The Unexpected

Chapter 6

I wait outside of the building for Matt to arrive. When I pull my phone out to call him, I hear my name. "Mia?"

I could never forget that voice. "Tyler." I say, my eyes meeting his.

"I guess its true - you're back."

I chuckle nervously. "I guess so."

"For good?" He asks.

I nod. "Yeah. I finished school and decided to come back. How are you?"

"Okay. How about you?"

"Great." I smile.

"Do you wanna grab a coffee and catch up?"

Just then, Matt pulls up in a black Maserati GranTurismo with the top down. I grin from ear to ear when he climbs out wearing black slacks and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It's only been a few days but I missed him. "Matt!"

He picks me up, hugging me as he spins. Setting me down, he kisses my temple. "It feels like it's been forever." He says, holding me close.

"I know. I missed you."

His eyes land on Tyler and he raises his eyebrows, glancing him over. "Is this the realtor?"

"No. This is a friend from high school. Tyler, this is Matt."

They shake hands and Tyler's eyes find mine. "My mom would love to see you. You should visit her soon."

I nod. "I will. I'll take a raincheck on that coffee."

"Okay. See ya."

Matt and I go into the building. "He's cute."

"And straight." I add with a chuckle.

We look around the building and I tell him my plans on living upstairs. He loves the place. He runs back to his car for a few things and begins taking measurements and making a quick sketch of the place. After taking a few pictures of the place, he begins signing the papers. When he's done, I sign a few spots and we get the keys.

"This is gonna be a rushed process because I have to be home by next week and I want it finished. I'm gonna work on this in the hotel room. Want to help?"

I chuckle. "No way. You're good at decorating and stuff. I'll just fix up the upstairs a little."

"You can pick out whatever you want. Here, take my card."

I roll my eyes. "I can handle myself, Matt. I'm gonna go home but I'll see you later."

"See ya."

When I get to my car, I take a deep breath. Maybe I'll visit Tyler's family. Before I can really decide, I'm already almost there. When I get to the door, I put my hand up to knock but shake my head and turn to leave. I stop abruptly when I see Tyler and Steven walking up towards the door. "You're leaving?" Steven asks.

I look down. "No. I'm just a little nervous about seeing everyone again."

"I got you." Steven smiles.

He puts his arm around me and leads me inside. "Mia!" Tyler's mom says happily.

She is the first to hug me but there are plenty of hugs after that, the next one coming from Steven's mom. Once we've all hugged, everyone sits down. "When did you get back?" Tyler's mom asks.

"A few days ago."

"Are you staying with your parents?" Steven's mom asks.

"For a while."

"Have you found a place?" Steven's dad asks.

I nod. "Yeah. I just need to fix it up a little."

Tyler's mom points at him. "Tyler worked in construction for almost two years. He could help."

I glance at Tyler and he nods, staring at his laced fingers. "Well I'm not looking to spend a lot because I'm on a tight budget but -"

"You don't have to pay me." Tyler says finally looking at me. "Just buy the things that need to be done and I'll do it. I think I owe it to you."

The room is quiet and I clear my throat. "Great. Call me sometime and you can take a look and tell me what needs to be done."

"Tomorrow?" He asks. "I get out of work at five-thirty."

I nod. "Sure. It's the building I ran into you in front of earlier."

He raises his eyebrows. "You bought that building?"

"Well, Matt did. But I'll be living above it and working downstairs."

"Oh."

I stand up and smile at everyone. "I should get going. I'll see you all again soon."

Tyler and Steven both stand up. "I'll walk you out." Steven says quickly.

I glance at Tyler who drops back down to the couch. "If you don't mind, I need to talk to Tyler real quick." I peck Steven's cheek. "Thanks though."

"No problem."

Tyler follows me outside and opens my car door for me. "Thanks for stopping by."

"No problem." I say. "And I will pay you for working."

He shakes his head. "No."

"I refuse to let you work for free." I say, leaning against the car.

"Let me take you out - that can be my payment."

I glance back at the house to see half the family looking out the window. "Steven asked to take me out but we can eat in while you're working." I offer. He frowns. "Don't be like that. You'll be spending a lot of time with me if you work for me."

He sighs. "Fine. Tomorrow at five-thirty?"

I nod. "Yeah."

I hold open my arms and he hugs me, leaning his chin on my shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." I say, pulling away.

I climb into my car and he closes the door. The whole ride home, I think about Tyler. He's changed - I can tell. So has Steven. When I get home, I tell my parents about Matt and I getting the building. I tell them that I seen Tyler and Steven's family and how Tyler is gonna help me fix the place up. My mom is happy for me and says she'll watch Alex while I get things together. I am excited for my future with Alex in that building.

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