Free Loving Reese (Tremont Lodge Series Book 2) by Marcy Blesy Page A

conspiring against my happiness when I never asked to be born in this world in the first place.

Chapter 8:
    When Finn’s alarm clock goes off, I reach for the snooze button, knocking my phone to the floor with a crash. “Crap!” I say, reaching under the bed to retrieve the phone.
    “Do you have to leave so early?” asks Finn, rolling over and spooning behind me.
    “Tinley leaves for the airport at 9:00, and I promised her I’d be back to say goodbye. Plus, there’s this little wedding I have to orchestrate today.” I push away from Finn, still angry at him for keeping his recent communication with Samantha a secret even though I know he didn’t owe me anything in June when we met. I click my phone on to check for messages. “Shoot! My screen is cracked.”
    “You really should take it in and get it fixed. Your battery’s faulty anyway. It hasn’t been able to hold a charge for the last month.”
    “Yeah, you’re probably right, but there is just no time.”
    “Here. Give it to me.” Finn takes my phone and puts it on his nightstand. “I’ll take it to the phone store when I head into Tremont City later. I have some errands to run in town.”
    “Thanks. That would be so helpful. I’ll carry an official lodge walkie-talkie and go all old school today.” I kiss Finn on the cheek and throw the blankets off the bed. “I’ll call you later…and thanks for the t-shirt.” I rip his old Chicago Bears t-shirt over my head, letting it drop to the floor, and let him watch me walk to the bathroom just so he doesn’t forget about me during his day.
    When I get to my room, I can hear Tinley yelling through the closed door. I open it quietly, but her back is toward me, so she doesn’t see me while she argues with someone on the other end of the phone. “But, Daddy, I’m not a baby. You can’t control me anymore.” Pause. “Yes, of course I’m going back to UCLA. I’m not stupid, but Murphy’s coming with me.” Pause. “He’s going to stay in my apartment.” Pause. “No, he’s not a mooch. He’s going to look for a job.” Pause. “Just give him a chance. Trust me. He loves me.” Pause. “Yes, I know you love me, too, but prove it by trusting my judgment.” Pause. “Fine. We’ll see you at the airport. And tell Mommy to be nice, too. For me. ” Tinley throws her phone on the bed and lets out a scream that most likely woke everyone else on this floor that was still in bed this Sunday morning.
    “That didn’t go so well, did it?” I ask.
    Tinley pivots around, her eyes as big as saucers. “Reese! You scared me half to death. How long have you been here?”
    “Long enough to get the gist that the conversation with your parents about your engagement didn’t go so well.”
    “That’s the understatement of the century.”
    “Sorry to hear that, Tinley. But I’m sure as soon as they meet him, they’ll see how crazy he is about you.”
    “That…or they’ll just think he’s crazy.”
    “Well, there’s that possibility, too….” I duck as she sends a pillow flying my way. “Seriously, I’m really going to miss you, Tinley. When are you leaving?”
    “In about fifteen minutes. Murphy is bringing his truck out front to help me with my luggage, but…” She eyes the 10+assorted bags in front of her. “But I could use some more help if you’re offering.”
    “I’m at your service, my lady,” I say, doing my best imitation of a royal curtsy, and shoving back my questions about why Murphy still has his truck if he sold it to buy her ring.
    “How are you going to survive without me?” she asks, a big pouty look forming on her face.
    “Well, for starters, my chance of showing up on The Fashion Police will rise with my style dictator gone…but at least I’ll have more room to put clothes.”
    She smiles. “Or you could move Finn’s clothes in here.”
    I roll my eyes. “I’m not sure we’re ready for that step just yet, Tinley. Not everyone can be as sure in love as you