“Protective to the point of fault. I don’t know if it helps, but I’ve seen it. He doesn’t want me to go out to a bar with friends after work, or if I do, he has to join.”
“So he’s controlling you too.”
“Yes,” he replied. “And I wasn’t thrilled about it, but I thought I could handle it. Then he went so far as to try to ruin things with you and Theo. And when I needed space, he tried to stop me from leaving too.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I didn’t call to make you feel any worse than I do. I’d love to stay your friend, but I completely understand if you’re entirely done with this part of your life. At the very least, I can be your agent and remain professional. I hope we can at least be that.”
“We can be friends, Mitch. Of course we can.”
“Thank God. I ... I don’t think Joey’s an evil person, but he has to get over this need to protect everyone. I told him to talk to someone about it, and I’m staying with my mom right now.”
“You guys broke up?”
“Yes. It can’t go on like this.”
My heart broke for my friend. “It can’t, but for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing.”
“You know, I look up to you a little bit. You were miserable, but you made things happen for yourself. That’s amazing, Piper. I’m so happy for you.”
My eyes shut and a smile made its way onto my face. “That’s ... Thank you, Mitch.”
“No, thankyou. You were more forgiving than I deserve.”
“We were both in a bad position. We did our best.”
“And it’s gonna get better from here.”
“Exactly.” I looked out onto the square of Strawberry Springs. “That’s always my goal.”
THEO
TWO MONTHS LATER
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Wren Hackett:Another month, another project done! This time, I just finished a larger apartment! Perfect for a family!
Comments:
Jade Clark:Love you, but I’m SO glad the noise is done. All of that banging on the other side of the wall ruined my beauty sleep ... Not that I get much of that.
Wren Hackett:All the coffee I bought you made up for it, right?
Jade Clark:Definitely.
Tammy Jane:Will that one stay empty too?
Wren Hackett:There’s already a renter ready for it. We’re getting someone new!
Dale Garrett:And they’re Jade’s neighbor? They better watch out.
Jade Clark:Hey! I’m a lovely neighbor!
“Fuck, oh my God.”
Piper was a mess below me, writhing against my hold as I pinned her down. My hips pressed into her, my cock as deep as it would go.
