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He was back hours later, a scowl on his face.
I knew better than to ask how it went. I wasn’t surprised, but I had hoped he’d get the answer he wanted from Brooke.
We exchanged grunts more than words as he helped me finish my work. The list wasn’t long but those final touches were the things that took the most time. The basement had to lookjust right.
When we were done, we headed upstairs. I didn’t have any more answers than earlier, but I’d burned off most of my frustration and was just left with exhausted confusion.
“I need another fucking shower.” Adam stripped off his shirt as we walked into the apartment.
It was tempting to offer to join him, but I didn’t want that to be how I knocked loose the thoughts screaming for my attention. I’d risk him using all the hot water before I did that. “You go ahead.”
He studied me, his brow furrowed, then shook his head and walked into the bathroom.
I collapsed on my bed, and that gave my brain permission to assault me. To remind me how much it hurt this morning when Brooke reminded me her family wasn’t mine.My children. Not yours.
Of course it was true, but it hurt regardless. The simple exchange tied to my past. To children I thoughtweremine. To losing a family that never really belonged to me, for the second time in my life.
And what Adam said when we got back… The accusations. The observations.
I want you to admit Brooke is more than just a fuck. ThatIam.
I scrubbed my hand over my barely-there hair.
What did I really want?
If I said the words, if I even thought them…
Was I prepared for the way that would change everything?
* * *
Monday morning didn’t bringany new answers, but at least it brought the distraction of work. There was already a short line of people outside when I got downstairs, and Adam was doing some last-minute straightening.
“You posted the first video.” How had I almost forgotten we were doing a soft grand-opening of the basement today? That and it was President’s Day. More people always showed today, and I’d always thought buying furniture was an odd way to celebrate presidents.
Adam looked at me with his lips pursed, and his nostrils flared when he inhaled. “Of course I did. I told you I would.” His tone wasn’t angry, but it wasn’t kind either.
“Thank you.” I meant it.
We were almost ready to unlock the doors when A loud pounding came from the back of the building. I sprinted back to find out who was hammering on the door, and unlocked it to find Aubrey on the other side.
“Oh.” She let out a soft huff. “It’s you.”
“It’s my place.” I was happy to see her, to talk to her, even if she hadn’t said much. I hadn’t changed my mind about how I felt, but I did want my friend back. “About the other night—”
She held up her index finger, silencing me. “Later. That line in front of your shop is doubling the population of the town.”
“Not quite.” But if things grew over the week, it might by the official grand re-opening on Saturday.
Aubrey almost smiled. “I’m hoping I see the same when Adam’s video with the dresses goes live, so I’m also hoping you can have someone bring the rest of them over if you can spare a body for an hour today.”
“I’ll find a way.”
Dylan shouted my name and I glanced back toward the main floor of the shop. Damn it, I really wanted to make things right with Aubrey.
With Adam.
With Brooke.
