“I know you are,” I returned his smile, noting the sway of waking up versus crashing. I handed him his phone which he shoved in his pocket immediately. “Let me get my bag and we can go. I hope you’re okay if I drive.”
“I’d appreciate it,” he followed me out of the room. “I have no intention of crashing another vehicle again in my lifetime.”
I gathered my things and we made our way to the front of the office. Lennon was still sitting behind reception, typing furiously. They stopped as we came through the doors.
“Hey you two,” they looked up. “Finn, how was your first day?”
“More exciting that most first days, I reckon,” he took my bag from me and then took my hand.
“That’s how we like it around here,” they turned back to their screen. “Hopefully we’ll see you back soon. Don’t keep him locked away in a tower, Alex.”
“Good night, Lennon,” I called instead of answering. We pushed out the doors and took the stairs down to street-level. We reached my car and he took my keys, unlocked my door and opened it for me before taking my bag with him to the other side. I passed his sunglasses over before buckling up and pulling out of the stall. It was all so perfectly domestic.
Finn finally pulled out his phone, swiping through notifications before typing out a message and slipping it back into his pocket. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the headrest.
“Well,” he spoke at length, “Lou knows.”
“Knows…?” I tried to sound casual.
“Told her I didn’t answer because I was with my girlfriend,” he turned his head toward me. “Means my family will know now too. Thanks for taking my phone so I could rest.”
I stopped the smug grin from pulling at my lips. It shouldn’t have mattered since our relationship was all smoke and mirrors, but being picked over his old girlfriend felt good. Being picked at all felt good.
We drove the rest of the way in silence. When we arrived home, Finn showered again while I pulled out the leftover lasagna from the night before and placed it in the oven to warm before going to my room to change into comfortable leggings and a sweatshirt. I pulled out my contacts and set my glasses on my face with relief. We’d survived our first performance. Knocked it out of the park. I padded back to the kitchen and checked the lasagna before pulling it out and dividing it into two pasta bowls. Finn returned in a t-shirt and the same joggers from the day, feet bare and the rest of his hair pulled up off his neck.
“Hungry?” I offered him a bowl.
“Yeah,” he blinked as if the thought had just occurred to him.
“I’m sorry I don’t have beer or anything like that.”
“I don’t drink much these days anyway,” he shrugged. “Interferes with too much with…” He lifted his hand in a motion as if he was adjusting a dial next to his head.
I handed over my bowl as well and filled two glasses with ice water. We moved to the sofa and I turned on the TV, navigating to a movie I’d seen a hundred times, but remained my comfort show. He settled down next to me to watch.
Finn was asleep, blanket draped over him and head on my lap, when Enzo arrived home a few hours later. He came around the front of the couch and grinned at me.
“Successful day?” He whispered, picking up our empty dishes from the ottoman and stacking them together. Always taking care of me.
“Hard day,” I admitted. “He crashed just after lunch.”
Enzo’s face fell. “Is he alright?”
“He’s fine,” I smoothed a protective hand over Finn’s shoulder. “Just exhausted.”
Enzo studied us for a moment, Finn curled against me, my hand resting against him. “This is some very dedicated method acting.”
“I’m a perfectionist,” I said dryly. “Ask anyone.”
“Sister,” his grin turned knowing as he carried the dishes to the sink. “You’re petting him like he’s a beloved cat. And you look more relaxed than I’ve seen you in years.”
My cheeks warmed. “It’s been a long day.”
“Uh-huh,” Enzo’s voice held gentle amusement as he turned down the hall. “Well, whatever’s happening here, it suits you both. I’m going to bed before I start taking photos for blackmail purposes.”
Chapter 15
Golden boy
