And my cat was hopefully going to be found.
It seemed like maybe things we’re starting to look up.
Alden
“I’m sorry, but did you just say a stranger—a woman to be precise—will be living with you?” Misty questioned derisively.
I had to admit, it wasn’t exactly a normal thing to do, taking in someone you barely knew. But I also knew it was the right thing to do. Sophia had been through a lot and had absolutely no one to rely on. I didn’t entirely blame Misty for her reaction, yet it somehow still angered me that she couldn’t just trust me.
We’d been on and off for the last five years, loosely dating or hooking up during the times we were on. When we were off, we barely spoke to each other. In all honesty, I wasn’t even sure either of us would ever actually end up together on a permanent basis. Misty had a tendency to show enormous amounts of jealousy, which usually was unwarranted and would put an end to our ‘on again.’ If I was being honest, the girl had some screws loose. Her being a knock out who could whisper pretty words when I was lonely was probably the only reason I kept going back. She was a wild girl with auburn hair, tan skin, and a body that would make a nun jealous. And when that crazy kicked in, being with her physically almost overruled it. She and I had fun together.
But at the same time, I was content with not being in a serious relationship with her or anyone else. Work took up too much of my time to give my all to someone the way they deserved. But I had decided to at least try it with Misty. I knew she felt more for me than just the occasional fuck buddy, so I owed it to us both to give it a chance.
Which was why, currently, Misty and I were together again. We’d been trying the exclusive dating thing for the last three months, the longest period for us thus far. And ithadbeen going well.
Until now.
Once again, we were back to the same issue. Jealousy. But Sophia wasn’t someone I was trying to get with or choose over Misty. I just wanted to help her out, and Misty needed to understand that.
“Look, she’s an old friend of the family,” I informed her. “We’re all she’s got, and her brother is our oldest friend. We can’t say no. It wouldn’t be right.” I stood firm, arms crossed, as I faced her.
Misty tapped her long nails on her kitchen counter, her face contorted in anger. “I don’t like it. Doesn’t my opinion matter to you? I thought this was actually going somewhere this time.”
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Yes, your opinion matters, and we’ve been great. But it doesn’t change the fact we already agreed, and Porter should’ve already picked her up from the hospital by now.”
Misty’s mouth fell open. “Seriously? You waited untilafterto tell me? What the hell, Alden?!”
This was going justgreat.I couldn’t keep doing this with her—going around and around again with her jealousy and temper. What was a relationship without trust?
“I knew you’d react like this no matter when I told you. I care about you, Misty, but if you can’t just trust me, then this whole ‘attempting to date legitimately’ thing has no point.”
Her green eyes lasered in on me, most likely gauging how serious I was. She had to know that this was it. If she couldn’t accept this was who I was, then we were done.
Finally, her face softened and she blew out a breath of air. “Fine. I’ll do my best to just trust that all you’re doing is helping her.”
I relaxed, knowing how hard it was for her to say that and seeing the sincerity in her eyes. “Thank you.” I leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. My phone chimed. I pulled it out and saw a text from Porter with a list of things for Sophia he needed me to get. It was pretty short, making me question if he’d just guessed what she needed or if she really didn’t want much of anything.
“Listen, I gotta get going. Porter needs me to pick up some stuff. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay.” Misty pulled me in for a quick kiss. “Don’t forget.”
I grinned and stepped away. “I won’t. Just relax and maybe come by and meet her. You’ll see that everything will be fine.”
“Maybe,” she replied, before waving me off.
I left her place still feeling a bit anxious. It wasn’t like her to concede so easily. Then again, maybe she was actively trying to make this work. I just hoped it would last. If not, then I guess she just wasn’t it for me.
I called Porter while at the store grabbing Sophia’s things, and he confirmed she really had asked for next to nothing but the basics. Whether she really only needed these things or was just being polite, I wasn’t sure. So I did my best to find the best of each item.
I ended up getting some rose smelling shampoo and conditioner, two different types of body washes that I liked the scents of, a brush, toothbrush, razors, and finally enough clothes that could last her a week or more without having to wash in between. I stuck with loose fitting but comfortable sweatpants and some shorts, some simple solid color shirts that were extra soft, a few pairs of pajamas, and plenty of casual underwear and bras. It was wholly tempting to buy her things that were a bit more scandalous, knowing damn well she’d rock the hell out of them. But that wouldn’t blow over well with her. Or Misty for that matter.
It probably looked strange having this big, tattooed guy buying all this girl shit, but I’d had plenty of experience with my cousins’ shopping.
Misty never appreciated my capability in finding stuff that looked good for her, so I hoped Sophia at least would. I had no shame placing everything onto the checkout counter and forking over the money for it. This was how I contributed, and I felt like I did good.
My nerves began to fire as I parked in the driveway of the house, knowing she was in there. Seeing her in the fire had really done a number on all of us. It was one thing when it was an absolute stranger. Another thing entirely when it was someone you knew.
Porter had texted a few times stating that she didn’t really remember us from childhood and that she seemed pretty nervous herself to be here. I needed to make sure I didn’t let her see my own nerves at the situation. Yes, I’d convinced Misty it was the right thing to do. But what if this went wrong? What would Sophia do if she decided she didn’t want to stay?
