It’s then that I realize no one seems surprised by my mother arriving except me. Well, until I take a quick look around and see Cameron and my dad peering into the kitchen. My dad looks halfway between resigned and ready to bolt, and even though he’s half hidden behind a pair of goggles that make him look fourteen and bug-eyed, Cam is definitely furious. Maybe I can imagine him getting into arguments with his dad and brother. Given the proper motivation, he’s plenty capable of anger.

Ugh. Fuck Lyle.

We’ve been moving right along on the Caroline Street house. Demolition done, electrical and plumbing updated, the plank floors stripped and replaced where necessary. My dad knows how to run a home reno like clockwork and Cameron is relentless in his pursuit to do this justice. They’re a (nearly) unstoppable force, despite Lyle throwing as many curveballs as he can into the mix.

The last month has been a blur of hard work and preparations. And flirting. Lots of on-camera flirting. So much so that I told Steve I needed to take some time in my shop to work without distraction. This, I can assure you, was never an issue with my dad’s renos. Before, I might’ve worked alone because I didn’t like my dad’s crew getting smudges in my varnish or sawdust in the joints. Now I’m hiding from Cameron’s too-capable hands and the way he likes to tuck a pencil behind his ear and then spend the rest of the time looking for where he left it.

Cameron seems determined to break down my defenses one mallet swing at a time and he’s doing one hell of a job. He still doesn’t realize how much he doesn’t need to convince me. I’m there, man. I’ve been there. I practically live there. RIP my sanity, send your regards to 1234 Shelby Is Pathetic for Cameron Street.

Everything is working too well, and Lyle can’t have that. Locally, people seem genuinely enthusiastic for our potential return to the screen and encouraging about whatever it is that’s happening between Cameron and me. It’s all so pure and Lyle hates that shit because it doesn’t require anything of him. He’s determined to disrupt the wholesome with his special brand of drama. Always. And who is the Queen Bee of Drama?

“Baby, what a ridiculous thing to say. I’m your mother. Of course, I know where you live.”

My eyes roll to the ceiling and get lost there. “Except I don’t live here, Ada Mae. I work here.”