Page 53 of Wild Heart
“You pick. I figure I’m eventually going to want to try at least one of everything, so it doesn’t really matter where I start.”
As she worked on getting something picked out and put together for me, Jules asked, “So, I haven’t seen you since you got back. What have you been up to?”
“I’ve just been trying to keep myself busy and get back some semblance of a normal life again. After traveling for so long, I’m looking for some stability.” I turned slightly, pointed my stare toward the tables that were set up in front of her bakery, and said, “In fact, I was thinking I’d stick around and eat my breakfast here while I make a decision.”
“A decision? On what?”
I grinned. “A new place. I went and looked at two apartments, a condo, and a townhome this week that were for rent, so now I need to choose what’s going to be the best option for me.”
Understanding dawned on her features. “So, the place you were in before you went on the tour is no longer available, I assume.”
“It’s not. And none of the spaces I looked at this week are the perfect mix of everything that my last place was, so that’s a bit of a bummer.”
After Jules wrapped up the breakfast that she’d decided on for me, she moved toward the dessert display and reasoned, “Well, maybe it’ll be nice to have a change of scenery. I’d say if you get stuck on something, make a list.”
“A list?”
She nodded. “Of pros and cons for each one of the options. That’ll probably help you choose and be confident in your decision. It’s what helped me.”
I tipped my head to the side, my brows furrowing. “Making lists helped you? With what? Since when does Jules Westwood suggest anyone make a list of pros and cons? Is this a new, grown woman with her own business tactic you’ve implemented in your life?”
Jules snapped her lips together, and her expression turned serious. My body tensed in response to the sudden change, and as the sympathetic look washed over her, her shoulders falling with defeat, she confessed quietly, “It’s Tate. He… well, he helped me with planning a lot of this before we even got Cooper involved. As you know, Tate’s the kind of guy who likes to analyze things from every angle, so he suggested I make some lists.”
I didn’t want to react negatively.
Jules adored her family—the same as I did—and I’d never want to say anything to her about her brother that could put a strain on their relationship. I hadn’t even told Ivy everything that Tate had said to me. I didn’t doubt she wouldn’t let it slide, and I didn’t need that.
The truth was that I was doing what I had to do to move on. And I couldn’t expect that any member of Tate’s family was going to stop talking about him, simply because he and I were experiencing some tension.
“Well, it’s obvious the suggestion worked for you, because this place turned out amazing.”
Jules moved toward me with the bag of goodies in her hand. She set it on the counter between us and lamented, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
I waved my hand in the air dismissively. “There’s nothing to apologize for.”
“Things aren’t good between you and him.”
No, they weren’t. But that wasn’t something she needed to take on her shoulders.
“He’s still your brother, Jules, and I don’t expect you to change who you are or how you feel about him because of anything happening between him and me.”
She inclined her head slightly. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I want to make you upset or uncomfortable, either.”
I reached for her hand that was resting on the counter beside the bag, covering it with mine. “I promise I’m okay. Honestly, I’m focused on this housing situation now, and then I’ve got a few other projects to work on. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy, so don’t think I’m sitting around sulking. I know where Tate and I stand, and I’ve come to terms with everything. I don’t want you to worry.”
Jules eyed me in a way that made me think she wasn’t necessarily sure if she should trust what I was saying. But even if she believed I wasn’t being totally honest, she didn’t say anything to challenge my claims. “Okay. I just want to know you’re both okay.”
“I can’t speak for him, but I promise that I am.”
“Good.”
“Now, how much do I owe you?” I asked.
Shaking her head, she held her hand up in refusal. “Nothing.”
“I have to pay.”
“Not for your first order. It’s my treat. Consider it a welcome home gift. You can pay next time, if you feel so inclined.”