“You know you’re the only one who’s ever called me that?” I sniffled, wiping my nose with the back of my hand.
“Doesn’t surprise me. No one else knew about it,” he declared honestly. “So, now you’re smiling…well sort of. Want to tell me what the problem is?”
I looked at Spencer and saw a softness in his face I didn’t recognise. How did I explain to him that I was sitting on the floor, surrounded by the contents of my bag crying because I had nothing to wear? How did I make him understand something like that without sounding like a complete drama queen?
Sensing my hesitation, he prodded, “Well? Come on? Spit it out, Zoe.”
“I-I?Fine. I’ve got nothing to wear,” I sighed dramatically, completely aware of the irony of the situation.
With a smug grin, Spencer chuckled deeply. “I told you I’ve got you sorted.” With a wink he clambered to his feet, taking me with him. When he sat me on my feet the whole room spun. I was surprised to feel light-headed and dizzy. It was a disgusting feeling that brought with it a fresh wave of nausea.
“Steady there,” he hushed under his breath as he helped me onto the bed. Once I was sitting, I watched as he stuffed all my clothes back in the bag, moving like a machine as his large hands grasped my delicates. A deep red embarrassment crept up his face. “Right now, I thought these might help.” He smiled, handing me a pair of overly large sweat pants and sweater.
A funny look must have crossed my face. “Don’t worry, they’re clean.”
“How did you…?”
“Pippi, did you forget who you’re talking to?”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“I’ll just wait outside so you can get dressed,” he offered, rising to his feet and heading to the door.
“Spencer, no!” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. Catching my breath and gulping down the hesitation and bile, I faced Spencer, terrified. “Please…stay.”
