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"What are you talking about?" I eventually ask.
Without missing a beat, Aaron cups my cheek, looking at the now fading mark. It just looks like a slightly pink flushed cheek, the outline of the hand now vanished.
"You got hurt. I feel terrible. You completely missed the high-five then took off while I was getting the ice pack. I had no idea where you had gone. You're starting to worry me lately. I know you've been really stressed about upcoming classes and money. I think you need to look at those therapy sessions like we discussed."
My lips part and I take a step back. "I'm… I'm staying with some friends for a few days. I'm just here to get some things."
Aaron doesn't say anything. He holds my gaze with a blank face, before slowly looking behind me to Beau. I wait for the explosion, or an accusation, but instead he nods before giving Beau a warm smile.
"You must be the one who brought Addie home the other night when she went out and had a little too much to drink. Thank you so much for looking out for her. I would have been there myself, but I had an event on and didn't realize she would be drinking."
What the fudge is he going on about? I'm so taken aback by his calm composure and smooth words. He's making me out to sound like a psycho or someone who's in the midst of a nervous breakdown.
I jump slightly when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look back, following the arm until I meet Beau's eyes.
"Grab your things, Addie. I'll wait here with Aaron," he says in a monotone, low voice.
Nodding, I throw a quick glance at Aaron before moving past him, heading for the bedroom. I grab a backpack and start putting some clothes and toiletries in, before grabbing my cell phone charger. I avoid their stares as I head into the kitchen, grabbing the envelope with the rent check and my financial journal.
Swinging my bag onto my back, I pick up my stack of college textbooks from the table and look at Beau. "I'm ready."
He nods, holding the door open and gesturing for me to follow him.
As I step past Aaron, he gently grabs my arm, stopping me.
"Addie, I'm really worried. Call me if you need me, okay? I can help you get past this. I love you."
"Oh… okay," I reply, looking down as I step out into the corridor.
Aaron stands at the door, watching the two of us with a caring, worried glance as we wait for the elevator. I look away as we step into the elevator, not brave enough to look at Beau either when the doors close.
As the elevator starts to descend, Beau lets out a low whistle.
"That guy is the biggest, gaslighting, narcissistic asshole I've ever met."
WestepbackintoBeau's apartment, the smell of food hitting me instantly. My mouth salivates at the smell of cooking onion and garlic, and Chase gives me a small wave from the kitchen.
"Do you eat spaghetti Bolognese? I hope so because that's what we're cooking!"
"Sounds good," I mumble quietly, holding onto my bag awkwardly.
Beau reaches for it, taking it from me. "Here. I'll put your stuff down next to the tv."
"How was it?" Jax asks, emerging down the hallway. He's dressed only in a pair of black sweatpants, his brown hair damp.
I resist the urge to gawk shamefully wide-eyed at his bare chest, turning away as I help set my stuff down on the floor.
"It was fine," I answer, before Beau interjects.
"Yeah, that guy is a dirtbag. I don't like him."
Chase walks through to the living room, holding out a spoon. "Try this. You aren't allergic to anything, are you?"
I shake my head. "No," I reply before grabbing the spoon and popping it into my mouth. Spices erupt on my tongue, the tangy taste of tomato alighting my senses. "Oh, that's really good. Much nicer than what I can do. You're really talented."
He waves me off with a grin. "Aw, you're too kind. My Mom taught me. Old family recipe."
"It's really good," I nod. "Can I help with anything?"
