I swallowed and cleared my throat, a tiny smile (a little triumphant) stole my lips as I found my voice. “Hey!”

“Hi. You sound happy. A good day?” Rory asked.

“Yeah, it was … fine.”

Fisher grabbed his jacket from the sectional and walked up the stairs. No look back. No kisses blown in my direction. I realized it was his way of giving me some privacy, but it was like the text … I wanted the emoji, the wink.

Something!

“I have some good news,” Rory said, bringing me out of my Fisher bubble.

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Things are going well here. And I’ll be home early. Next week.”

“That’s … great.”

Rory laughed. “Don’t sound so enthused. I thought you’d be excited. I felt bad leaving right after we reunited after so long. Once I get home, we’ll have all the time we want to do whatever you want. And I have so much to tell you. So many things have been left unsaid for too long.”

I wasn’t sure what that really meant.

“Have you met any friends at church yet? Or work? Hailey is sweet, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, I like her a lot.”

“Any boys at church that have caught your attention?”

“Uh … no.” My face wrinkled. “And let’s call them guys not boys. I’m not dating twelve-year-olds.”

“Sorry. Guys. Young men. And there’s no need to rush into anything. You are so young. Love can be incredibly messy and confusing. Find you first.”

“I’m not lost.”

“Reese, you know what I mean.”

“I actually like working for Fisher.”

“Well, sure. But there’s not a lot of room for advancement unless you’re going to actually learn to build stuff.”

“He’s going to teach me some things.”

“Oh, he is? Like … he’s going to teach you things about construction?”

“I think so. I asked him if he would.”

There was a pause before she replied with a “Huh … okay. He’s a talented guy. I’m sure he’s the best one to teach you things.”

I couldn’t have agreed more.

“Hope you’re being smart around his crew. He’s employed a lot of single guys who I’m sure will find you quite appealing, but they need to remember you’re eighteen.”

“Which means I’m an adult.”

She sighs. “Yes, but guys with five to ten years on you are not in your best interest right now unless you meet them at church. Alcohol. Sex. Drugs. I just don’t want you getting in over your head before you reach twenty. I’d love for you to find a group of friends close to your age.”

“You don’t need to worry about me.”

“I know. I’m not. I’m sure Fisher is keeping a close eye on you whether you like it or not.”