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I’m torn between a promising future and the tormenting shadows of the past.It’s a relentless tug-of-war dance of fear and longing that leaves me standing on the precipice of uncertainty.
ChapterFourteen
Sanford
Greyson’sintense gaze lingers on both of us, filling the space with an electric energy that crackles between us.The air grows heavy with anticipation as silence stretches, a fragile and taut pause, until he finally breaks it.“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to have the last word,” Aerin’s voice is warm honey amid the stillness.“Just ...open your heart.Stop pushing us away because you’ve convinced yourself you’re not deserving of love.You are.And we love you.”
His jaw tightens.“And if I stumble?If I fall?”
“Then we’ll be there to help you stand again as many times as you need,” Aerin responds firmly.
I nod in agreement, my attention shifting to the empty beer bottles scattered on the counter.“Why did you throw them away?”
She flicks a glance at Greyson.“We don’t need alcohol here.And I’ll be checking your medicine cabinets.Cold medicines are off the table, too.”
“Just what kind of doctor are you?”I find myself asking, curiosity getting the better of me.At the same time, Greyson blurts out, “So, you finished your psych degree and pursued a master’s?”
For a moment, Aerin lets the questions hang in the air, creating a suspenseful silence.Her dark brown eyes, so deep they’re almost black, dance between Greyson and me, her gaze thoughtful, steady.The quiet anticipation is palpable, punctuated only by the soft hum of the air conditioning.
“After finishing my undergraduate degree, I decided to delve deeper.”A hint of a smile graces her lips, and her dark eyes glow with a proud light.“I pursued and earned my Ph.D.in Psychology.Now, I’m licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.”
Before Greyson can respond, the front door swings open, and Lang strides in, a sizable yellow envelope clutched in his hand.
“Ring the fucking bell,” Greyson’s voice is a low rumble of irritation.
Aerin just laughs, her amusement sparkling in her eyes.“You have too much faith in Lang.He’ll never change.”
Turning to Lang, I ask, “How can I help you?”
“It’s not what you can do for me but what I’ve done for you.”Lang’s grin only broadens.He empties the envelope, scattering its contents across the kitchen counter.“Here are the keys to the new electric SUV for the Tiny Dancer.The wall charger will be installed tomorrow, but she can stop by my house and get some juice if needed.”
Aerin’s brows furrow, suspicion igniting in her gaze.“Where’s my car?”
My gaze swivels to Greyson, but he simply shrugs.“Why are you looking at me?I never went back to the apartments in New York and ...this is the first time I set foot in this house since the last Christmas we spent here.I’ve no idea what you did with our things.”
I match his shrug.“Sorry, we don’t know what happened to it.I could try to find it, though.”
Lang waves us off, a hint of annoyance flashing across his features.As my manager, this responsibility lies with him.“On it.”
“Here are all the replacements for the cards,” Lang continues.“TPSJ Life Concierge should be here in about twenty minutes.They’re prepared to fast-track the house renovations as requested.”
I gather up credit and debit cards and pass them to Aerin.Grey, she, and I have shared several accounts since she started college.Though she likes her independence, we’ve always made sure that she has access to our assets.I’m glad he contacted TPSJ Life Concierge.They can provide us with almost everything from a new wardrobe to a construction crew and architects.
Since I’m trying to set up everything before I leave for the mission, I ask, “Would you like us to hire a cook?”
She shakes her head.“No, I can manage.Speaking of which, we need to stock up on groceries for dinner.I can’t keep living off restaurant meals.”
Greyson, taking her hand, leads her toward the office.“Let’s make a menu, and then we’ll go.You still have paper and pen, right?”
I feign offense.“I’m not a savage, Grey.”
He throws back his head, his laughter echoing around the room.“Savages.You and your friends are all savages.”
Lang waits until they’ve left before turning to me.“How are things with the three of you?”
I let out a long sigh.“Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that or their questions.I’m confused but hopeful.”
