Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
I take one last look before I turn the key in my ignition to start the truck, foot on the break, and shift into drive. I’ve got a plan to come up with, one that involves Josie wanting me as much as I want her.
5
JOSIE
“Weird,” I say beneath my breath. Trying to carry all the bags from the grocery trip wasn’t going to happen. There has to be at least twenty or so bags, not including the fizzy flavored water, which comes in cardboard. I definitely wasn’t going to be able to carry all that, no matter how hard I tried. That isn’t what has me looking around the neighborhood while finally slipping the key into the lock. It feels like I’ve got eyes on me, burning into my body, and never in my life have I ever dealt with this sensation. As I try to erase the Spidey senses going off, the lock gives way, and I turn the knob, making a mental note to replace the lock next weekend. One that will let me use my phone, a thumbprint, or a keypad. This having to juggle my keys and groceries is for the birds. “Jeez, Josie, you’re really laying it on thick.” The door opens. I make it inside, then kick the door shut and walk toward the kitchen, where I plop the bags on the counter. Instead of heading right back out, I’d much rather prolong the process. You know, like let my ice cream melt in my vehicle. “Ugh, stop being a dumbass. It’s a new place. Of course, it’s different,” I give myself a pep talk, abandoning the food on the counter. I’d be pissed at myself after spending all that money only for it to spoil because of some weird-ass superstition.
I walk out the door, leaving it open, keys in hand to lock up Mrs. Betty White after everything is in the house, then I’m going to do the same to my house, off-load the food into the brand-new refrigerator and freezer combo. The bank really splurged on the appliance. I mean, nugget ice. Who freaking knew a fridge made that? I assumed you’d need one of those tabletop or industrial type ice machine deals. Lucky me, my house may need more than a few coats of paint, but the appliances are making up for it.
“You really outdid yourself with this one, Josie Marie Preston.” I open the door to my car after hitting the porch and the few steps down toward the small sidewalk that leads to where my car is currently parked. It’s hard not to stop and take a look back at the biggest adult move I made, cracked pavement beneath my feet and all. The grass is overgrown, the weeds in the flowerbeds need to be pulled out, hedges need to be trimmed way back. If I made a list, it would be as long as my arm. That’s okay, though. I knew what I was getting into. Well, maybe that’s putting it mildly. For the most part, it’s cosmetic work—one weekend at a time, and it’ll be done in no time. The good news is, whatever I was feeling earlier is gone. Maybe it was in my head after all.
I reach into the back seat, my weak and weary muscles protesting along the way. I swear even the tendrils of my hair are in pain from all of the work we did earlier. Yesterday, after finally closing, it was balls to the walls in order to get everything moved in today. My mother being the ringleader in all things organization. Each box was labeled, each piece of furniture carefully wrapped in order for it not to receive so much as a scratch. The only thing I wouldn’t let the moving company, Two Sisters and a Mister Movers, touch was my prized possession, my bread and butter, the whole reason I was finally able to afford the house I’m pretty damn proud to now own. My computer system.
The one room in the house—okay scratch that—two bedrooms we made sure were completely unpacked and set up were my office and bedroom. The office I did on my own, wanting the perfect view to the backyard while working away on my latest design project. Dad moved my desk, bookshelves, and chair in the room while I nerded out, finally having a big room, airy, and a bright space to work in. My parents set up the rest of the furniture in the house, I made sure the boxes were in their designated areas, then they were off to make the hour trek home.
I pull out the rest of the groceries from their bags, making another mental note to scrounge up my reusable bags for the next trip to town. It’s a good thing my back seat was loaded down with food, since coming up for air this week is going to be impossible. A part of me wants to get started on work tonight, maybe work through the night when emails aren’t being sent, messages aren’t pinging, and my phone isn’t ringing.