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“That’s exactly what you’re going through. That’s what I’m talking about. You wake up a stranger in your own skin, and you just keep on going, telling me you don’t need me, telling me how independent you are.Because you are.I wish I was half as brave as you.”
“According to Layana, you two moved away to follow your dream of living in a big city. That sounds brave to me.”
I snorted. “Brave? No, stupid insane is what it was. We both got into the same college. She got her degree in journalism and I got mine in accounting. Right before graduation, she suggested we put our futures on hold and give ourselves one chance to pursue our dreams.” I left out the part about Brent, about how Layana had suggested this whole thing to make me happy. If it was possible, I never wanted to speak of Brent ever. “I always get swept up in her impulses, her enthusiasm, and this time was no different. We hadn’t met our roommates or even seen our apartment before we got here. We didn’t have jobs lined up or anything. And I was terrified about the whole thing. I still kinda am.”
“But you’re here doing it anyway.”
“I guess so. Epiphany is the city of opportunity, right? Everyone comes here with empty pockets and big dreams.” When Tristan didn’t say anything, I shifted in my seat. “Even if you don’t know your past, you didn’t appear with nothing. You had a ratty vest and a nice suit. Since you’re not in the crossing guard field, and that means you’re more likely in construction or something similar, maybe you’re a boss construction guy and that’s why you have the fancy clothes.”
“It’s not a suit without a suit jacket and tie.”
“See, that’s a very fancy boss thing to say.”
He narrowed his brows. “Is it?”
“I think so. Also we know you don’t cook for yourself.” My throat felt tight. “Maybe your wife—”
“I’m not married.”
He kept telling me this like he knew it was his truth. Part of me hoped he was right, but the sane part reminded me that it didn’t matter because I wasn’t interested in him like that anyway.
“Well, construction bosses probably don’t make enough to have a personal chef. Sure, a person could survive off of gas station food. But he wouldn’t look likethis.”I gestured up and down his fit form. “So if you’re reallysureyou’re not married….”
“I’m sure.”
“You most likely live with your mom.”
His gaze dropped. “I’m too old to live with my parents.”
With the parts I could see of his face, and a body like his, he couldn’t have been older than thirty-five. He could just as easily be in his late twenties, only a few years older than me.
“Are you, though? Lots of people hit hard times and move back home. I’d certainly move back in with my dad if I needed to, or if he said he needed me to. I used to help him at the coffee shop.” A pang of guilt made my whole body heavy. I’d helped in Mom’s coffee shop, the one he’d kept running since she’d died. And then I’d left him to do it alone while I went to college. I forced a smile. “Maybe you’re trying to help out and your mom moved in with you. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”
Tristan scowled at his plate. “That doesn’t sound like me.”
“How do you know?”
“I know.”
“How?”
My phone rang. Layana’s name flashed across the screen. It was already quarter after nine, so she probably wanted to know where I was. I sent her a quick text that I wasn’t going to make it to the bar, then returned my focus to Tristan.
He didn’t answer me, probably because he didn’t have an answer.
Nine o’clock didn’t only mean it was time for drinks at Pour Decisions, it also meant replay time for the night’sWheel of Fortune. I’d missed calling to watch at seven thirty with my dad for days. I’d been neglecting him while I dealt with the chaos that had become my life. It was too late to call now, but not too late to catch part of the replay.
“Want to call dinner over and watch some TV?” I asked Tristan.
“Sure.”
We cleaned up and I turned on the TV and took a seat at the side of the bed.
“I used to watchWheel of Fortunewith my dad every night back home. I haven’t had a chance since moving to Epiphany,” I said. “I like to call him and watch together when I can.”
Tristan sat down beside me, the mattress sinking slightly under his weight. I swear it was the angle that made my body instinctively tilt toward his. I overcorrected, scooting an inch farther away. There was a solid foot of space between us, but I could still feel his closeness almost as if our arms were touching, as the show started playing.
“Do you want to call your dad now?” Tristan asked.
