Page 56 of Unstable

We get to the door and I freeze, no idea what may lay in wait on the other side. Positive I don’t need any surprises.

“Will you open it and see what’s in there first?” My voice shakes with the fear of uncertainty that overpowers any chance of shame in my cowardice.

“Sure.” He kisses the top of my head before I can dodge it, and I step back as he opens it so I can’t see what he might not warn me about fast enough.

“It’s pretty bare, Darlin’. Couple boxes of what looks like paperwork, a file cabinet, and an old, maybe broken, recliner.”

I heave out my relief and have a look for myself. Next to nothing in here. No pictures, no items that trigger any memories. Not even a familiar, lingering scent.

Yes, this could definitely work.

“Wow, Keaton, thanks for thinking of this. I’ll call Merrick tomorrow to see how I get to some of my money to furnish it.” There’s candid excitement in my voice…squashed immediately.

“You don’t have all, and the only, access to your money yet?” he roars, his whole face taking part in his irate glower.

“We talked about this.” I remind him with a hint of sarcasm. “I told you I needed to go sign the papers, and you beat on your chest and demanded that I not go without you. Ringing any bells?”

“I had no idea you literally meant you hadn’t signed anything. Bank accounts should’ve been first thing, would’ve taken five minutes.”

“So I’ll call and take care of it. What’s the problem?”

He nods repeatedly like he’s listening and agreeing, but his eyes are cast across the room, simmering with deep thought. “Okay,” he flips his gaze back to me, “you call him tomorrow and say you’ll be in Monday to sign everything. Make it clear you’re only making one trip, so he needs to have it all ready. Don’t tell him I’m coming with you.”

“Okay.” I feed off his cynicism, mine airing as worried suspicion. “And Monday works for me, yes,” I sass. “Thanks for asking. I have to go into town tomorrow,” I shiver at the thought, “for Bourbon’s new food. And I want to visit Donna. I was thinking of taking her a thank you gift. I might, if I survive those stops, also drop by and pick up a few clothes. I have enough money for that on me, and I didn’t bring very many clothes with me. Kinda sick of doing laundry every other day.”

“See?” He grins and taps a finger to his temple. “I knew all that, which is why I suggested Monday.”

This man.

Infuriating.

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