Chapter 15

As I hold up my phone, angling it to give Teddy a panoramic view of the empty guest room. Such a waste of perfectly good space. I can't help but marvel at the prospect of creating something in here for those nights I have to stay with Myra.

"It's the one overlooking the garden, you know, with the large bay window," I explain, stepping back to allow for a fuller view.

Teddy's eyes light up on the screen, a spark of recognition flickering. "Ah yes, I remember. That room has so much potential. We could really make it sing with a bit of your flair. What are you thinking for colors?" she asks enthusiastically, rubbing her hands together.

I chew on my lip, picturing the possibilities. "I'm leaning toward something calming . . . maybe a soft lavender or a muted sage green? You know, something that would make the room feel like home," I muse, imagining the soothing hues.

Teddy nods, scribbling something down. "Perfect. Those colors will complement the natural light beautifully. And for David and Rigby? What's the plan there?" she inquires.

I turn the camera toward a cozy nook by the window. "I was thinking this spot could be perfect for David's bed. As for Rigby, maybe we can have a couple of cat trees?" I suggest hopefully. "His litter robot could go next to the private bathroom too."

Once Dave, Myra, and Ty are comfortable with each other I will ask if we can get a few more cat litters around the house.

Teddy nods thoughtfully. "As I said, I have the blueprints of that house. He didn't ask for much when we offered our services because he had his own furniture," she reminds me with a sigh.

"Why am I not surprised that he didn't ask for help? But now we're in a bind because he only furnished two of the rooms," I state with a frustrated shake of my head.

Teddy scrunches her nose. "You don't think I told him that? I sent him several proposals that included decorating the office, library, and basement. He declined everything."

"Not the library," I gasp, laying it on thick with mock horror.

"Mock me again, and you're on your own," she retorts, a smirk playing on her lips before pointing off-camera, caught up in a moment of inspiration. "You know what else we can do? We can add some shelves for David to climb on, maybe a custom pet bed that matches the room's aesthetic for Rigby. It'll be their little paradise too."

I grin, picturing the cozy nook we could create for my furry kids. "That sounds amazing. I can already see David perched up high, surveying his kingdom."

Teddy's excitement practically zips through the phone, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "We'll make it happen. I'll start drafting some ideas and will send them to you within the next hour so you can approve them. We'll create a space that feels like home for all of you," she promises, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "We should have the construction crew there tomorrow. Is that okay? I don't want to bother anyone, but that's the only way to ensure that you get everything set by Monday afternoon."

I nod as I head back downstairs to the kitchen over to where Ty and Myra are setting breakfast on the kitchen island.

"Hey, Ty, do you have a second?" I ask leaning against the kitchen counter, phone in hand.

Ty looks up from pouring the cereal, a welcoming smile on his lips. "What's up?"

I turn the screen so they can meet my cousin. "This is Teddy. Teddy, meet Ty and Myra."

Teddy waves enthusiastically. "So nice to put a face to the voice, Mr. Brynes. Hey, Myra, it's nice to meet you."

Ty waves, a little surprised by Teddy's greeting.

Myra peers curiously at the screen. "Hi, Teddy. Do you like rainbows?"

Teddy laughs. "I sure do, Myra."

Once the introductions are done, I explain our plan to Ty. "So, to make sure the room is ready for the furniture, we'll need a construction crew here by tomorrow so they can do some improvements."

Ty's eyebrows raise in surprise.

"I don't think it'll be more than an eight- to ten-hour job," Teddy assures him. "However, I don't want to disrupt you during the weekend. They'll be working on adding bookcases, shelves and painting the walls among other things. We're aiming to get everything set by Monday afternoon."

Myra's attention shifts from her fruit salad, visibly intrigued. "Are we painting the house?" she asks, her eyes lighting up eagerly.

Teddy chuckles. "Just the guest room, Myra. We want to make it really nice for Indie, Dave, and Rigby. How does that sound?"

Ty shares a quick concerned look with me. "Eight to ten hours seem like a long time," he says, his mouth turning down slightly. "Is there a way you could split the crew between today and tomorrow?"

Teddy taps her chin thoughtfully. "You know what, I think I can get them there around one or two if I start making some calls right now. That way they'll leave no later than six. Tomorrow, we could do . . . What works best for you?"

"Ten," he states. "We might go to brunch and do other activities."

"You can take them to brunch with your parents," Teddy suggests brightly. "Then they can move the party to the grandparents' house."

Is she fucking insane? I give her a piercing look, hoping she gets the message that that won't be happening. "They're definitely not ready for the full family experience," I state politely through gritted teeth.

"I want a family. My grandma is in Florida," Myra pipes up, her chin quivering sadly.

This poor child is breaking my heart. Although, I know my family will welcome her—you don't just bring strangers to the Deckers. They're pretty overwhelming even for me—and I'm family. I know I'm going to regret what I'm about to say, but I do it. "Why don't you drop by my place for brunch? After that we can do something fun, like the turtle sanctuary or a visit to Luna Harbor. We can take the ferry there."

"Luna Harbor is fun! You can also try Silver Lake which is a bit closer," Teddy suggests helpfully. "I'll send you some options so Myra can have a nice day out."

Myra is clapping and I'm just wondering how I'll get out of this one. So much for not interacting with Tyberius more than I need to.

We say our goodbyes and I notice Ty regarding me thoughtfully as I end the call. "Well, that was unexpected," he says wryly. "Are you sure it's okay if we swing by your house tomorrow?"

"Definitely," I say brightly, looking at my watch. "Well, I have to leave now. My next stop is furniture shopping."

Ty's face falls slightly. "You're not spending the day with us?"

I shake my head, the lie flowing easily off my tongue. "Oh, no, I already have plans with my cousins—the ones who kept Dave. We have an entire day ahead of us." I force a regretful look, hoping he buys it. "But I'll see you tomorrow for brunch, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Ty confirms, though his eyes search my face like he suspects there's more I'm not saying.

I grab my things, calling out for Rig before I wave a quick goodbye and jet out of the house.