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"How’s your roommate," he asked with a sneer.
Ignoring his tone, she said, "She’s upset because … your brother-in-law dumped her."
He made a humming sound in his throat. "I’d say I’m sorry to hear that. But …"
"No," she assured him. "There’s no reason for you to lie."
"So, why are you here," he asked softly. "Wanted to make sure Amanda and Jeff were truly over before you encouraged your friend to run after him?"
She braced herself against his ugly tone. "No," she answered. "I came to see how you were doing."
He shifted uncomfortably, glancing away from her. "I’m not the one getting a divorce," he mumbled. "There’s no reason to worry about me."
"But …" She licked her lips and blew out a breath. He looked miserable; she told herself not to give up yet. "You lost a brother," she argued. "I’m sure your sister had been married awhile. Weren’t you even a little close to her husband?"
He glanced at her with a sharp, accusing frown. But a second later, his shoulder slumped and he looked away again.
"Yeah," he finally admitted. "It feels like I lost a brother. I don’t have a huge family as it is, and with him out of it now, a big percent just …" He shook his head. "I know I shouldn’t be that upset. Amanda’s going through so much more than I am. This is her husband, the father of her children. I should be there for her and stay strong, but …"
"It hurts," Mia whispered.
He closed his eyes and hissed out a breath. "Why am I telling you this?" His voice was sharp as he continued.
"Because we connect."
He snorted, opening his gaze to send her a frown. "We connect? I don’t think so. I think it’s more like I
tell you everything and you keep secrets. I even had to hear from your roommate you were suffering from some kind of survivor’s guilt. And I don’t even know who died that was so important to you."
Mia froze. "She … she didn’t tell you who?"
He shook his head.
"Do you want to know?" As soon as the question left her lips, she regretted it. She’d never really told the entire story to anyone before. Piper had explained her situation to people down here. And at home, everyone just knew.
But when Drew whispered, "Yes, I want to know," she shivered, apprehensive.
Swallowing like she was trying to gag down a chicken bone, Mia said, "Can we sit down somewhere for this story?"
"Is it that bad?"
Closing her eyes, she nodded. "Yes." Her voice was hoarse.
He drew near, and she almost sobbed when his fingers lightly touched her arm. "You don’t have to tell me," he assured.
She opened her eyes. "Yes, I think I do."
Nodding, he took her hand. After closing the main door and locking it, he led her through his studio and into a back sitting room with a couch, two chairs, and a flat-screen television. She could immediately tell this was his living space by the relaxed aura. Rugs and more informal pictures decorated the walls, while a pair of shoes lay forgotten on a rug by the couch.
She glanced down and noticed his feet were bare. For some reason, that made her more nervous. This was going to be too intimate, too cozy. She was going to flip out on him and—
"Okay," he said, motioning toward all the cushions she could sit on.
After choosing the couch, she watched him settle into a chair across from her. It was impossible to tell if he just couldn’t stand sitting any closer than that or if he wanted to give her space, but she appreciated the space … and the time as he remained quiet, letting her gather her thoughts.
She blew out a breath. "I’m going to tell you a story," she started. "It’s pretty long and you’ll probably wonder why I’m telling it, but … it all comes back to now. It explains my friendship with Piper, why I am the way I am, and why I’m even bothering to come here today, hoping to get your forgiveness."
Looking baffled but curious, he settled back into his chair, getting comfortable. "I’m listening."
