Chapter 13
Chapter
Thirteen
West
Serena seems more subdued today and I can’t tell what’s bothering her. She was quiet as we loaded up my SUV and then she ran over to tell Rudy and Gemma where she was going. I said goodbye to them too, thanking them for their hospitality last night.
Now we’re slowly heading for my house and she’s still not saying much.
“Everything all right?” I ask. “You seem quiet.”
“Just thinking about my car, wondering if it’s even where we left it.”
“I’m willing to bet no one towed it with the condition the roads have been in.”
“I didn’t think to leave a note.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll head out there this afternoon to check things out.”
“I’m worried about everything,” she admits. “The car situation is going to be a problem if I need a new engine or something.”
“I can help—” I begin but she cuts me off.
“You’re sweet but I’m not taking money from you. We’ve gotten…close, the last few days, but not close enough where I’d take money.”
“What about an interest-free loan?” I ask, trying to keep my eyes on the road.
“An interest-free loan is a lot better than the twenty-four percent I pay on my card, but I still don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“I thought we agreed I’d be your person,” I say quietly.
“Yes, but that’s friendship. Knowing I have someone I can count on.
I’m not the type of woman who wants handouts.
I make a decent living. I’ve just had some unexpected expenses the last year…
new brakes and struts for the car. I had two sinus infections that I had to go to urgent care for because I couldn’t get a regular appointment with my doctor during the week, and a few other things I had to charge.
It adds up and takes forever to pay off. ”
“Which is why I’ll lend you the money so you can pay it back a little at a time.”
She’s quiet for a long time, and while I’m sure the situation with her car is stressful, it’s existed this whole time and she didn’t seem overly worried about it until just now.
Is she embarrassed about last night?
I can’t figure out why she would be since we fooled around the night before too.
Last night was different, though. A lot more intimate. She blew my mind before Joey interrupted.
Maybe we need to talk about it.
The last thing I want is for her to feel used. Or worse, that I somehow took advantage of her since we were essentially stuck together. I’d like to think I’ve been respectful but maybe it’s been wishful thinking on my part?
Fuck.
“You sure you’re okay, Serena?”
She hesitates. “Do you know what conference blues are?”
I frown. “I think I can guess but why don’t you tell me.”
“Well, you go to an event, whether it’s a conference or an expo, something that lasts several days.
And for those days you’re completely immersed in whatever it is.
The people, the subject matter, etc. Then it’s over and when you leave, you miss it.
The fun you had. The people you met. It’s sometimes called post-conference blues. ”
Now it’s starting to make sense.
She doesn’t want to say it but she’s sad that our time together is over for the most part.
And the truth is, no matter how much I tell myself nothing serious can come of this, I’m a little bummed too.
“I know,” I say gently. “I’m torn between how relaxing this has been for me and the itch to get back to hockey.”
“That’s the difference—I’m not torn at all.
Despite not being able to shower or cook real food, I’m not itching to get back to my regular life.
I don’t mind working, but the car thing is stressful.
And it’s not just about the cost of repairs.
My bigger worry is that it might be better to just buy a new car.
I was hoping to hold out until Joey goes to kindergarten, because once I don’t have to pay for daycare, there will be money in the budget for a car payment. ”
I hesitate.
Offering to help makes her uncomfortable so I need to frame this in a way that doesn’t feel like charity.
I respect her desire not to take advantage of me, but it’s hard not to want to help considering how wealthy I am.
Not only did I sign a thirty-million-dollar contract to come to Atlanta, I’ve been smart with my investments so I have a hefty portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets.
It doesn’t seem prudent to mention how much money I have, so I keep it simple. “Look, everyone needs help sometimes. My mom and I struggled until she met my dad, so I know exactly what you’re going through and I’m lucky enough to be in a position to help. That’s all.”
“I know. I just—”
“How about we finish this conversation later?” I interrupt. “After we’ve showered, eaten, and gotten Joey settled? Then we can focus.”
“Deal.”
It also gives me time to think about what to do next.
Joey is beyond excited when we pull up to my house. I have a relatively big yard and he immediately starts to dance around, slipping on the ice but laughing happily.
“I forgot how much energy little kids have,” I murmur. “He’s been so good the last two days.”
