Page 25

“That I shouldn’t have come in at all.” Her shoulders slump and she mutters something about, “Trying to be helpful and it backfires.”

“What do you have to lose?” I ask, wondering if the question will turn her into a bear that’s ready to pounce, or the Kenzie that loosened up on the drive back to my house the other day after the race.

She stops abruptly and I have to backpedal to stand next to her. “You obviously haven’t been on the other side of a breakup.”

“If you’re implying that I don’t have much experience when it comes to having a steady girlfriend, you’d be correct.” Why did I admit that? I’ve always prioritized hockey over having a real relationship, but I feel like I’m admitting to being socially challenged with that response.

“Then you’re perfect for this. You can gain some experience in Broken Heartsville.”

“I take it you dated someone from the app and he broke your heart.”

She glares at me, and something about those brown eyes makes me feel all protective. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you around.”

“What kind of organizing do you do?” I ask after she’s taken a few steps away from me. She stops, but doesn’t turn around.

“Right now, I’m open to any organizing people need. My current client is a hoarder.”

I nod. “Well, I’m not that bad, but you saw the number of boxes in my garage. Any chance you help people unpack and put things where they need to go?”

She nods. “Yeah, I can do that.”

“You’re hired.”

Kenzie works to try and hide the smile on her face, but finally gives in. “You want me to organize your house?”

I shrug. “Yeah, why not?”

“Because you have enough money to hire a real organizer.” Something like doubt flashes in her eyes and is gone, leaving the defiant look I’m used to seeing.

“Why pay them when I can pay you? I feel like you’ll do a better job with what I want rather than going overboard just to get the paycheck.”

“Sounds good. I’ll come by tomorrow morning to get a feel for the place and let you know how long it will take.”

“Awesome. Thanks, Kenzie. It will be nice to stop living out of boxes and suitcases.”

She just shakes her head and waves her hand as she walks by. There is a lot to unpack with her around, but I have a feeling it’s going to be worth it.

11

KENZIE

Imight be holding onto my bent legs and rocking back and forth on the floor of my closet after that encounter. Sure, my subconscious probably thought I’d see more of Trey once Dani and Miles tied the knot. Even Landon and Rachelle have been hanging out with the group a lot more, so it was inevitable. But to have Trey essentially be my boss?

My mind turns over the entire conversation again and again. I was too rigid right there and should’ve said something funny. It’s no use. I’m not the picture of female grace and personality. It’s better people know that I’m prickly from the start.

The conversation with my dad comes to mind again and I think about how I said I’d be willing to work in any aspect of the Breeze club. Does organizing their star wing’s home count? Is that fulfilling dreams?

Maybe I’d feel that more once I got to his house.

There’s a knock on the door of my room and I say nothing for a few moments. I’m not sure if I want to talk to anyone about anything right now. I’d just accepted to work semi-closely with the guy I need to not think about in a romantic capacity. Ever. My teenage heart would be crushed.

“Kenzie? Are you okay?” Evie’s voice calls.

“In here,” I say, nudging the closet door open with my foot.

I squint at the stream of light, like I’ve been trapped in a cave for centuries. Did I just hiss?

“What are you doing in here?” Evie asks, and standing behind her and I can see a faint glimmer of red hair in the back there. Dani comes into view, and I’m surprised to see her there, since she moved out once she got married. It isn’t until Hillary pushes the others aside and sits down half-in and half-outside the closet that I laugh, long and loud.