Page 19 of Perfect Guy
I laugh at her suggestion. She can’t be further away from the truth.
“I promise that’s not why.” I shake my head.
“Well, whatever the reason, I want you to be sure of your decision. I thought you’d search for jobs in the city again after a couple of months.” Confusion lines her eyes.
“I don’t think so. I like living here, being close to family. Now that Wilder’s getting married in a few weeks and Levi’s with Camille, I’d hate to miss being close for huge milestones like the births of my nieces or nephews.” I smile and squeeze her hand.
“I mean, could you imagine if I had missed watching Levi fall in love? I would’ve been so disappointed not to be here to witness that.”
My mom giggles along with me.
“I do love Oliver and Camille, but I never imagined your brother falling in love with a single mom.” She shakes her head, turning back to the dishes and handing me the rinsed ones to place in the dishwasher.
“I want to make sure you’re okay, though.”
“I am,” I reassure her with a nod.
I went through an uncomfortable situation, but at least it showed me parts of the world that Mason Creek may have sheltered me from. I stood up for myself, though, not allowing my hunger for a career to make me give up my morals. Someone else may have, not me.
“Good.” She leans in and kisses my cheek.
Thankfully, the conversation didn’t revolve much around Canaan. It seemed he was the gateway to my mom questioning me about my motives for moving back. After six months, you’d think my parents would let it go. I’m back and happy here.
I finish up some work after I help my mom clean the rest of the kitchen. Then, I look over the copy of the plans again, making sure I’m aware of every detail though I drew them up and know them like the back of my hand.
My phone pings as I’m rolling up the plans. I grab it and smile. My smile comes so naturally and unannounced, that I can’t stop it.
Canaan: I was sad to see you didn’t take my invitation to write to me throughout the rest of the day
Madelyn: I thought you said your life was busy right now and I deserved someone’s undivided attention?
Canaan: Ouch. Using my own words against me
Canaan: It’s true, you do. But I’m selfish and want to give that to you
Madelyn: You realize how crazy that sounds, right?
Canaan: Don’t overanalyze every detail
Madelyn: Only pointing out how you’re contradicting yourself
Canaan: I can’t help it. I wanna talk to you. Maybe I should make sure I have time for a relationship but you’re stuck in my head
Madelyn: Like a broken record?
Canaan: More like a favorite song you never want to forget the lyrics to
Madelyn: Who knew Canaan was a romantic
Canaan: I’m a lot of things *waggles eyebrows*
I laugh at his ridiculousness. My smile is permanent, though.
Madelyn: I’m sure you are
Canaan: That better be in a WOW “he’s amazing” kind of way and not in a “Canaan’s too annoying” way
Madelyn: You aren’t annoying. Jury is still out on being amazing