I wanted to stop hearing Bryson whine about me not wanting to have sex with him. Or when I would, it wasn’t enough.
I wanted to stop hearing Mom agree with Coach Novak. I wanted her to stop making excuses for how everyone treated me. I wanted her to stop blaming me for being so withdrawn.
I just wanted silence for one fucking second, but I got more than one.
Was it worth it?
I pull my hand away from the door handle that leads to her office. I need to go in there because I need to clean, but like every other time, I can’t bring myself to do it. If she was here, she’d beannoyed. Mad even because I can’t scrounge up the courage to just go in and dust everything off.
For as long as we’ve lived in this house, I’ve never set foot in there. She never allowed me, but now that I have nothing to stop me from going in, I can’t.
Sighing, I turn around and put all the cleaning supplies away. I almost contemplate not eating because I’m lacking the desire to do so, lacking the energy to move, but the reminder that Daniel spent all evening yesterday meal prepping stops me from doing so.
Maybe he knew that’d be the motivation I needed to eat something. It works because I’m grabbing one of the glass containers and popping it in the microwave. Just like I did this morning and during lunchtime.
He made breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for the entire week. They’re all different things too, but for dinner they all consist of salmon, mashed potatoes, and brussels sprouts.
I don’t know how he knew but this just happens to be one of my favorite meals—something I could live off and never get tired of.
Why was I going to skip dinner again?I find myself asking as I pull the drawer where I have the forks and spoons, but the thought leaves me when I spot a pale yellow Post-it note inside.
I hope you enjoy, and I’m so happy you’re here!
With love, Garcia
I was rushing out the door this morning because I struggled to fall asleep last night. So, when I grabbed my breakfast and lunch, I didn’t take a spoon or fork, thinking I’d get one when I got to campus.
Picking up the note, I reread it and even though the microwave is beeping every few seconds, letting me know it’s finished, I don’t move from my spot.
I don’t understand why he continues to do nice things for me, but he does and it makes me feel like shit becauseI see him tooand the only nice thing I could think of doing is giving him my house key. As if that’ll make a difference or change his life.
The last thing he needs is to spend more time with me. I’ll probably make him regret it or drain all of his energy.
When I gave him the key earlier today, he didn’t say much. I shouldn’t have ignored his silence. I should’ve known it was weird to give that to him. Why would he want to spend more time with me when he has his friends, his own house, and?—
The front door opening freezes my thoughts.
I turn at the sound of heavy footsteps and the familiar deep voice that has been consuming my thoughts.
“Honey, I’m home!” Daniel greets and I’m met with the same playful smile when he enters the kitchen. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
I take him in, trying to absorb the fact that he’s not only here but he has a large duffle bag that looks heavy and full.
“What are you doing here?”
His eyes bulge. “Please don’t tell me that I just made a fool out of myself. Were you kidding about the key because I can leave. I—I’m sorry, I didn’t?—”
“No, wait. The key wasn’t a joke.” My thoughts are everywhere and my heart is leaping nervously but…happily. “I just didn’t think you’d come today” or ever.
“Well…” He approaches me but stands on the other side of the island. “I did and unless you don’t want me here, you should get used to seeing myhotface.”
My lips twitch. “Hot face?”
“Hot face. Hot body. Hot everything.” He raises his hands in surrender but stares at me unapologetically with a shit-eating grin on his face. “This really pretty girl said I’m hot and she’s not wrong.”
I roll my lips together to stop myself from smiling. “That girl might’ve been lying to you.”
He shakes his head, his damp hair moving with the movement. “I highly doubt thatreally prettygirl was lying.”
