“I can see why you’d say that.” Izzy folded her arms on the counter and leaned closer. “But…maybe it’s the woman and not the oil that’s the answer to your problems.”
I straightened, shaking my head before she finished her sentence. “I’m not asking her to watch the kids. She’s brand new here and has better things to do than deal with my problems.”
“I’m not talking about babysitting. That’s what they make teenagers for.”
“What other problem could she possibly be the answer to? I didn’t know I had that many.”
Izzy propped her chin on her hands, a smile teasing her lips. “I saw the way you looked at her. She saw it too, but we can talk about that later.”
“The way I looked at her? You mean the utter shock and embarrassment of being doused in sticky sugar water that smelled like flowers because my kids were misbehaving…again?”
“I mean, there was a little of that, sure, but there was a lot more of ‘oh sweet Jesus this is the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in some time.’”
Well, shit. Was I that transparent? With her long, blonde hair and bohemian style, Amelia was captivating…and also completely not my type. If the essential oils weren’t enough to prove my point, the not completely appropriate tank top, arm full of bracelets, and hippie-style skirt finished the job. She was flighty and I was grounded and that was that.
“That isn’t at all what I was thinking.” I shook my head and turned away in case I was still being transparent.
Izzy quirked a brow. “Who are you trying to convince here, bucko? Me? Or you?”
“Fine.” I folded my arms on the counter. “She’s attractive but come on. You and I both know I don’t have time to date.” Or the energy. Or the desire. “It’s not fair to the kids.”
“It can’t always be about the kids.” She patted my hand as her face softened.
“It has to be. I’m the only parent they have. They need me to put their needs above mine.” I hurried on before Izzy could latch on to my last statement. “And dating isn’t even a need.”
“We’re social creatures, Jack. Companionship is a need.”
“Daddy?” Charlie tugged on my shirt. “Can I get this?” She held up a bottle of cotton candy flavored soda and a box covered in dancing pandas and Chinese writing.
Thankful for the distraction, I corralled the kids and guided them through their decisions, then managed to leave the store without further disaster. As we climbed into the car, I found myself distracted by thoughts of Amelia. She’d be at Evie’s party tonight. She was, in fact, the reason for the party. I’d have the chance to thank her for being so understanding about the whole situation.
But, that would be the end of that. While Izzy had a point, companionship was a need, I truly did not have the time to add anything or anyone else to my schedule. Besides, with her artsy-fartsy jewelry, and pseudo-psychology positivity mumbo jumbo, she was my total opposite.
I was structure. She was chaos.
I was practicality. She was spontaneity.
I was off the market. She was Evie’s best friend.
Nothing, and I meant nothing, would happen between us.
“Damn straight,” I murmured as I pulled to a stop in my driveway, while three little voices quickly reprimanded me for letting another swearword fly.
Chapter Four
Amelia
I pulled to a stop in front of the house I’d be living in for the foreseeable future. As I killed the engine and climbed out of my car, my best friend and her fiancé stood from the porch steps.
Evie ran down the walk and wrapped me in a tight hug. “I was starting to think you’d never get here.”
“Me too! It’s so good to see you.” I swayed us back and forth as Alex arrived with their dog Morgan, who sniffed the spilled soda on my shoes, his whole body wiggling with the force of his wagging tail. I crouched to pet him. “It’s good to see you too, you magnificent beast.”
Alex wrapped an arm around Evie’s waist. “And me too, of course.”
“Obviously.” I stood and pushed his shoulder. “Now say how good it is to see me.”
He ran a hand through his dark hair as he smiled. “It is good to see you. Evie’s been on pins and needles ever since the decision was made for you to move in.”
“Me too. I can’t believe I’m finally here.”
I spun in a slow circle as I took in the stately house and yard. Red maples lined the drive and tall white columns stood guard at the porch. “I wonder what your Great Aunt Ruth would say if she knew I was moving in.”
Last year, Evie’s great aunt had passed and left her this ginormous house, which was what brought her to Wildrose Landing in the first place. But now that she was living with Alex, the house was vacant—and a perfect place for me to get situated while I started my business.
Evie’s gray eyes glistened as she leaned her head on Alex’s shoulder. “I’m sure she’d be happy with the decision.”
“Maybe I’ll meditate on it before bed and see what my spirit guides have to say on the topic.” I shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe they’re friends with her.”
Evie rolled her eyes. “You and the woo-woo.”
“You know I hate it when you call it that.”
“What do you expect me to call it when you just said you might try and talk with my dead aunt about living in her house?” Evie had never been one to believe in signs or higher selves, but I’d seen my guides in action enough to have unshakeable faith. I’d been right when I told her she needed to move to Wildrose Landing and I was right to follow her.
I’d open my store. I’d redefine happiness. I’d rejuvenate my smile and discover my purpose. I just knew it.
Several hours of unpacking and one decadent bath in a claw-foot tub later, I found myself in front of my new closet in my new master bedroom. What did one wear to a party in her honor? My instinct was to go for the kind of clothes that made me feel comfortable…
“I am who I am and there’s no shame in that,” I said as I reached for my favorite skirt, a floor length black and maroon paisley print, then paired it with a cream-colored scoop neck tank. Add my favorite diffuser necklace on its long chain plus several of my favorite bracelets and I was ready to go. I stopped in the kitchen to grab the box of goodies from Sweet Stuff, then headed out the front door and pulled up short when I saw an older woman with her salt and pepper hair in a bun and a casserole dish in her hands. I recognized her from the last time I was in Wildrose.
“Hi! You’re—”
“Greta Macmillan.” She dipped her chin. “It’s good to see you again.”
“It really is. I—”
“I brought you a turkey tetrazzini casserole. It’s an old family recipe and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like it.” She took in my full hands and frowned as if I’d planned on not being able to accept her gift.
“Thank you! I’m sure I’ll love—”
“I see there’s a party at the Prescott place and I assume you’re going, though it’s a shame I wasn’t invited. I live right across the street, you see.” Greta turned and indicated her home.