“You read now?”
I scoff. “I’ve always liked to read.”
“That’s what you would always tell me. Yet you never got past the first chapter.”
“Says the guy who wouldn’t give me a moment of silence to read in the first place.”
“I still like to talk a lot; that hasn’t changed.” He smiles bashfully, placing his forearms on his bent knees.
He must see the hesitation in my eyes. “It’s okay if you want me to leave,” he whispers, looking like he wants anything but that. “I looked out the window before going to bed and saw how sad you looked. Say the words, and I’m gone.”
I let my eyes travel along his body. He looks extremely comfortable in his sweatpants and hoodie. How can someone look so good in lounge clothes? I look like a drowned mole rat in a sweat set while he looks like a supermodel who just walked off the runway.
“One thing I know hasn’t changed is the layers you put on to go to bed,” I muse, blowing into my tea.
His dimple that I’ve always adored highlights his cheek, nearly stopping my heart.
“I feel safe from the monster this way.” He shrugs, running his hands through his hair that already looks messy fromsleep. “Not to sound like a stalker or anything, but I saw your headlights when your car pulled in. Party hard?”
I stare at his puzzled face. “If party hard entails sitting at a bar until my friend couldn’t sit up, then I guess.”
He tilts his head, confused.
He’s biting his tongue, wanting to say something, but surely doesn’t want to overstep.
“Had a bad day.” I shrug, rocking the swing back lightly. “My friend wanted to take me out of the house to cheer me up.”
“Want to talk about it?” He taps his fingers against his knee. “Another set of ears is always helpful …” His voice softens and trails off.
It’s late. I should go back inside, but the urge to stay is stronger; that’s what keeps me rooted to my seat.
“I’m having a hard time getting a full-time teaching position. I’ve been trying for what feels like forever. Still nothing though.”
His eyes narrow. “They must be idiots if they don’t see how much potential you hold in that little body of yours.”
It’s my turn to narrow my eyes. “I am not that short.”
“You’re right.” His voice drips with longing. “You are perfect.”
My cheeks heat. “How do you figure? You don’t know me anymore.”
“I know the girl I knew is somewhere in there.” He leans forward, like he’s about to tell me a secret. “It’s my goal to dig her out from under all the hatred.”
Not knowing what to say next has me staying quiet as he continues to inspect me.
“How long have you been searching?”
God, this is so embarrassing. Here I am, spilling the beans to a world-famous rock star, who is definitely making money as we speak while I’m going broke.
“Six months.”
He tilts his head. “In a couple of years, you won’t even remember being jobless. Try not to worry. Everything will work out.”
Not if the bank takes away my home or if aFor Salesign swings in the wind in front of my house.
“It’s not that simple, Elijah.”
His eyes are intense. “Then simplify it for me.”
