Page 76 of Her Filthy Grump

“Sorry, I had some personal things come up. Roman’s coming back tomorrow night, and I’ve got to get some things in order.”

“Wow.” His mouth drops. “I didn’t think he was coming back for another month.”

“He texted me a week ago that he would be back early, but I wasn’t expecting him until next week.” I slip through the threshold.

I’ve got to talk to Gavin about leaving for a couple of hours to meet with the real estate agent. Find a place to rent. Continue looking for a house. Buy a ring. Sweep Layla off her feet. Time’s ticking.

“I see.” His voice is distant as my brain whirls with the laundry list of things to do. I’ve also got to get ahold of my dad to get my stuff out of storage.

It’s going to cost an arm and a leg to get everything transported here. Never mind. I’ll sell everything and get new furniture. If I can find a place to live. “Sorry, man. I’ve got to call my dad about getting my stuff out of storage.”

Hell, I don’t need the money. Dad can sell everything and use it for Micah. Micah’s the youngest of my siblings and still living at home. He can get Micah a used vehicle to pick up chicks. I shake my head. How did all my siblings grow up so fast?

I clock in, wave at the guys, and grab my cell phone. After I dial my dad’s number, I wait. Two rings. Three. Four. I frown. What in the hell? It’s two hours later there.

On the fifth ring, he answers, “Son, what’s up?”

“I was thinking you weren’t going to answer.”

“I was busy. Sorry about that.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, I tilt my head. “Is everything okay?”

“We’re all great. Micah has gotten a part-time job at a pizzeria. Josie has got a new beau. Dallas is busy in college.”

I grin and lean my hip on the counter as he drones on. It’s time to stop fretting about my siblings. They’re all grown up and starting their own lives. They need to find their own way.

“What about Dominic?”

“You know Dom. He’s got three women on the line.”

I chuckle. Dominic’s the ultimate player and one year younger than me. One day it’s going to come to a screeching halt. My stomach tightens. I’m going to have to depend on my dad to fill me in.

Don’t be dramatic. You can visit. It’s not like moving here means you can’t fly back to see your family.

“Dad?”

“Yeah?” I can hear the apprehension in his voice.

“I’ve met someone.”

“Hallelujah.”

“I take it you were starting to give up hope.”

“Son, you could say that.”

“I’m not good enough for her, but I’m also asshole enough not to let her go.”

“Good for you.” His voice booms across the airwaves.

“I’m going to stay here, so I wondered if you would sell my stuff and buy Micah a car.”

“That’s fantastic. I’ll miss you, but I’ve waited for this moment since the day you were born. And Micah would love the vehicle of his own.” He pauses for a second. “I hope you bring her out to visit sometime.”

“Absolutely.” I lean against the wall. “Hey, Dad, I’ve got a ton of stuff to do. I’ll talk to you later.”

Chapter Forty-Nine