“We don’t need to think about that just yet.” Edith pats my hand. “They’re still talking to lawyers and the realtor. I expect it’ll take a little while to iron everything out.”
But still, I think of the puppies, and Chester, and all the two dozen other animals we have scampering around at any one time. Sure, we try to adopt as many out as possible, but there are always more animals in need of a safe, warm place to stay. As soon as one batch of cute puppies is sent off to a loving home, there’s another litter abandoned: dangerously underweight, or injured, and needing our care and feeding. And then there are the older dogs, the ones nobody would take in. They spend their days lazing on the porch, or ambling around the fields. Without this place, they’d have nowhere to go, nobody to love them, or to make sure they’re still healthy and have something to eat.
My heart clenches just thinking about it, and Edith must see my distress because she tuts. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” She pats me again. “It’ll work itself out. It always does.”
“Is there anything I can do?” I ask, still anxious.
“You just focus on your own affairs,” Edith says firmly. “Speaking of which, don’t you have a party to get to?”
I sigh. Partying is the last thing on my mind right now, but I know Lottie will be excited. I get up from the swing. “You will tell me, won’t you?” I check. “If things get bad with the bills, or if there’s some way I can help?”
“Of course.” Edith smiles. “You’re a good girl, you know. Better than he ever deserved.”
I don’t need to ask who she means.
“Now, you go get ready,” she insists. “And see if anyone feels like taking a couple of these puppies off our hands!”
Twelve.
For Lottie’s sake, I dress up tonight – at least that’s what I tell myself as I drive over to Finn’s house. I can hear the party from the bottom of the driveway. Cars are parked haphazardly all the way up, with loud music playing and the sound of conversation drifting on the breeze. It’s a warm night, and the scent of rhododendrons is thick in the air. Lanterns are strung all the way down to the far dock.
I get out and smooth my skirt down, nervous. If I could have shown up in overalls, it would have been safer. Instead, I’m wearing a fluttery skirt with a silky tank. Perfectly demure by any standards, but all I can think about is how easy it would be to lift the hem higher, or slip the spaghetti straps down over my shoulders…
No. Bad Eva. Think sober, unsexy thoughts.
I head up the front steps. It looks like every door and window in the old house is flung open, spilling bright lights and laughter out into the dusk light. Inside, the place is packed, with dozens of faces I recognize, and plenty I don’t.
“Isn’t this great?” Lottie grabs me from behind as I make my way deeper inside. “I don’t know how he pulled it off, but everyone’s here!”
“Happy early birthday,” I laugh, hugging her. “Did Kit get settled with the babysitter?”
“Yup.” She beams, grabbing a bottle from the table. “And she’s promised to text hourly updates. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m young, free, and single tonight.”
“Atta girl!” Delilah joins us, slapping her on the ass. “I’ll drink to that.” She grabs us some glasses, and Lottie pours. “Champagne?” She notes the bottle and whistles.
“He bought, like, a whole case,” Lottie says, eyes wide. “And there’s catering, too, all kinds of food and desserts. I feel kind of bad. I didn’t expect anything like this.”
“He can afford it,” Delilah says blithely, toasting us. “And if he wants to try and buy your affections, let him.”
“My what?” Lottie frowns.
“To get on your good side,” Delilah explains. “Because of Eva.”
“Leave me out of this,” I say quickly, gulping my drink.
“But wait.” Lottie grabs my arm. “What does she mean-?”
“Oh look!” I interrupt, spotting someone across the room. “Isn’t that the cute guy who talked to you in the park? You should go say hello.”
Lottie’s head snaps around. “Sam!” She brightens, then heads across to talk to him.
“Quick save,” Delilah smirks.
“Don’t you start.” I give her a look.
“My lips, sealed.” Dee mimes locking them shut. “I’m just glad you finally wore a ‘fuck me’ outfit.”
“What?” My voice rises an octave. She laughs.
“The heart wants what the heart wants. Good luck!” Delilah saunters away, leaving me in a new panic. It’s not my heart that’s the problem, it’s my body that’s betraying me. Every time I see someone out of the corner of my eye I turn, hoping that they’re Finn.
Where is he?