Page 89 of Shattered Melodies

As we climbed the stairs to the second floor, Jimmy’s teasing continued. “So, where’s the secret passage to the attic? Every old house needs a good mystery.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint, but the only mystery up here is how I managed to get that king-sized bed frame up these narrow stairs.”

We reached the guest room, and I pushed open the door with a flourish. “And here we have your luxurious accommodations for the duration of your stay.”

Jimmy stepped inside, his eyebrows rising as he took in the plush bedding, the artfully arranged throw pillows, and the vintage writing desk in the corner.

“Well, well, well,” he said, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Look who’s gone all Martha Stewart on us. I half expect to find chocolate mints on the pillow and a fruit basket on the nightstand.”

I snorted. “Don’t push your luck. The mint on the pillow costs extra.”

Jimmy flopped onto the bed, spreading his arms wide. “I could get used to this. You sure you want me to leave? I make an excellent permanent house guest.”

“And I’m sure you’d make an excellent freeloader,” I retorted, grabbing a throw pillow and tossing it at his head. “But I think I’ll pass.”

Jimmy caught the pillow deftly, propping himself up on his elbows. “Your loss. So, what’s next on the renovation agenda? A rooftop jacuzzi? A basement bowling alley?”

I leaned against the door frame, crossing my arms. “Actually, I was thinking about tackling the back porch next. Maybe add a nice deck, perfect for those summer barbecues.”

“Ooh, getting ambitious, are we?” Jimmy waggled his eyebrows. “Planning on hosting some wild parties? Or maybe just some intimate gatherings with a certain ruggedly handsome neighbor?”

I felt my cheeks heat up, but I kept my voice steady. “The only wild party I’m planning is the one where I put you to work sanding and staining that deck.”

Jimmy groaned dramatically, falling back onto the bed. “Manual labor? I thought this was supposed to be a vacation.”

“Consider it payment for room and board,” I said, unable to keep the grin off my face.

A sudden movement caught my eye. Peanut, who had been curled up on the couch, had apparently decided that she wanted to be part of the action.

With a soft meow and a graceful leap, she landed on the bed, her little paws sinking into the plush comforter.

“Well, hello there,” Jimmy cooed, immediately smitten. He reached out to scratch behind her ears, and Peanut arched into his touch, purring like a little motor.

I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth bloom in my chest at the sight of my two favorite beings getting along so well.

But then Jimmy’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he looked up at me. His eyes zeroed in on my face, taking in the bruises and the split lip that I had been trying so hard to ignore.

“Are you finally going to tell me what happened to your face?”

I sighed, feeling a familiar wave of shame and frustration wash over me. I didn’t want to talk about it, didn’t want to relive the humiliation and the anger of the previous night. But knowing Jimmy, he wouldn’t stop until he gets some answers.

“I got into a fight at the bar last night,” I admitted, my voice rough and reluctant. “Some assholes were running their mouths, saying some shit that I just couldn’t let slide.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened, his expression a mix of worry and exasperation. “Jesus, Liam. You can’t just go around picking fights with every bigot who looks at you sideways.”

I shrugged, feeling a flare of defensiveness. “I know, I know. But sometimes… sometimes it’s just too much, you know? The hate, the ignorance, the small-minded bullshit that people spew without even thinking twice.”

He sighed, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. “I get it, Liam. I do. But you have to be careful, okay? You’re not invincible, and getting your ass kicked in some dive bar isn’t going to change anyone’s mind.”

I knew he was right, knew that I had been reckless and stupid and so goddamn angry that I hadn’t been thinking straight.

But I was tired. Tired of always having to be the bigger person, tired of turning the other cheek and pretending like the words and the slurs and the hatred didn’t cut me to the bone.

“I’ll try,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll try to be more careful, to pick my battles. But I can’t promise that I won’t ever snap again, Jimmy. I’m only human, and sometimes… sometimes it’s just too much.”

He nodded, his expression softening with understanding. “I know, Liam. And I’m not asking you to be perfect, to never make a mistake or lose your cool. I’m just asking you to be smart, to think before you act.”

I took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension drain out of my shoulders. “Okay,” I said, managing a small, crooked smile. “I’ll do my best.”

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