“I explained we were having a bad storm, and that we have company. I don’t know how much he truly understands, but he understood that he couldn’t complain too much.”
“He’s a good kid.” I turn to Joey. “Come on, sport—are you hungry?”
“I like it out here!” he yells, running through the slushy yard. Some of it is ice, some of it snow, and some of it just wet, but he doesn’t seem to care.
“Joey!” Serena calls, but he’s having too much fun.
“Let him play,” I tell her. “He’s got a coat on. He’ll be fine for a few minutes.”
“He even put on his boots,” she says, chuckling. “Yeah, it can’t hurt to let him burn off some energy.”
“Exactly.”
“Joey, stay where I can see you!” she calls as we get everything out of the back of my SUV.
Joey nods, running across the ice a lot more gracefully than I would have at his age.
“You’re back!” Bodi comes outside through the garage. “Need help?”
“Here.” I toss the garbage bag of laundry at him.
“Bodi, this is Serena…” I stop because I don’t know her last name.
How did I never think about asking? I really have to be a lot more cognizant of what’s happening between us, even if it doesn’t go anywhere.
I never want her to feel like an afterthought.
“Serena Everhart.” She holds out her hand and Bodi shakes it.
“Bodi Michener.” He smiles.
“That’s Joey over there,” she says. “He’s been cooped up in the house for more than forty-eight hours. I think he’s about to burst with excitement.”
“You stay out here with Joey, and I’ll help get your stuff inside,” Bodi says.
“Thank you.”
West and I lug everything into the kitchen, and Bodi glances at me. “She’s pretty. And she looks familiar.”
I chuckle. “Do you remember a show called Dusty Peaks?”
“Of course.” His eyes widen. “Wait a minute—that’s Marissa! Holy shit, didn’t you find her stranded on the side of the road?”
“I did, but let’s not talk about that now.”
“West, you’re home!” Lindy comes into the room and launches herself at me, hugging my legs tightly.
“Hey, kiddo.” I ruffle her hair. “Did you miss me?”
“I did!” She gazes up at me happily.
“You’re going to meet some friends of mine now, Serena and her son, Joey.”
“Is he seven like me?” she asks excitedly.
“No, he’s only three. But maybe you can help show him around the house? He’s still little.”
“Okay!” She bobs her head excitedly.
“You’re back.” Jayne smiles as I pass her in the kitchen.
“Hey, Jayne. My friend Serena is going to be staying here a few days. Until the power comes back on at her place. You okay with that?”
“Of course.” She nods with her usual friendly smile. “Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.”
“I appreciate that.”
I carry Serena’s suitcase and my duffel up the stairs to my room. Bodi follows with the bag of laundry.
“Are they staying here while we’re gone?” he asks.
“Yeah, power’s still out at her place and it’s tough not being able to shower or cook.”
“It’ll be good for Jayne and Lindy to not be alone.” He leans against the door frame with a smirk and I arch a brow.
“What?” I ask, putting my hands on my hips.
“Anything you want to share?”
Fuck no.
“Nope.” I brush past him and head for the stairs.
The last thing I want to do right now is attempt to explain whatever it is that’s happening between us. That’s something I can’t unpack just yet.
“I may need your help getting her car situated,” I call over my shoulder instead. “We left it on the highway, and I don’t even know if it’s still there or if we can have it towed or what.”
Bodi follows me amiably. “Sure. Whatever you need.”
We walk back outside and find Jayne and Serena chatting in the garage, watching Joey, who’s still playing in what’s left of the snow and ice.
“You want to go look for your car?” I ask Serena. “Or would you rather get a shower first.”
Her eyes narrow slightly. “Is that a serious question?”
I laugh. “Come on. Let’s get you settled in the bathroom.”
“It’s been three days,” Serena stage whispers to Jayne. “I’m desperate.”
“You go ahead,” Jayne says amiably. “I’ll keep an eye on Joey.”
“Are you sure?” Serena hesitates.
Jayne waves a hand. “Please. Go. I can’t even imagine three days without a shower. And he’s having so much fun. Enjoy.”
“I could kiss you!” Serena says, grinning.
“Or, you know, you could kiss me,” I say, laughing.
She leans up and presses her lips to mine.