Page 58 of Heartstring

Seymour is still staring. Is he waiting for me to weigh in on the matter?

“Who’s going to help me get rid of these cookies? Now, if there’s an app to track free cookies, I’m game,” I say.

“Dude, that’s the best idea anyone’s ever had,” Levi says, taking two cookies and seductively putting one in Arlo’s mouth.

“Okay, guys, celebrities and cookies aside, I’ve compared everyone’s paperwork, and I’m happy to report we haven’t missed anyone,” Ellis says.

There’s a round of cheers and raised coffee cups.

“By the way, Sage says he knows someone who can fix Mrs. Simon’s roof for a good price. I’ll email you his contact,” Arlo says.

“Thank you. I’m glad we can make this happen for her,” I say. “Her daughter has been working herself sick to save to fix the roof. This is going to make a huge difference to them.”

“How did you get the funds to help everyone?” Levi asks. “Ava brought home a letter from the school asking for donations of blankets, heaters, or anything we have to spare but fixing a roof is major work.”

The skin on my neck heats under Seymour’s scrutiny. I didn’t tell him that Mik was the one to make the big donation, as he suspected.

“We had an anonymous donation to the kitchen account,” I say.

“Wow, someone is very generous,” Milo says.

“Or maybe they’re compensating,” Seymour says.

Everyone looks at him. He raises his coffee cup to his lips. “Just saying maybe it’s someone who’s doing it as a way to excuse other actions in their life. Or probably just a tax break situation.”

They all nod.

“Or maybe Tyler has a secret admirer,” he continues.

“I wouldn’t mind having a secret admirer offering to fix my plumbing. I’ve been trying to get someone to come out, and everyone’s busy in this weather,” Fletcher says.

“There’s nothing wrong with your plumbing,” Harrison grunts, and everyone laughs.

Julius and Cathy join us with a new round of coffee, and an hour later, we’re all heading home.

Seymour is quiet on the drive to my place.

“Everything okay with you?” I ask.

“Sure…um, I have to head home tomorrow to deal with some work stuff, but I should be back in a couple of weeks.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t want to leave you, Ty. Especially now with Mik turning up.”

We’re stopped at a red light, so I glance at him.

“Something tells me there’s more to your story with him than an old relationship. It’s none of my business, but if he’s going to hurt you, then I want to be here for you.”

I take his hand as the light turns green.

“It’s not gonna happen, Seymour. Besides, I’m a big boy. I can look after myself. Just make sure you come back, okay?”

“You already can’t live without me, right?”

I don’t need to look at him to know he’s smirking.

“You’re growing on me,” I confess.