“I know. You’ve never once made me feel like you were giving me special treatment or that I was a charity case. I was just upset from the date, and you were being your usual perfect self, and I couldn’t handle it. I was an idiot. Can you please forgive me?”
I hugged her so tightly I thought she might break. “Already forgotten.”
She smiled and snuggled into me more, resting her head on the pillow next to me, close enough I could feel her breath on my chest.
I should have kicked her out. I wasgoingto kick her out, but… it was Daisy, so I pulled her closer to me and kissed the top of her head, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of her relaxed breathing lull me to sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
KAIA
“You packed quite the lunch today.In fact, I’ve noticed you’ve been packing your lunch a lot these days. Am I not paying you enough?” Drea laughed.
“Don’t even get me started on the money, Dre! I’m still coming down from the shock of it all. But yes, I have been packing more frequently. Well, technically…” I lowered my voice, almost embarrassed to admit it. “Daisy’s been making my lunch for me.”
The smirk on her face could’ve stayed hidden and I wouldn’t have been mad about it. I knew I could trust her with my life, but if I didn’t want to be mocked about something, it was best to keep quiet. Why didn’t I?
“Oh really. How very domestic of you two. Have you asked her out yet? Now that you’re living together, it’s probably easier to get in there.”
I groaned. At least once a week, Drea would ask me about Daisy, I’d hide my hurt of having to say no, and we’d move on quickly. “No, Dre. She had a date last night, actually. And I’ve told you a billion times that we are just friends. Just because I have feelings for her doesn’t mean I’m going to act on them. She’s dating, apparently, and I’ve already finalized the sale on my dad’s house so I need to think about finding somewhere else to live.”
“What? Why would you move out? You love each other… just in different ways, but still. Why on earth would you want to move out?”
I groaned. I was well aware of our relationship. I really needed to get it together. Things could go back to normal once I moved out and had some space between us.
“I don’t… whatever. Because eventually, one of these dates won’t end, and she’ll want to move them in. I cannot be there and watch her be with someone else. It was easier when we didn’t live together and we had that space. I’d just hear about them, not see them. Of course I want her to be happy; that’s why it’s best if I move out and give her her independence back.”
She frowned. “I’m sorry, Kai. I’m still rooting for you two. Seeing you together would be like seeing two Snow Whites from different universes fucking in the forest. Too perfect.”
I blushed. That was an image I… was actually okay with. Interesting. “Thanks for that, Dre. Oh, am I still okay to take a long weekend next week?”
“Of course. Where are you and Daisy going?”
“Actually, it’s just me. I’m getting out of town for a few days. I need to be alone and figure things out.”
“Figure things out? Is everything okay? You’re not planning on leaving me are you?”
I laughed. “No. You know I love you and this store. You’re stuck with me, I’m afraid. No, everything’s fine. It’s…” I trailed off, not wanting to say it.
She nodded like she knew. Of course she knew. “Daisy. Got it. Listen, I won’t pry into your life, sweetie. Take some time for yourself, but don’t give up on her. There’s something there, I know it.”
“I appreciate the support, but I’m fine. She’s dating and I need to figure things out and be okay with it. I’m not ready to start dating again right now, but I think some space will be good for us. I’ll come back and everything will be back to normal.”
“Take as much time as you need, Kai. I’m serious. You deserve it. And the Christmas party will be good for you, too. Who knows what’ll happen?” She winked and walked away without another word. She was so cryptic like that, but I just rolled my eyes and finished out my shift.
On my walk home, I thought about my trip. I didn’t know where I was going yet, or what I would do, but I knew I had to go, and I had to tell Daisy sooner rather than later. I knew she wouldn’t care, but I at least wanted her to know in case something happened while I was gone, to either of us.
I didn’t know if I’d go no contact with everyone or not. In theory, I’d like to, but I knew I’d be nervous the whole time. I’d be constantlythinking about what could go wrong while I was away. I could always tell everyone not to call or text me unless it was an actual emergency.
When I got home, my mood brightened when I saw Daisy and Duke lying on the couch, a book in her hand. For a moment, I just watched the two of them, admiring how adorable they were. Duke lying on her lap, Daisy petting him. I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of coming home to the two of them, and my heart couldn’t handle it.
Finally, she looked up and smiled when she noticed me. “How long have you been standing there?”
I shrugged. “Not long. I just walked in the door. Sorry if I scared you.”
She closed her book and sat up. “You didn’t. How was work?”
“Work was pretty good. Thank you for lunch. You didn’t have to do that.”
