Page 59 of Autumn on My Mind

“I contribute basically nothing to this household,” I point out. “Except for my winning smile and stellar personality.”

“But those things are irreplaceable,” he says solemnly, and it has its intended effect—my lips twitch. Then, more serious, he says, “Where are you going?”

“Dad’s shop,” I say. “For now. If I can’t figure out something different, I’ll come back. But a few days of space would be good for me anyway.”

He nods, because he understands. “What are you telling Mom?”

“You and I both know she won’t realize I’ve moved for quite a while,” I say in a would-be neutral voice. “I’ll figure something out by then.”

“You have a key to the shop?”

“Yep.”

“And everything you need?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Sleeping bag?”

“I keep one in my trunk.”

Nathan sighs again, but this one is more real. “Well, come back any time you want. Seriously.”

“I know,” I say, but my feet are already itching to cross the threshold, my grip tight on the door handle. “I will. I’ll keep you updated.”

“Do. And remember I’m leaving town for a few days next week while the festival is going on, so I won’t be here.”

“Oh, that’s right.” I tilt my head, brightening. “To visit your girlfriend? When will you be back?”

“Saturday. Serena doesn’t get much time off work.”

In that case, I bet I could sneak home and sleep in his room while he’s gone⁠—

“Don’t take over my room while I’m gone,” he adds sternly, and I deflate.

“Why not?” I sound more than a little whiny, and I’m not proud of myself.

“Because you’re messy,” he says, narrowing his eyes, “and because you smell like a girl, and I’ll know. I’ll know if you do, okay? Don’t sleep in my bed.”

I glower at him.

“Text me when you get to the shop,” he says as his head droops backward again, his eyes fluttering closed.

“It’s two minutes away,” I say.

“Great. I’ll still be awake. Text me.”

I’m not sure he will still be awake, based on the way his voice is fading, but I agree anyway and then head to my car. A few minutes later I arrive at Berk’s, where I pull around back and park.

My key turns in the lock with a satisfying sound, and I can’t help but smile as I step into the storage room. I lock the door behind me and then carry my bag, pillow, and sleeping bag to my time-honored stretch of carpet over by the wall.

I don’t unpack or even change clothes. I just unroll the sleeping bag, toss the pillow down, and stretch out, feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks. I only barely remember to text Nathan, and five minutes later, I’m fast asleep.

I dream of days gone by, of Dom—and of things I don’t let myself remember.

SIX YEARS AGO || OCTOBER

Having Dominic as my Intro to Engineering TA is getting a little weird.