“I’m aware. Then what did you do? You’re conjuring up visuals for them and me that nobody needs.”
“And you should be at our house, eating the breakfast I cooked you. But you’re here, after sneaking out so the way you smell right now is more on you than on me.”
“What does that even mean? And… I didn’t sneak. I just walked straight out. Because as far as I’m concerned, there was no reason for me to continue to be in your house. They’re saying it didn’t rain. Did I imagine that?”
“Nope. Maybe Fate rained on just us so we’d go to my house and you’d see that’s where you’re supposed to be. Maybe you smell like me because that’s what you’re supposed to smell like.”
“Maybe you’re delulu.”
Frustration hits his eyes before he smiles again. And this is a different smile, the one without dimples, and it feels dangerous.
I ignore the strange, unwelcome thrill his new smile gives me and raise my palm in his face, declaring, “I’m done talking to you.” I walk toward my car.
Jase follows. “You’re goin’ to my folks?”
I get in and lock the door without answering him. I press my palm on the horn. Stacy rushes outside, hurrying to the passenger side.
“Bailey.” Jase knocks on my window.
I give him the finger and I’m backing out of my driveway while Stacy buckles up.
But seriously though… this smell is fucking with me. I should’ve showered instead of rushing away like this. Whatever he did, I refuse to admit that it doesn’t smell gross or vile. Despite that, I’m still fuming mad about it.
***
We drove to Drowsy Hollow first so she could pick up some flowers for Sherry and get coffees from my favorite coffee shop. Sometime in the next couple months the trip won’t need to be so long as Erica will be opening her garden center just a short drive outside the village and there will be a little café and housewares plus clothing shop in it.
The coffee hits the spot, but my barista friend Nadia remarked that I smell amazing and Stacy giggled.
The side quest also bought some time so I could call Val and ask if we can pop by after Sherry didn’t answer Stacy’s call or text. Val was all for the idea when I called and told me I don’t ever need to call first since I’m family now.Argh.
“I don’t knowhowhe marked me,” I say to Stacy as we pass the four corners. “But it probably doesn’t take a rocket scientist to guess.”
“Nope, probably not. Maybe he… ejaculated on you while you were asleep,” Stacy whispers.
“If he did … that’s just… it’s just…”
“Hot?” she asks.
I shoot her a glare before returning my eyes to the road.
I catch her smile from my periphery.
“Stop,” I mutter.
“I know you’re avoiding your emotions where all this is concerned, like your mom said. I won’t pressure you to talk about it because I can relate to knowing you can’t overthink your situation for fear of falling apart, but…”
“But?”
“But when you’re ready or if it happens before you’re ready and you need to talk it out, vent about it, whatever… I’m here. Day or night.”
“Thank you,” I say, and I’m sincere about it. “Even though I know you’d be thrilled if I forgave him and jumped into his arms.”
“I’m not going to deny it. I want you to have your happy ending.”
I grind my teeth.
Goodness knows when I’ll be ready to tackle all these emotions, but I do know that at least I’ve got plenty of friends who will be here for me when that time comes.