“He’s got everything he needs. And the only thing that’ll heal that leg is time.”
“Right.” She nodded. When he went to turn around again, she felt desperate to keep talking to him. To keep looking at him. To keep breathing the same air. “So what about you? Is there anything I can do for you?”
God, you’re an idiot. And you sound as desperate as you feel.
He lifted an eyebrow. “What exactly is it you’re offerin’?”
She felt her cheeks flame red. “Well, notthat.You made it clear we wouldn’t be doingthatanymore. I just feel like maybe we got off on the wrong foot once we ended things, and I feel like if we just?—”
“People feel things all the time that are inconvenient. It sucks. But it happens.”
Blood rushed to her head. The roar of her heart in her ears was enough to give her a headache. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re tellin’ me how ya feel like we got off on the wrong foot. And I’m tellin’ ya that I’m not sure what the right one would be.” When all she could do was shake her head and blink at him, he sighed. “Look, I’m dog-tired. And I’m not sure why we’re standin’ here havin’ this conversation.”
“Because standing here in awkward silence would be worse?” she offered, trying to lighten the mood.
It didn’t work.
“This is worse than awkward silence. This is an awkward conversation.”
“I’m just trying to show I care, Fish.”
“Stop trying, Eliza.” She swallowed when he used her full name. He hadn’t done that since she’d told him she liked it when he called herLiza. “It just makes it worse.”
Tears threatened. But only for a second. Because she reminded herself he was being a dick and she didn’t deserve it.
Squaring her shoulders, she snarled, “Do you have a heart in your chest or is there just an empty space where you keep your wallet?”
Instead of answering, he asked a question of his own. “Are we done here?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, her hands curling into fists so tight her nails bit into her palms. “We’re done. Because you might not currently be the biggest asshat in the world, but you better hope the guy who is doesn’t die.”
Instead of coming back with a quick quip, he simply headed for the stairs.
She shot his broad back a venomous look. But when she saw Becky walking over to her—she had to have overhead everything—Eliza was careful to wipe her face clean and offer a smile.
“You’re right,” Becky said from the side of her mouth once Fisher disappeared onto the second floor. “Heisbeing an asshat. I hope you’re not letting it get to you. I know you…have feelings for him.”
Eliza’s shoulders drooped. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to anyone with eyes,” Becky affirmed unhelpfully.
“Well, damn it.”Like, seriously, DAMNIT!
“But don’t worry.” Becky nodded decisively. “You’ll get over it.” She pulled a Dum Dum from the front pocket of her overalls. “You’re beautiful and kind and smart, and there’s plenty of fish in the sea.”
Eliza would’velovedto share Becky’s optimism, but… “Yeah. There’s lots of toxic trash too.”
Becky winced. “So what say we go crack open some beers and enjoy your Italian spread? Did you make that yummy garlic bread I like so much?”
“I did.” Eliza nodded. “But don’t you and Boss need to pick up your girls?”
“Nope.” Becky shook her head. “They’re having a sleepover at Aunt Michelle and Uncle Snake’s house. We try to take turns one weekend a month looking after each other’s kids, so we get some adult alone time.”
Boss came bounding down the stairs then. He didn’t hesitate to pull his wife into his arms and smile down at her. “I missed you.”
“You were only gone two hours.”
