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no one to fuck. She stood and carried her coffee into the living room to finish packing her father’s things. Rosa followed, as Carmen knew she would.
    â€œThe truth is, I don’t know what I want. It’s been so long since I’ve given my life any thought. I’m so lost right now, Rosa. I’m stuck.”
    â€œI’ll help unstick you. Let’s start with these boxes.”
    Rosa was serious. The playful, irresponsible cousin who she thought would just toss everything wanted to help. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. “I think all of his clothes have to go. Except maybe the food truck shirts. I don’t think I want any of his clothes.”
    For hours, they worked together, breaking to have lunch, and then continuing into the afternoon. By the time Rosa hugged her good-bye, an entire wall of the living room was filled with boxes ready for Goodwill.
    It was hard to look at the boxes, so little to represent her father’s full life, but Carmen finally felt like she’d made some kind of forward motion.
    Now she just needed to figure out what to do with her dad’s business and how she wanted to proceed with her own life.
    No big deal, right?

CHAPTER 3
    L iam sat in bed staring at the ceiling. He didn’t have to be in to work until one and he was restless. He thought about calling Carmen to check on her, but wasn’t sure it would be a good idea. Someone knocked on his front door, so he shuffled out of bed. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Lily standing there. They’d forged a friendship after meeting at his brother Ryan’s wedding last year. He never quite understood how she’d scored an invite, but he was glad she had.
    Her cheeks were pink from the cold air outside, but she smiled. She looked at his bare chest and pajama bottoms. “I guess you forgot about brunch.”
    Shit. He had. He opened his mouth to apologize.
    â€œWe could do it some other time if you want.”
    â€œNo. I’m sorry. Give me a few minutes to get dressed. It’s just been a busy week.”
    She unwrapped a scarf from around her neck and pulled a knit cap off her head, sending her blond hair floating with static. Running a hand over her head, she asked, “Yeah? What’s going on?”
    â€œI had a funeral to go to. An old friend died. I went out with his daughter last night.”
    Lily’s back stiffened a bit. “Anyone I know?”
    He shook his head. “No, they’re not from around here.” He pointed at his couch. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a minute.”
    The offer didn’t need to be made. Lily had been in his apartment many times over the last year. They’d hit it off at the wedding and stayed in touch. They had similar interests. She worked at her mom’s diner and was considering going back to school to be a chef. They got together to try recipes and he gave her tips.
    They had an easy friendship that he enjoyed away from his hectic job. He dressed quickly and brushed his teeth.
    From the living room Lily called, “Are you ever going to do anything with this room?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” He rolled the sleeves on his shirt to his elbows.
    â€œThe room is pretty stark.”
    â€œThere’s furniture and a TV. What else does it need?”
    She swooped her arm out. “Some sign that it’s your room and not mine or some random stranger’s. There’s no personality.”
    He shrugged. “I spend most of my time in the kitchen. This room does its job.”
    â€œBut it’s not inviting. It doesn’t tell people to sit and relax and stay a while.”
    â€œMaybe I don’t want people to stay.”
    She stood and shoved his shoulder. “You talk tough, but I know you don’t mean it.” Then she reached up and rubbed his beard. “This is new.”
    â€œEvery now and then I let it grow.”
    She wrinkled her nose.