Slowly, I made my way off the couch, which I had apparently fallen asleep on a few hours ago.
“Because she asked me to be,” Sawyer huffed. “She hasn’t been sleeping much the last week. What are you doing?”
“I’m making breakfast. She has been eating, right?”
“Yes, I’ve been eating,” I said, my voice sleep filled as I shuffled around the corner.
“Scarlett,” Zevon smiled, dropping the mixing spoon into the bowl of whatever he was making before walking towards me. He looked the same, just with a little longer hair. His blue eyes were bright as they took me in from head to toe.
I didn’t have a chance to say anything before he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tight against his chest. He pressed his lips to the top of my head, keeping them there for a moment before shifting so his cheek was resting on my head instead.
“I missed you,” he whispered. “You have no clue how much.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked against his chest.
My arms were slow to wrap around him, unsure. My chest grew warm at having him here and tears clouded my vision.
“I needed a break, so Collin told me to come see you,” he answered, pulling back. “And so, here I am. I hope you don’t mind. I know you told Peyton to make sure everyone left you alone.”
“You two are cute,” Sawyer said.
“Don’t you dare get any ideas,” I huffed as Zevon’s hands dropped from me. “We’re just friends.”
“Sure ya are,” Sawyer sang.
“We really are,” Zevon echoed, going back to making breakfast. “Go, sit. Food will be done shortly.”
He didn’t need to tell me twice. I collapsed on the nearest chair at the table. It took all the energy I had to just keep my head up.
“Did you really sleep any?” Sawyer asked, sitting much more gently down next to me.
“A little,” I sighed out. “And yes, I’ll talk to Dr. Mayes on Monday when I see her.”
“You better.”
I couldn’t go on like this. The gummies weren’t helping; sure, the one for sleep helped me fall asleep—but only for about an hour before I’d wake up in sweat and tears.
“So, Sawyer, what do you do?” Zevon asked as the toaster popped.
“I work at a vitamin store, but I don’t normally stay in one spot for too long.”
“You seemed to make yourself pretty comfortable in this apartment.”
“Chill it,” I hissed.
“It’s fine,” Sawyer said towards me. “I live next door, actually. And I just haven’t found a spot I like to stay at longer than a few weeks. I’m finding that I like this place more and more each day.”
I gave her a small smile, understanding her reasoning.
“I’ve found peace with what I’ve gone through, thanks to a few good friends. I’m not leaving them just to go find my next adventure. I should be the one questioningyourmotives, though.”
“Sawyer,” I said, trying to keep my voice stern. “He’s fine to be here.”
“You may be fine with it, but I’m not.”
“Are you sure there’s not more going on between you two?” Zevon asked, raising a brow.
“Pretty sure there, lover boy,” Sawyer laughed. “But why haven’t I heard much about you? I don’t think I’ve heard much of anyone in Scarlett’s life, now that I think of it.”
