“Do you know if other donors have requested information from your family?” I finished shaving and quickly wiped away the remnants of shaving gel before I glanced at Happy’s reflection in the mirror. “Out, please.”
“Can’t I just turn my back? If you let me stay, I won’t watch you and Holden the first time you have sex, I swear.” Happy’s pout was cute.
“I’m not having sex with your brother, Holly, but if you don’t peek, I won’t make you leave. Anyway, do you know about other donors? Why didn’t you reach out to any ofthem? Why did you pick me?” I dropped my lounge pants into my hamper and stepped into the shower, pulling the curtain closed to get on with my morning.
“They were able to harvest five of my organs. You got my heart, and a woman in Atlanta got my liver. A man in Poughkeepsie got one of my lungs—the other was punctured—and a man and a woman in New York City each got a kidney. They let me pick who I wanted to reach out to, and I chose you because you were so sweet. It took a little time for my petition to make it to the powers that be, but it was approved once it hit Her desk.”Happy examined her nails before grinning at me.
“Her?”I seriously didn’t want to go into my thoughts on a Deity. I figured it was a personal thing and most folks had different ideas about it.
“Call Them what you want. I prefer Her.”She shrugged.
“Okay. Does every spirit get to pick someone?” I still wasn’t convinced I hadn’t had a nervous breakdown, but if I was having a mental health emergency, it was better to ride it out, or so I determined.
“To haunt? Nah. Just special circumstances. I checked the organ donor box on my license, so I got to have a special treat for not being selfish. I want you to be my brother’s special treat for pushing Mom and Dad to donate. All the donors except you have requested more personal information. I got to meet one of them when he passed away, ironically from a car accident. His name was Nicolaus, and he was fifty-six when he died. He thanked me—I guess for dying before him. Anyway, he was sweet.”
I finished my shower and grabbed a towel. “Okay, can you at least turn around and face the wall so I can get out? I’m going to get dressed. Which dog park are Holden and Oscar going to? How suspicious will it look if I show up there?”
When I opened the door, I was shocked to see Kyle resting against the wall opposite the bathroom. “Good morning.” I smiled, though he was looking at me as if I’d lost my mind.
“You, uh, you okay, buddy?” Kyle’s gaze didn’t leave mine.
I chuckled. “Yeah. I’m just getting out of here for the day so the two of you can have your sex-a-thon. I told Brooke I’d be back this afternoon, and I want all naughty bits covered, please. I’ve started looking for an apartment and I’m hoping to be out by the end of January. If you know anyone who’s looking for a roommate, send them my way, please.”
As I walked by, Kyle grabbed my bicep to stop me. “You don’t have to move yet, Avery. We haven’t even set a date for the wedding.”
“Yeah, but if I’ve gotta suffer through anymore of your sexual gymnastics, I’ll gouge out my eardrums. There is absolutely nothing about the two of you that have any compassion for those of us who aren’t having sex.”
Kyle laughed as he let go of my arm. “Aves, you need to fix that shit. There’s no reason you’re not getting all the action you want.”
It was nice to hear he thought I had it that way. I wished to fuck it was so. “That’s not happening. Anyway, I’ll be out of here in a few minutes.”
Kyle nodded and walked toward the kitchen as the smoke alarm went off. I laughed because Brooke was living up to her reputation as a terrible cook. I hoped Kyle lived through her cooking exploits in the years to come.
I hurried into my room to change, not at all surprised to see Happy resting against the headboard of my bed. “Ignore the smoke alarm. Brooke isn’t a cook and refuses to admit it.”
Happy laughed.“At least she tries. Anyway, go to Cedars Dog Park. You’ll need to take a ride share and take some treats. It’s not that far. Say you were going to the gourmet market on Springs Avenue. It’s one of Holden’s favorites.”
I quickly dressed, my back to Happy. She’d already seen my asshole. What the hell did I have to hide anymore?
Springs Avenue was a bustling neighborhood at nine on a Sunday morning. When the driver let me out in front of Pup and Perk, a canine-welcoming coffee shop, I stepped out, tipped the man, and went inside.
I remembered Holden liked black coffee, so I ordered one for him and a cup of whipped cream for Ossie. I got myself a mocha latte and headed down the street to the dog park.
I saw a lot of friendly people with adorable dogs, but when I set eyes on Holden Rose, my breath hitched. He was wearing baggy jeans, boots, and a tan Carhart coat as he squatted to pet Ossie and release the leash. I was surprised to see the pooch in tan snow boots and a puffy jacket as he trotted around Holden, so happy to be with his dad.
I approached the two of them and grinned. “Hello, guys. How about a little treat?”
Holding out the tray to Holden, I saw the surprise on his face. “How’d you know I’d be here? Is there something I can do for you?”
God, he was too sweet to be real. “I saw the two of you here when I walked by a few minutes ago, and I went to get us some treats. May I sit?”
“Please.”
The grin on Holden’s face erased any other words I wanted to say. I wanted to kiss him, but that would have been inappropriate and might have gotten me a punch in the jaw. Instead, I sat next to him on a cold wooden bench. I held out the whipped cream paper cup to Oscar, who lapped at it like it was the best thing he’d ever tasted.
“What brings you here? You don’t live nearby.” Holden sipped his coffee and stared at me, obviously waiting for an answer.
I inhaled a big breath and slowly released it. “Happy told me to come to this neighborhood. I’ve been to the Springs Avenuemarket before and since my roommate is likely going to poison us again, I thought I’d pick up something safe to eat.”
