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“Why? What makes you think there is something to worry about?” I hated the fact that I couldn’t control myself, my voice rising. I also hated that he was there, seeing me the way that I was. I didn’t even want to imagine what he saw when he looked at me. Was I as manic looking as my mother was? Did I look as crazy?
Seth reached out and cupped my face, his touch gentle. I tried to jerk away, but he only stepped with me, not giving me the distance I tried to fight for. Once I stopped, his thumb wiped underneath my eye. He pulled away and showed me his thumb, where there was a streak of black.
Damn. My eyeliner. I definitely looked like a crazy clown then. After the way Lindie pulled my hair, I doubted it was nice and tamed either.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Seth said in a low voice. “I wish you would, but I know I can’t force it. I want you to know that I’m here though and I’m an excellent listener.”
I gave him a weak smile that ended up coming off as more of a grimace. “It was a long day,” I said. I glanced up and down the street, noting that none of the others were around. “Come in?”
His eyes widened in surprise before he nodded and followed me inside. I went into the kitchen, got two glasses, and filled them with cold water. Seth didn’t say anything as he took his, taking a sip before putting it on the counter.
I took in a long, drawn-out drink before sighing and tapping at the counter.
Seth didn’t say anything, choosing to wait me out. Probably the best. I didn’t know what to say to him.
“Today I sang about my dad,” I said.
“Toby sent me the video.”
I snorted. Of course he did. “Yeah, well. Then you don’t really need me to say it. He left when I was ten and I haven’t seen him since.”
“And he was the one who supported your music, right.”
“Yeah. He’s a songwriter himself. Well more of a hobby. He made most of his money with photography. But still, he was good. I’d say better than I am at the whole thing. It was devastating when he left, but I never blamed him. Not really. At least I don’t think I have. Lindie had been having an affair at the time. When it all came to light, he left.” I tried to shrug it off and instead found myself blinking furiously as the need to cry bubbled up again.
“Cadence,” Seth said in a soft voice. “I can’t say I understand that. I have both my parents. I call them a couple times a week. The idea of not being able to no longer do that gives me nightmares. I’m sorry he did that to you.”
“Right,” I whispered. I blew out a breath, funnily enough feeling a bit lighter. All day it had felt like someone was grabbing my lungs and holding on to them so I couldn’t draw in a full breath. Talking to Seth made that feeling disappear. “I’m sorry, it’s been an emotional day for me.”
“You know, being alone might not be the best for you. Come over. Have dinner with me. We can have a quiet night. We don’t need to do any serious talking. Just sit there, pig out on food, and watch some movies. Or play some games. Up to you.”
“You really want to?” I asked.
“I really do. I don’t like the idea of you alone right now. You need someone at your side. Come over. Relax.”
I mulled that over before giving him a genuine smile. It felt tired, but it was real. Being by myself didn’t sit well with me either. I’d get too lost in my head, and today was not a good day to do that, not with everything that had happened.
“All right.” I wiped my face. “Let me clean up and I’ll come over. What’s for dinner?”
“Taco night?”
“Only if you do the double deckers.”
“Soft shell in a hard shell, right?”
I chuckled. “Exactly.”
Seth grinned. “The only way to have a real taco night. As soon as you’re ready, come over. I’ll start cooking.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“Of course. That’s what friends do. We harass each other and insert ourselves into the other’s life until they cave and let us in freely.”
Laughing, I walked Seth to the front door and watched him jog back over to his house before closing the door. I rested my back against the wall and giggled. How did he so easily change my mood?
I grimaced as I went to my bedroom and took some painkillers and then changed. Okay, maybe the day wasn’t going to be a complete disaster.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
