s very nice,” I say sincerely. “What’s the rent?” Since Luce has refused to tell me, I have to ask the one woman who has to tell me.
“Oh, well, let’s not discuss that yet,” the realtor, Heather, grins. “The owners are very picky, you see.”
“How so?” I ask, scrunching up my nose.
“This property is privately owned, and the owners have requested to meet all potential tenants personally before making any decisions. Would you like me to arrange a meeting for you?”
Well, that sounds weird. “No—”
Interrupting me, Luce says, “Yes, please and thank you, Heather. We’d appreciate that.”
“Let me see what I can arrange,” Heather replies. She taps away at her phone for a few minutes before finally looking up, a cautious gleam of optimism in her eyes. “They’re willing to meet you on May second, if that works?”
“Can they do it at a later date?” I ask as I have plans with my parents the day after we launch EduSync, and since it feels like we’re getting closer, I don’t want to cancel.
“I’m afraid not. They’re very busy, so that’s the only day that works for them until the end of June.”
After agreeing and setting a time, Luce and I leave the house, and as we pull away, I crane my neck to get a last look at the garden that’s etched into my heart.
“Told you it was lucky number seven,” Luce cackles when she notices me staring longingly at the house we’re driving away from.
“Today was good,” I say to Luce as we drive back to Jamie’s. “I mean, really good.”
She grins, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “You’re doing it, Gail. You’re taking control.”
I look at her, really look at her, and see the truth in her eyes. This is growth. This is me, claiming my life, one decision at a time. And damn, it feels empowering.
As we pull into Jamie’s apartment, I notice a very familiar SUV, and the guy leaning against it is even more familiar. “Soren,” I gasp.
Soren
I’m leaning on the hood of my car, every muscle in my body tensed like I’m about to block an impossible shot. The cold air is nothing compared to the anticipation icing my veins as I wait for Gail to step out of Lucia’s car; it’s been too damn long since I’ve seen her. And then there she is, unfolding herself from the passenger’s seat like a revelation.
