“Do we actually need four bedrooms? All these houses are big.”
“Our room, Winnie’s room, your office, and a guest room. The way I see it, we need at least four rooms.”
“Winnie can—“
“Stop arguing,” he cuts me off. “Take a look and tell me what you like. We’ll go view them and talk about specifics. This is important to me. I want a home with you. Can you at least look before you build a mountain of excuses?”
I swallow down my shame, knowing he’s right. He deserves this. “Sorry, I’ll look, and promise to have an open mind.”
“Thank you. I have to work late. We’ve got a lock on some things in Louisiana, as well as other shit that needs wrapped up.”
“I’ll wait up. I have some work to do after kickboxing.”
“That guy teaching still?”
“If you mean Sam, then yes, the same answer I gave you yesterday when you asked. But I think he would rather watch me flounder like a fool than help me with my form.”
“Good call on his part.”
“You know you’re an idiot, right?”
“How about you quit his class, and I’ll kickbox with you?”
“At six am? No thank you!” I shudder at the thought of working out that early.
“Hmm, I’ll have to work on that answer when I get home.”
“Love you! See you later!” I disconnect to avoid the conversation.
I go through the emails and start to print off the listings I like when the phone rings again. The number for Clyde’s Formalwear pops up, and I answer with a chirp. “Hey, little mama!”
“Presley, I need you.” Ember’s hushed voice sets my nerves on edge.
“What’s wrong?”
“Can you come get me? Actually, maybe send Reese. I’ll sneak out the back door.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing’s wrong with me or the baby, but I’ll explain soon.”
“Hold on. Let me message Reese.” I switch to text and send her a quick message. She responds immediately, saying she’s on her way.
“Ember, she’ll be there in ten minutes. You want to come here?”
“God, yes… see you soon.”
For the next thirty minutes, I can’t concentrate, wondering what could be wrong. Scenarios fly through my mind, and by the time Reese opens the door, I’m almost frantic.
Ember walks in with a small bag, while Reese carries a much larger and seemingly heavier grocery sack.
“What the hell? You okay?”
“Yes, but I’m going insane. I had to get away from every male in my life, and you two are my only hope.”
“What?” I ask confused.
She gives Reese a knowing look, and Reese disappears into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she returns with a loaded down tray. There’s an open bottle of wine and two glasses, a few bottles of water, along with a gallon of ice cream, and a pile of nachos.