“What the hell are you doing vacuuming at this hour?”
She dropped her eyes and began putting the cord away.
“It needed it.”
“And I repeat, why the hell are you vacuuming at this hour?”
“It's my house, I can vacuum if I want.”
He wasn't sure why he thought it, but there was something in her tone that told him this was more than just a random act of housekeeping.
“Why not do it during daylight hours?”
She towed the vacuum to the hall with Brad on her heels, and put it away in a cupboard.
“I did. It needed it again.”
“You already vacuumed today?”
She spun on him, eyes flashing, hands on her hips.
“I like to vacuum, so sue me!”
“No you don't, no one does. So why are you doing it?” It was just a shot in the dark, his pushing her for an answer, but he knew he'd hit something when the color in her face drained away, leaving her looking scared.
“I-I don't know why I still do it?”
“Still?”
She shut the cupboard and leaned on it, but her legs folded and she ended up on the floor.
“Brian, he used to make me vacuum two, sometimes three times a day, and I can't seem to break the habit. It's weird.” She looked confused. “I've changed so much, and worked so hard to be the person I want to be, but some things I just can't break away from.”
Brad could honestly say that his hatred for Macy's ex was running a dead heat with what he felt for his father. Dropping to his haunches, he cupped her cheek.
“H-he used to come home and put on his white gloves and run them over surfaces to check for dirt and dust.”
“Jesus.” Brad's felt her pain deep inside.
“I know he can't hurt me anymore, and I know I'm not crazy, so why do I still do this?” She looked up at him, seeking an answer.
“He called you again in the last day or two?”
She shook her head.
She looked so small and vulnerable that Brad was sure his heart just sighed. Not a response he would like when he thought about it later.
“I still have hang-ups from my father, and hate myself for them.”
“That makes me feel better.” She managed a small smile. “Which it shouldn't, because I don't like to think of you hurting, but it does.”
“I forgive you.” He smiled, although inside he wasn’t feeling it. What he was feeling was the need to punch someone, namely his father and her ex.
“I'm sorry, I planned to light some candles and then get out the wine, but I've killed the mood, haven't I?”
“You kidding me? Vacuuming women are a real fantasy of mine.”
This time her smile was wider.
