Chapter 3

3

Rowan haggled with me for half the morning. My stomach growled right on cue.

He smiled, showing a row of perfect white teeth. "Let me buy you breakfast. I haven't eaten either."

I didn't turn him down. Every cent I saved was another cent for Lucian.

At the diner, he started venting to me.

"I'm just a guy doing his job. I really want everyone to get a fair price. By the way, do you need to check with your boyfriend?"

I let out a dry laugh. "Are you fishing for info? I don't have a boyfriend. Satisfied?"

He scratched his head awkwardly. "I didn't mean it like that. Your neighbors told me a lot about you. I was curious."

"They said your optimism is what really stands out," he added.

I froze at the word optimism. I didn't say a word. I just got up and walked home.

The moment the door closed, I broke down.

I used to be so positive. Even after my parents died, I didn't give up.

I stayed upbeat through ten years of Lucian's cold shoulder. I tried everything to make him laugh.

I always thought the world was broken, but it could be mended with a smile.

I don't know when I became such a pessimist.

Maybe it started when I met Lydia. Or the day I got the cancer diagnosis.

Or maybe… it was because I realized there was no reason to keep smiling anymore.

The crying triggered a sharp pain in my gut. I ended up coughing a mouthful of blood onto the floor.

I realized I'd forgotten my medication.

I crawled to the table and swallowed the pills.

It took a long time before I could sit up and breathe normally again.

Suddenly, my phone started vibrating like crazy.

Lucian was sending a flood of links.

"My agent sent these listings. Take a look and pick one."

"I'll be there in seven days to take you to the viewings."

I couldn't help but smirk. I typed back, "Kid, do you even know where I am?"

"Our old home," he replied instantly.

My tears started falling again.

That was the first time he had ever called this place home.

Back then, every time I said, "Let's go home and eat," he'd snap back.

"That's not my home," he would say.

Now he was finally admitting it, but the home was going to vanish along with me.

I didn't look at the listings. But I started imagining him coming to get me in seven days.

Then, Lydia's messages started flooding in.

They were photos of her and Lucian at various tourist spots.