How to Love Your Neighbour(80)

“We’ve got examples of what fabrics we might choose to create a warm sitting room or what décor we might give a modern-day library or home office.” Rosie looked at Noah. “We’re allowed to have a guest for our presentations. Josh is coming.”

Grace glared at her friend. “Way to put him on the spot.” She looked at Noah. “You do not have to come.”

“Do you want me to?” His voice was flat, like he didn’t want his tone to influence her decision.

The truth was, no one had ever been there for her milestones. Having him there would matter. It would mean something to her, she realized. But she didn’t want him to feel like he had to.

She tried to match his neutral tone. “I would love to have you there.”

“Then I’ll be there.”

She couldn’t tame the excitement in her chest. “Really?”

He nodded. “Promise.” He turned back to Rosie, but the warmth of his tone and his words sank into her skin.

“It’s really interesting, what you do. You’re obviously very good at it, like Grace.”

Rosie poked her in the side. “Maybe since she’s busy with your house, I’ll have a chance at the internship.”

“Of course you have a chance. A great chance,” Grace said. She wondered if anyone in her classes felt like she didn’t deserve the opportunity since she’d already been given such a huge one. Earned. Not given.

The rest of the visit went well. They shared a nice dinner, more conversation, and Grace and Rosie were able to finish their slide show while Noah and Josh watched sports and chatted back and forth. The website looked fantastic. It was a productive night.

As Grace was putting her notes back in the messenger bag she’d brought, Rosie leaned in, her mouth close to her ear.

“I live with a boy,” she whispered.

Grace giggled. “How is it?”

They both glanced at the couch where the guys sat, staring at the television.

“It’s good. Weird but good.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Grace said, still whispering.

“Me too. I didn’t think I’d find this. I wasn’t even looking.”

Grace squeezed her arm. “You deserve it.”

Rosie covered Grace’s hand with her own. “So do you. Things look like they’re going well.”

“We’re trying to go slow but, yeah, it’s really good. I’m happy and . . . optimistic.”

“There are no guarantees in life. Just chances to jump at happiness when it’s offered.” Rosie stood up from her chair by the desk where they’d been working. She stretched.

“You should get that put on a shirt,” Grace said, also standing.

“You done?” Noah called.

Grace met his gaze, nodded. “We are. You ready to go?”

“I am. I have an early meeting,” Noah said.

“Three early meetings. Your tee time has been moved to eleven,” Josh amended.

“I don’t like golfing with that guy,” Noah said as he stood up. “He wants me to attend a bunch of events. It’s too much like what I did in New York. If he doesn’t commit to a donation during the game tomorrow, I’m done with him.”

Grace was surprised at the frustration in his tone. Sometimes she forgot he had so many irons in the fire.

Josh, however, looked impressed. “About time. There are plenty of people who would want to work with you and be committed to the cause. If he’s just holding out for a connection to your father, it’s best to walk away. Also, I finally got ahold of the owner for the strip mall on Eighth. He’s supposed to review your offer, get back to me.”

“Excellent. It’s a good deal. I want to add it to our portfolio. Chris wants our other businesses to be in closer proximity to the station.” Noah caught her staring. “What?”

Grace looked at Rosie to see if she was the only one impressed. “Oh nothing. Just my boyfriend talking about buying a strip mall.”

Josh laughed, slipped his arm around Rosie. “He does say it all pretty nonchalantly, doesn’t he? Josh, can you schedule me a dentist appointment, and there’s this house on the other side of town I think I should make an offer on. Set that up as well.”

The girls laughed at Josh’s impersonation. Noah rolled his eyes and reached for Grace’s hand. “I have never asked you to make me a dentist appointment.”

They laughed harder, walking to the door and finally saying good night.

Noah lifted Grace’s hand in the elevator, pressed his lips to her knuckles. “You have fun?”

“I did. You?”

He nodded. “I kind of like hanging out with a couple as a couple.”

They stepped off the elevator, headed for the exit. “Kind of?”

He stopped them just before they pushed the door open. “If I had to choose, my preference would be just you and me, but yeah, if we need to socialize, it’s cool to have mutual friends.”

Every time he confirmed things she felt, the more hopeful she became. Maybe the other shoe wouldn’t drop. Or maybe you’ll break up and have to split the friends.

Noah ran his finger from her forehead down the bridge of her nose. “That was supposed to be a good thing, not something to make your nose crinkle.”