Page 55

“It sounds cooler than it was.” I lowered my voice as if someone could overhear. “I found a different, older version of Gram’s will. It was written out that I would get the house and I . . . changed the date to be more recent.”
Levi stared at me for a long time before speaking. “That’s . . .”
“Terrible of me, I know.”
“No, smart of you. He wouldn’t have cared about the house.”
“Exactly,”I said.
“How long ago did you change the will?”
“Over two years now. He already took me to court for it.” And I had the bills to prove it. I didn’t know how I’d made it through probate court and won, but I didn’t want to question it.
“Then you have two things in your favor. He took you to court and you won, and the statute of limitations has expired. It’s two years.”
I wanted to be relieved, but I was sure Calvin knew all of this.
And now he was buying and demolishing houses in my neighborhood to get it anyway.
“He’ll find a way.”
“Asshole,” Levi muttered.
“Man, you still really hate the guy.”
“I have my reasons.”
“So do I, I suppose. Do you want to see the house he’s getting demolished? We can go out to the front.”
Getting away from the glow of the lights would be a good idea. I wasconnectingwith Levi—which wouldn’t end well for me.
“I’ll see it later. I like talking here,” he said. “Besides, I have something I need to talk to you about. I checked my credit card statement?—”
My cheeks grew hot. “You told me to spend what I wanted.”
“And I haven’t seen you buy a dress yet. Only books and something from a thrift store.”
“My dress? I got it.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“It’s from the thrift store.”
Levi sighed. “I told you that you don’t have to cut costs.”
“I didn’t. Lily and I went to a really nice place, but none of the things there wereme.The one I found is incredible.”
“And you’re sure it’s what you want?”
“Hang on, you’re grilling me because I didn’t spendmore?”
“You should use the benefits of this marriage to their fullest potential.”
“And I am. The pile of books on my bookshelf thanks you.”
“So, you’re happy?”
“Very.”