My had spins and Seth curses under his breath.
“So… what happens next?” I ask the question, but I definitely don’t want to hear the answer.
“Well, to start, we’ve gotta get a certified electrical contractor out to take a look at your entire first-floor system.”
Yep, definitely didn’t want that answer.
“Then, once the fixes are made, and the report’s submitted to the city, I can clear you. Provided we don’t need a permit revision.”
Great…
“For now, I’m going to place a temporary hold on work in this area, but if anyone eventhinksabout touching the wiring on this floor, I’ll shut you down so fast your head will spin. Understood?”
I take a deep breath. “Understood.”
He nods, then steps away to write something up, and I turn away, feeling overwhelmed in so many ways. When I feel tears pooling in my eyes, I do all I can to blot them away, muttering a half-silent “Fuck” under my breath.
I’m trying to work through it without making a scene, but when Seth glances toward me, I know I’m caught.
He places a hand on the back of my arm but keeps it discreet as Jake returns.
“Here you go.”
I wipe my eyes, forcing yetanothersmile as I’m handed a clipboard.
“Sign here, please, and one of these copies will be for your records.”
I sign, then accept my portion of the document. “Thank you.”
“I attached my card to the top if you need to reach out with any questions.”
“Thank you,” I say again, because I’m completely shellshocked.
“No problem. Once you reach out, I’ll be in touch within forty-eight hours.”
With that, Jake’s out of my life. For now, anyway.
“You good?” Seth asks, gripping my elbow to turn me toward him, but I’m losing my shit.
“Just… give me a moment. I’ve gotta get some air.”
I turn to leave, and Seth’s right on my heals. I burst out through the front doors, and he’s right there, not missing a beat. I stop on the sidewalk and just… breathe.
“I know this seems bad, but—”
“It’s… It’s not even justthis.It’s every-fucking-thing.”
Seth places a hand on my back, and I’m trying to get my thoughts together.
“It’s, literally, been one thing after another,” I admit, but don’t dare elaborate. Talking to him about my marriage isn’t happening.
Seth takes a step closer, and I close my eyes. Then, before I know what’s coming, he pulls me into a tight hug. I’m instantly uncomfortable, trying to decide how to end it without being rude, so I settle for not hugging him back. Hopefully, he gets the hint and lets go.
When he releases me half a second later, I’m grateful that it worked, and he doesn’t seem to notice that was intentional on my part.
“So, full disclosure. I… recently started following Pandora,” he admits.
I nod and breathe deep. “Which means you know everything.”
