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I’d made crepes for breakfast—one thing I could do, and do well, was cook—and had left a plate for him.
When he crept down the stairs I stood from where I’d been sitting at the kitchen table. I clasped my hands together and kept my head down as he entered the room.
“What are you doing?” he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.
My head quickly snapped up, and my hands fell to my sides when I realized what I’d done.
I’d acted as if he was Blaise.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, taking a seat once more. “I made some extra breakfast if you want some.” I pointed at the Saran-Wrap-covered plate.
He glanced at it, and his lips thinned into a line. He removed the Saran Wrap and picked up the plate so he could sniff it.
“Uh…” I started. “I didn’t poison it, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
He eyed me over the plate but said nothing. I wasn’t surprised; I got the impression he was a guy of few words.
He grabbed a fork from the drawer and bumped it closed with his hip. He took a bite, chewed, and tilted his head to the side to study me.
“It’s good.”
I don’t know why, but I did an internal victory dance at his admission. He set the plate on the counter, and continued to eat but didn’t speak. I slid off the bar stool and started to leave when he cleared his throat.
I glanced at him over my shoulder and saw in his eyes that he wanted me to wait, so I turned around to face him fully. He crossed his arms over his chest, pulling his gray t-shirt taut across his body.
“Ollie sent me a text to let you know he and Talia will be by to pick you up this evening once they’re off from work.”
“Do you know what for?” I asked softly, half-afrai
d the sound of my voice might anger him.
“I think he’s trying to get a job lined up for you. Not really sure.” He shrugged and lifted his hand to rub at the back of his head. The gesture made his shirt ride up, exposing his smooth, muscled stomach. I quickly diverted my gaze to the ground, but his chuckle let me know he’d caught me.
“Cool,” I said awkwardly, edging toward the doorway.
He wasn’t paying attention to me, though. His attention was focused on the food, and I knew I’d been dismissed that time.
I was used to being pushed away, so his coldness didn’t bother me.
But maybe it should have.
***
I tried to make myself look halfway decent if Ollie and Talia were going to take me around to apply for jobs, but it was futile. Hopefully I could pull off the “fresh-faced” look, but I didn’t think anyone would buy that thanks to the dark circles under my eyes.
I changed into the clothes Talia had given me the morning before Liam showed up. It was a pair of white shorts and a flowered blousy-type top. It wasn’t really job interview material, but it was better than my jeans and hoodie.
A knock sounded on the bedroom door, and a second later Talia poked her head inside.
“Hey.” She smiled brightly, and I silently envied her carefree happiness. “Are you ready?”
I nodded my head.
“Good. I think we’ve already secured the job for you, but Darren wanted to meet you first.”
“Thanks for this.” I motioned to the outfit I wore.
“It looks good on you.” She smiled reassuringly, and I knew she understood how hard it was for me to accept help. She eased the door closed quietly, and in a hushed tone, asked, “How’s it going with Liam?”
