“And I guess I should call my boss and let her know I won’t be in today…or ever again come to think of it.”
He cleared his throat roughly. “Sounds good. We’re glad to have you.”
I nodded then gave him another small smile before walking away.
I felt so much more optimistic than I had this morning. I had a place to stay. A new job that would pay me more than taxes took out. Things were starting to look up.
The only downside was that it was all coming from the same place—Dylan.
That thought filled me with so many conflicting emotions, I couldn’t even begin to untangle them.
I was too damned tired to try.
* * *
When I tiptoed down the hallway a few hours later, everything was quiet.
Once I stepped into the living room, I realized why. Dylan was asleep on his couch. The remote rested on his chest. He looked so peaceful and normal.
The tv was muted but a 49ers game played on the screen. I wasn’t big on football. Or any sports, really. But then, growing up with my grandma, we didn’t watch any sports or go to any games. I think I went to maybe three high school football games and that was mostly just to be seen. I’d never understood the rules or even cared to learn.
I shifted my weight. I was hungry, but it felt weird to go through his fridge without permission. We hadn’t talked about rules, so I didn’t know if it was okay. And I didn’t have a car, so I couldn’t go to the store myself. I didn’t know the neighborhood and didn’t know what was within walking distance, if anything.
I guess I wasn’tthathungry.
I’d turned to go back to my room when the door behind me ripped open, and a woman’s voice said, “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t—”
“Hey, Maddie.” Dylan’s voice was froggy with sleep. “Sorry, I fell asleep there for a second.”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” The brunette in the doorway waved her hand. “I didn’t know you had a new girl.”
“She’s not my girl,” Dylan protested at the same time as I piped up with, “I’m not his.”
Dylan’s eyes slammed into me, and he frowned before shaking his head. Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair. “This is Indy. Indy, this is my best friend, Maddie.”
I gave her an awkward wave.
Maddie’s gaze ping ponged between me and Dylan. “Okay. I’m confused. So you’re not together…”
I shook my head furiously.
Her eyebrows went up. “Okay. Uh, it’s nice to meet you, Indy.” She turned to face Dylan. “I just need to grab the rest of my things. I’m officially moving in with Nathan.”
“I thought you already moved in with him. I haven’t seen you around here in…I can’t remember when.”
“That was unofficial. But he just asked me, so I’m gonna grab the rest of my stuff and get out of your hair.”
“I don’t know what if anything you still have here, but have at it.” Dylan waved a hand. “Still can’t believe you’re shacking up with that asshole. I thought you had better taste, Mads. I really did.”
She rolled her eyes as she walked over to the end table and pushed a few things around. Picking up a book, she turned and looked around the room. “You’re just jealous. And as the last standing Burns Brother, you know you have big shoes to fill. The network is gonna want you to play up the whole bachelor thing.”
“Eh, I’m not worried.” Dylan’s eyes were locked on the still silent tv screen.
Maddie’s eyes darted to me, and I knew she wanted to know what the heck I was doing here but didn’t want to be rude. I just gave her a half smile and headed into the kitchen so I’d be out of her way.
“Can I make you a sandwich, Dylan?” I asked, trying to be helpful.
“Shit, you’re probably starving, aren’t you, kid? Sorry.” He jumped up off the couch and bounded into the kitchen.
