Life In Reverse(39)

“Oh yeah, where were you? Your text was kind of vague.” He taps my nose. “Avery called me in a panic. And when I told her you hadn’t returned my calls, she thought something happened to you.”

“Something did. I got sidetracked by an unexpected passenger.” When his brows fold together, I go on. “Vance had some car trouble and I ran into him on my way to see a customer. Long story short, we spent the day together.” The confusion on his face turns to pleased curiosity.

“And how was that?”

An unexpected smile creeps across my cheeks. “Surprisingly, it was… really nice.”

“I can see that.” He grins and I flick his arm. “So… do you like him?”

I don’t have to think twice before I answer. “Yes, I do.”

He continues to cross-examine me in the way that only Troy can. “Do you like him, like him?”

I laugh, giving him a deliberate eye roll. “What are you, twelve?”

“Thirteen.” He glares at me. “Now answer the question.” When I don’t respond, he adds in. “I see.” Then he nods with conviction as if he knows me better than I know myself. “Do you remember when you were fourteen? You sat in the tree in your yard for three hours with Brian McNulty and had your first kiss?” I start to protest but he puts a single finger to my lips. “When I asked if you had a crush on him, do you remember what you said? And I quote, ‘You know I don’t crush on boys.’ And that time you were at the college mixer with Connor whatever his name was, who I never liked? You looked all dreamy when you’re never dreamy. I asked if he was going to be the one you lost your virginity to?” This time, I don’t try to offer up anything. “Exactly.” He smirks. “Because when a girl who’s never had much interest in boys most of her life, takes interest… I rest my case, your honor.”

“You might want to stick to carpentry,” I joke, and he gives my waist a squeeze. “Okay, I have to get going.” I push off the sofa, straightening out my dress as I stand. Troy huffs and follows me to the door.

“Sure, make your escape. It doesn’t change the facts,” he reaffirms, his head peeking out from the narrow gap of the screen.

Of course I know he’s right.





I TAKE MY usual spot in the driveway next to… Dad’s car? I’m not sure what he’s doing at the house today. While I didn’t expect to see him, I’m excited to discuss details of the gallery opening. Dad has always shared my enthusiasm for the arts, encouraging me to pursue my passion.

“Hand me that drill. Will ya, Vance?” Dad calls out, and I scoot higher in my seat to find Vance in the garage. I’m surprised to see him. My eyes drift down to my dress and I bite back a smile. I pinch the sides and front of the fabric with my fingers before stepping out of the car. I want to make sure nothing sticks out where it shouldn’t be.

“What’s going on?” I yell over the sound of the drill. Vance and Dad notice me at the same time. My father has that familiar jolly expression on his face. Vance, on the other hand, has his mouth hanging open, eyes roaming my body and making my skin flush. Goose bumps parade down my arms and I have to turn away.

Dad switches off the drill, the noise no longer a buffer. “Wow, honey. You look lovely.”

My eyes flick to my dad, but the heat of Vance’s stare unnerves me and my mouth goes dry. “Thanks.”

“This nice young man came by to say hello to you. I needed a hand, and he offered one.” Dad winks at Vance then turns his attention to me. “And I find out that he and his family recently moved in down the street, and that he’s already had the finest cinnamon rolls around.” He pats his belly, his full cheeks bright. “Lord knows I’ve had one too many of those myself.” His amusement dies down with the clearing of his throat. “Anyhoo, how did it go?”

“It was good, Dad. I can’t wait to tell you all about it.” I sling my purse over my shoulder. “Vance, can I talk to you for a second?” Once more, the buzz of the drill fills the air. Vance walks out on the driveway to meet me, hands stuffed in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “So ‘nice young man’ huh? I guess you’ve got my dad fooled.”

He chuckles. “I can be nice when I want to be.” His gaze roves again and I swallow, clutching tighter to my purse strap. “You look beau—great. You look great.”

I stare at my shoes to distract from my obvious blush. “Thanks.” When I hazard a glance back up, Vance’s eyes are zeroed in on a rock. He kicks it around the pavement with the toe of his sneaker.

“So, did you… have a, date or something?”

“No,” I reply too quickly. His eyes snap to mine and an undefined emotion flickers over his features. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was relief. I must be mistaken, though. I have to be. Right? “I was at a gallery opening,” I reveal. For some reason it’s important to me that he know.

“By yourself?” He continues to scrutinize me, and I laugh because now he sounds like Troy.

“Yes.” I place a hand on my hip. “I’m not bad company.”

“I know that. It’s just,” he shrugs, “I would’ve gone with you. I mean,” he clarifies. “If you wanted.”