Declan cups a hand around his mouth. “Yo, Ollie! Move that table to the side, will you? It’s going to be a full house.”
Oliver waves in acknowledgement.
With Declan deep in preparation mode, I grab a broom and sweep by the door, needing something to do in between groups of excited customers. The concert is an hour away, yet it’s already buzzing.
I told River and Jordan to keep an eye on things…
The words replay themselves in my head. I grip the handle a little tighter than necessary. I should be grateful Declan hasn’t let me go, but it angers me that I can’t even do my job. Between the pain, the heat, and the constant overstimulation, it’s becoming harder and harder to be here.
And Declan sees it. That’s what he’s saying without having to say it.
“Six days,” I mutter under my breath. Just six days until the damn specialist appointment, and maybe I can find some answers.
There has to be a way to make some of this stop, right? Even without a cure, therehasto be some kind of relief? I can’t keep letting people down like this. Forcing them to make accommodations.
I can’t keep giving up pieces of myself to an illness I have no control over.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, smiling the moment I see Fletcher’s name. I swipe to read his text.
Just finishing up at work. Darren and I will be there soon.
My heart skips a beat. It’s silly how I still get a rush every time I know I’m about to see him—not only joy but relief. I thought it would die off, but it hasn’t. If anything, it’s gotten stronger. Some days it’s all I can do not to count the minutes until I see him. On my worst days, Fletcher makes it all bearable.
I just wish I could give him something back. Do for him what he does for me.
I text him back.See you soon then.
“I’m still not used to seeing that smile on your face.”
I look up to see Ace standing in the doorway, relaxed in khaki shorts and a black t-shirt. His sleek blond hair is swept back and perfect, as always.
“And I’m still not used to you appearing out of thin air.” I pocket my phone. “What are you doing here?”
“Came by to talk to you. Got a minute?”
I really don’t, with how busy it’s getting, but Ace won’t leave until he gets what he wants. So I pull him into the dark corner of the entrance. “What’s up?”
Ace reveals an envelope from his pocket and holds it out to me. “Rent for next month. And, uh—” He hesitates. “If you don’t mind me staying another month after that, I’m good for that too. It’s all there.”
My heart sinks. It’s like a slap to the face. How could I forget about the damn apartment? Fuck. What am I going to do? I haven’t been able to think that far ahead—not when everything is too uncertain. Fletcher never meant for me to be a permanent roommate, and my lease is up in April.
The walls seem to close in again. My lungs tighten.
“Is that a problem?” Ace asks.
I shake it off. “No, I just haven’t thought about it yet. That’s all.” I tuck the envelope into my back pocket. “It’ll work great if you stayed, actually.”
Ace’s smile is immediate. “Had a feeling you’d say that. Things still going good with the hottie?”
“Yeah, they are.”
He claps me on the shoulder, beaming like a proud dad or something. “Good. Glad to hear it. If you need me to stay longer, just say so. I’ll be around a while.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask.
“I got a job.” He sounds eager, and a little smug.
I raise an eyebrow.
