He shrugged, strolling into the workshop. “I slept in.”
That wasn’t really an answer. I pushed up my glasses and followed him in.“Well, if you need soup–”
“I’ll be fine.” He slumped into his chair and raised his eyebrows. “Aren’t you going to ask how last night went?”
I squirmed farther into my fleece. “We don’t need to talk about it.”
He propped his chin up, his tone steeped in sarcasm. “Aren’t you curious how she liked the island?”
God, he knew. He knew all about my accidental voyeurism. “Okay, fine,” I slapped my sides. “I saw her reaction.”
“How much of it?” he rasped, his gaze boring into me.
My insides knotted. “It was an accident. I only stayed on to make sure the island didn’t error out, then I couldn’t think of a graceful way to exit without her noticing. The last thing I heard was her asking if you saw yourself as part of her fantasy.”
He narrowed his foggy, bloodshot eyes. “So, you didn’t stay long enough to hear my answer?”
I shook my head. Should I have stayed?
His lip twitched up. “You’re a real weirdo sometimes.”
“I know.” I wished it’d come in handy, for once. “I’m sorry for the timing of what I said about your relationship. Maybe I should’ve let you do more of the island so she could’ve seen more of you in it.” He was bound to make it happier, if not technically correct.
He snorted and picked up his phone. “I doubt it would’ve made a difference. I just wish we’d realized we weren’t right for each other before I took her to Cake Warehouse. Now, that place is ruined for me.”
I propped myself up opposite him. “Maybe we could go together. You, me, and Ash,” I said.
“Right.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I need to catch up on some stuff.”
“Okay.” I pushed up my glasses. He wanted me to leave. No more talking.
Nearby, Turkey Tom regarded us with blank, hopeful interest. If anyone could make Sal feel better, it’d be him. I fluffed the plush and placed him next to the register. “I will just leave this here, then. He should still be loaded up with hugs from yesterday if you need one.” I flashed him an apologetic smile. “Is it weird I hope you don’t sell him?”
Chuckling without humor, he shook his head. Probably because that was pathetic.
“But if you did sell him, because that’s your business, I’d find a new comfort. A new friend,” I said.
He furrowed his brow at me, his eyes flashing with confusion and disbelief.
Oh, god. He probably thought I was talking about how he should get over Janice. I squeezed my eyes shut. Minor malfunction. Rebooted. “Anyway, I hope you feel better soon.” On my way out, I waved like a total nerd.
“Thanks, slugger,” he said, sounding ten percent closer to his normal self.
Even if I technically hadn’t hurt him, I still wanted to help. I eyed the faint imperfection on the glass at True Tech. What would be his metaphorical toothpaste to repair his scuffed heart and ego?
I poked my tongue against my teeth, analyzing his moods and laughter in my memories.
Soon, he’d smile again. And I hoped it’d be because of me.
16
Wingman
The problem with building a whole fantasy island was that it was too big to ignore when it all came crashing down. Since I helped build it, I had to repurpose it.
That night, I played Craft Cove to gather resources. We had options.
