More Than Love (NG3)

40 - Lucky

Summer hung on into September until one day Reed woke alone to a chill in the air. Laney stayed on weekends and he missed her every night in between, but she worked at night and needed to be home. He understood that even after she moved in, he would often sleep without her. He was on his contractor's schedule to renovate the upstairs, regardless. His hope was she would be ready once it was complete.

Reed only had trouble getting out of bed when it wasn't empty. When he worked for Davis, he pressed snooze repeatedly. Since his job change, he jumped up with the first alarm. Being challenged every day made him love his career. Being in love helped him face each day with possibility.

He walked through the empty living room into his kitchen. He had moved his furniture out because Jake was coming to finish painting. Laney had promised to go visit Shaan, so she wouldn't be stopping by to visit. She felt torn between spending time with Reed and her infant nephew.

He had spent two days with her at the beach. The waves were amazing, so he surfed while she painted. When he walked back with his board, he was glad to see her sitting on the patio with Victoria, who waved to him. Laney turned and smiled as he approached. She jumped up like an excited child. He felt a thrill, although he hadn't been away from her that long.

"Matthew bought one of my paintings. I saw it hanging." She pointed to inside the house.

"Amazing!"

She had sold two of the three and the gallery wanted more.

Victoria said, "I love the one she did today."

Laney blushed. "It's not done."

Reed felt Laney's joy. Everyone of her emotions was his. Victoria's dog walked over to greet him. He was as black as Reed's wetsuit. Reed petted him before he went back to sit at Victoria's feet.

"I was just telling Laney how much he loves living on the beach. Matthew runs with him every morning."

Reed looked around and there were only two glasses of wine on the table.

"Where is he?"

Victoria waved her hand dismissively. "Working. He's on a deadline."

When they left and walked back to Sasha's, Laney admitted she hadn't realized he was famous.

Back at home, Reed was drinking his coffee when he heard Jake's truck. He appeared wearing his typical paint stained clothes. They greeted each other by shaking hands. Their relationship had developed from strangers. Thankfully, Jake didn't have an issue with him and Laney dating. Reed left Jake to work, as he had his own busy day ahead. He loved every minute working on the plans for the Rochester warehouse. The building may be rectangular, but the work wasn't boring and collaborating with a team was stimulating.

He didn't rush out of the office that afternoon. Since Laney was busy, he had no reason to. Seeing Jake's truck at six-thirty was unexpected. When Reed poked his head in the living room, Jake was finishing up.

"Long day?"

Jake nodded. "You too."

Reed shrugged. "I sit all day. It looks good."

Jake nodded. "The ceiling's done."

"I might need you again. I'm having some work done upstairs."

"Just let me know."

Jake didn't ask, but Reed's excitement won. "I'm hoping one room will be an art studio."

Jake looked at him and nodded. "She lights up when she mentions you."

Laney visited with Jake at least once a week. She came home talking about his dog and how he wouldn't open up.

"I'll finish up and be out of your way."