Finn closes his eyes.
“Do you need to go to a meeting?”
He exhales sharply, and when I think he’s about to deny it, he nods.
“Okay,” I say. “Then we’ll go together.”
“What?” he sniffles
“We’ll all go together. Skye can get some fresh air. I want to be there to support you.”
Finn flicks his eyes between mine slowly. “Okay.”
I decided notto go to university today. I wanted to watch Skye for a little longer and make sure Finn was okay. At the meeting yesterday, it was the first time I’d ever seen what they do. Finn didn’t say much, but we listened to everyone’s stories, and every so often, I’d see him glance over at me and Skye before sucking in a breath.
Whatever he’s battling right now mentally, he’s not in a good place, and I need to do something before he spirals, but at the same time, I don’t know what to do when he won’t let me in.
I spent the morning searching the internet for answers. They weren’t things I didn’t already know, but a few new things I could definitely try.
“You didn’t need to stay in with me today,” Finn says as he emerges from the bathroom.
My shoulders rise. “It’s been a stressful few days. I think spending it as a family is wise.”
He walks to the kitchen before offering me a cup of tea, which I gladly accept. My phone rings from the coffee table, and I reachover to find Alfie’s name on the screen. I stare until the call stops, but it starts again two seconds later.
“Who’s that?” Finn asks as he places my mug on the table.
I clear my throat and look up at him. “Alfie.”
Finn frowns, and I don’t miss the slash of jealousy over his expression. “Why is he calling you?”
“We’re partners on this project, and it’s probably because I didn’t turn up today.”
For a moment, Finn’s skin pales until he forces himself to sit down. It rings and rings until I want to throw it out the window.
I press my thumb to the green button and raise it to my ear. “Jesus Christ,” I murmur. “You don’t need to call like an obsessed ex.”
“Where were you today?”
“Busy.”
“Busy? This is our project, Maya. I needed you there.”
I blow out a breath. If he actually thought we’d get along after our conversation the other day, then he has another thing coming.
“We’ll work on it separately.”
He releases a sadistic laugh. “Separately? It’s a joint project. Are you that thick, Maya?”
My nostrils flare. “Don’t fucking insult me.”
Finn immediately lowers his mug and shuffles closer to me.
“Then you’ll know how important this is.”
“Well, too bad, my family comes first.”
Alfie barks another laugh. “Oh no…” He trails off. “Did Finn fuck things up again?”
