“And maybe we can talk about the deal some more,” Dave says with a genuine smile.
Fuck.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Can’t say no, now. Not at the risk of securing the deal.
Christ.
Despite the desert that is my mouth, I swallow hard and nod. “Yup.” My voice cracks. “Saturday sounds great.”
“Wonderful.” Ellie claps her hands. “Oh, I can’t wait. I’m going to make my best peach cobbler and collard greens. Dave will exchange information with you.”
“Perfect,” I say with a shaky smile. What the hell am I getting myself into?
“Oh, babe, we’re going to be late. Let’s stop by the deli after our class—that okay?” Dave asks.
“As long as I can get double the pickles,” Ellie says while pressing a kiss to Dave’s lips.
The PDA makes my stomach roll. It’s not that I find them repulsive, but it’s a stark reminder of the hole I just dug for myself.
“Okay, we’re off to Lamaze class. Talk soon,” Dave says with a wave.
I give them a wave in return, hoping my hand doesn’t look shaky, and without going into the deli, I turn around and head back to the office, my mind swirling with how to get out of this fuck-up.
Huxley Cane, you’re a complete and utter moron.
Chapter Two
LOTTIE
Hands on the steering wheel, I stare out at my childhood home and also current place of residence, a small bungalow that has been in the family for years. I mean . . . years. Grandma Pru bought it back in the fifties and passed it on to my mom, who raised me and my sister, Kelsey, all by herself.
The white stucco has faded over the years and looks more cream than anything, and the red clay tile roof needs more repairs than what Mom can afford despite her live-in boyfriend of thirteen years, Jeff, wanting to replace it for her.
Speaking of Jeff, he’s out in the front yard in his oversized jean shorts and classic white undershirt, pushing his mower. Jeff always has an unlit cigarette dangling from his mouth, because even though he doesn’t smoke it, ever, he finds comfort in knowing that he could if he wanted. Don’t ask me about the psychology behind it; he’s great to my mom and he’s been a wonderful sounding board over the past ten years for me and my sister as well. So, if a cigarette dangles from his mouth, so be it. Could be worse.
But Jeff being in the front yard creates a flaw in my ability to bring my box of office things into my room without questions. And I don’t want any questions from Jeff or my mom. They can’t find out about Angela firing me. That would be a debilitating disaster.
No, they can NEVER find out.
Why?
Well, because they were the ones who begged and pleaded for me to find another job that wouldn’t include me working for someone with whom I’ve shared a toxic relationship for years.
But you know how it goes. Parents know nothing, we know everything, and then we have to eat our freaking words later on when we realize . . . should’ve listened to said parents.
Ughhh.
Not wanting Jeff to become suspicious, I get out of my dilapidated VW Bug, leaving the box in the back, strap my purse over my shoulder, and plaster on a beautiful smile that I know will bring joy to Jeff’s day.
“Hey, Lottie Bug,” he says, using the nickname Mom gave me years ago.
“Hey, Jeff.” I wave as he turns off the mower and adjusts his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose. “Yard is looking great.”
“Thank you. I think the beautification committee will have to notice us this year.”
Oh, Jeff, always so hopeful.
You see, we live on the border, and I mean, one street over, from The Flats in Beverly Hills. And every summer, there’s a committee that walks from house to house, picking out the best yards in the neighborhood and awarding them prizes. We’ve always walked through The Flats, taking in the fabulously manicured lawns curated by professional landscapers, not the actual owners. It’s a bloodbath the week before the judges take their walk, including here at our house, because the last house on the route is across the street, and in order to see the house, you see ours, just past the bushes, and Jeff is bound and determined to be noticed.
“You’ll have to get Mom to fix the roof if you want any shot at it.”
There’s a fat chance in hell that our yard would ever be noticed. The beautification committee is made up of a bunch of rich snobs who would never look across the street. But it’s nice to give Jeff hope, especially since he works so hard.
His shoulders slump in defeat. “I told her that. I need the roof to be pristine. Those broken shingles will never get the win. I think I’m going to call the boys over one of these days and fix it while she’s at work. Act first, ask for forgiveness later.”
“Very smart approach.”
“How was work?”
I pause in my pursuit of the front door. Keeping my smile in full force, I say, “Great. Just a typical day.” Yup, a typical day of meandering around the streets of Los Angeles, killing time before I could return home, knowing full well my mom and Jeff are aware of my schedule and if I arrived home any earlier than normal, they’d be suspicious. And luckily for me, during my meandering, I was told to go buy some pantyhose by an endearing homeless man who scowled at my bare legs. I bought some consolation mint ice cream, which fell victim to the summer California sun and ended up dripping down the front of my white blouse, and, to top it off, I tripped over a street grate and tore a heel off my two-seasons-ago Jimmy Choo shoes, which is why I’m walking barefoot into the house.
It’s been one of those days.
“Promotion is in a week, right?” Jeff asks. “Are you excited? You can finally find a place of your own.”
Insert the deep sigh here.
I give him a thumbs up. “Super pumped.”
Without another word, I open the door to the house and immediately smell Mom’s homemade fish sticks. Lord Jesus, not again.
This girl can’t catch a break.
“Jeff, dinner is almost ready.”
“It’s me, Mom,” I say, heading to my room, but before I can get too far down the hallway, Mom peeks her head around the doorway to the kitchen.
“Lottie Bug, just in time for dinner.”
I wave my hand at her. “Not really hungry.” I grip my stomach. “Late lunch. I might have an apple later.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Go wash your hands”—yes, she still makes me wash my hands before a meal—“and freshen up. I’ll have a place setting waiting for you.”
Sighing, I say, “Thanks, Mom.” I reach my room, shut the door, and then slide down against it until my butt hits the floor. “God, I need booze.” I pull my phone out of my purse and text my sister.
Lottie: Booze needed. Day drinking when Mom and Jeff leave tomorrow. You in?
Kelsey, my Irish twin as Mom likes to call her, is only twelve months younger than me, and is an up-and-coming organizer—yeah, I was confused when she told me that little nugget of information as well. Basically, she’s started her own organizing business where she goes to different people’s houses to show them how to organize their pantries and closets to be more functional—so, how to not be pack rats. I asked her how she differs from everyone else jumping on The Home Edit trend, and her answer blew me away—because it was actually well-thought-out. She focuses on organizing sustainably. Instead of encouraging all of her clients to use clear acrylic bins, she works with a company that offers sustainably sourced organizational products, as well as products made from fully recycled materials. Better for the environment and better for your home. See? Blown away. Apparently, she’s one celebrity away from being discovered. I believe her. She makes just enough right now to grow her business and to afford a small studio apartment in West Hollywood.