Chapter 50
Conversation over
Kazimir
Istep inside my bedroom, carrying a tray.
Harley is still curled up in a ball underneath the sheets.
I sigh.
I round the bed.
Sure enough, her eyes are open and she’s staring at the wall, the sparks in her red-rimmed eyes have dimmed to a dull, lifeless shade of green.
I’m at a loss.
I feel so helpless.
Other than not fighting me when I lifted her out of bed, carried her into the bathroom, and soaked in the tub with her, she’s been unresponsive.
I place the tray on the nightstand. “I made your favorite.” I sit on the bed and grab the bowl of mac and cheese. “Your idea of us getting to know each other when we agreed to this fake relationship arrangement came in handy.”
She’s still staring at the wall.
“I burnt the first batch. Turns out you should remain in the kitchen when you have something on the stove.”
Nothing.
“In any case, I think I did a decent job with the second batch of mac and cheese. I made it with sharp white cheddar.” I poke a fork in the noodles. “Why don’t you sit up, and I’ll feed you?”
“I’m not hungry.” Her tone is flat, like it’s been every time she’s been willing to open her mouth.
I drop the bowl and the fork on the tray. “You haven’t eaten since yesterday. I’m worried sick. Should I call the doctor and ask him to come by again?”
She shakes her head.
I caress the top of her head “Talk to me, Goldilocks.”
“It’s Harley.” Her words are like a slap across the face.
I suck in a sharp breath. “All right, Harley, since yesterday, I haven’t been able to pull out more than a handful of words from you.”
She closes her eyes.
If she thinks that’s enough to deter me, she has another think coming. “I already told you, if a member of your family was a victim of a scam, I can help. You don’t have to be ashamed.”
No reaction.
I let out a long breath. “You can’t keep having nightmares every night, crying, yelling, thrashing in bed.
You don’t have to go at this alone. Joe didn’t know who to turn to.
That’s why he kept quiet, too embarrassed to let anyone in.
You have me in your corner. I have your back. Just talk to me. Please.”
She flips around and pulls the sheet over her head.
She might as well have flipped me the middle finger.
Conversation over.
Fuck.