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“There’s coffee in the pot, cups and sugar in the cupboard above it, and milk in the fridge. I didn’t know how you took it or else I would’ve made you a cup.”
I feel my face flush with heat. Has he always been like this and I’m just now noticing it? “Joey, you don’t have to do all of this for me, really. I would’ve been content to have some toast or something.”
“It’s nothing I wasn’t already doing anyway. I just made a little more than I usually do — no big deal.”
“Well, I refuse to be a mooch, so how can I help?” I ask as I busy myself with the coffee pot, finding everything I need exactly where he said it was.
“You can help by sitting your ass down at the table and enjoying your coffee while I finish cooking.” The tone in his voice tells me this is not a request.
“When did you become so bossy?” I smirk as I lean my hip against the counter.
“When the guest in my house insists that I’m doing too much for her and wanting to help, instead of putting her feet up and relaxing.”
“Most people appreciate that sort of thing, ya know.” I let out a small chuckle. “But if you’re really sure that you don’t want help, then I guess I’ll go do some mindless scrolling on my phone.”
I leave out the part about needing to start apartment hunting. I get the feeling that Joey would be offended by that, likely thinking that I want to get out of here as quickly as possible. That’s not the case at all — I’ve been here less than 24 hours and I already feel more at home with him than I ever did with Grant. I just don’t want to be a burden on him, no matter how much he says that I’m not.
I unlock my phone to find numerous texts from Grant — all of which came in after ten p.m. last night.
Grant: Where are you?
Grant: I went to Savannah’s to try to talk some sense into you and she said you weren’t there
Grant: I want to work this out Kelsey Bear
Grant: Please answer me
Grant: I don’t like sleeping in our bed without you next to me
Grant: I’m worried about you Kels. Just please let me know you’re safe
“Ugh!” I exclaim as I drop my phone down on the table. “Stupid fucking dick!”
“Jeez, I’m sorry. I guess I’ll ask you what you want for breakfast next time,” Joey groans sarcastically with a chuckle as he sets our plates down at the table.
“For the record, I would never call you a dick. That’s reserved for assholes who cheat on me and then proceed to blow up my phone all night.” I look down at the plate he set in front of me. There is enough food on here to feed a bear before hibernation. I dig my fork into the pancakes and moan as the first maple syrup-induced bite hits my taste buds. “Oh my God, Joey — this is amazing! These pancakes are so fluffy.”
“I’m glad you like them.” He pauses to take a bite of his food before he continues. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He’s sweet to ask, but I just shake my head. “No… to be honest, I want to forget all about it.”
“Fair enough. For what it’s worth, Kels, you can do way better than that asshole. I know lawyers have a tendency to be charming and say all the right things, but it’s all bullshit. From an outsider’s perspective, that guy only cared about how good you could make him look.”
I can’t help but wonder throughout his little speech whether he was subliminally telling me that I’d find better in him. My sister’s words have been playing on a loop in my head since yesterday. “Thank you, Joey. I’m lucky to have you in my life.”
We sit mostly in silence after that and finish our breakfast. I guess I should say Joey finishes his, while I concede with half of the food still left on my plate. I swear, that man cooked enough food to feed a family of four.
“What’s on your agenda today?” he asks as he starts to clear the dishes from the table.
“Trying to figure out when Grant is not going to be home so I can go get the rest of my things.” Speaking of, I finally take the opportunity to text him back.
Me: Stop calling me Kelsey Bear. I’m not coming back to you Grant, accept it. Let me know when you’re going to be out of the apartment so I can come pack up my stuff.
Grant: Why do I need to be out of the apartment?
Me: Because I don’t want to see you. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be please
Grant: Is there nothing I can say or do to fix this?
