Page 39 of Love in Pieces

“That’s okay. I’ll just stack them on the floor against the wall. They’ll be fine like that.”

“Oh no. A collection like this deserves its own space. They’d get damaged sitting on the floor. Why don’t we go shopping for some stuff for you? Anything you need. I’m buying.” In an instant, she pauses halfway up the staircase to our floor and turns around, eyes and brows drawn together. “What?” I ask.

“Why?” is all she asks, moving her feet forward again.

I can’t help but let my eyes wander, secretly glad I’m behind her. “Why what?”

“Why would you buy someone you’ve known for less than a week anything they want?”

The question throws me off. “Well, I want you to feel comfortable in your own room. You deserve a place to feel safe and somewhere to retreat to when you need to be alone. I want you to have that. Plus, I’m not going to let you sleep on the floor or live out of suitcases.”

The bag she was carrying lands at her feet outside our door. “But I can’t pay rent. God, I didn’t even ask about rent. I only have a small on-campus job. I just got a raise, but it still doesn’t pay much. I could probably get the cafeteria job back. I’m sure Randy would hire me back on, but he might not if —”

“Abby,” I cut in, stopping her rambling, her hands pausing mid-air. “Forget about rent. Logan and I have been paying rent by ourselves without any issues for months. You’re okay. Okay? I want to do this. For you.”

She drops her hands and takes a long breath. “Are you sure? Because I can find another job.”

“I’m sure. But I’ll also support you if you choose to get a job again.” We finally enter the spare bedroom, Abby’s room now, and I release the weight of the suitcase full of books with an exaggerated sigh.

“Wimp,” she jokes, smiling brightly.

I feign offence. “What if I secretly have super strength?” I flex my arms as a joke but something restless flickers past Abby’s eyes. Her gaze doesn't linger long enough for me to identify what it might have been.

She pokes me in the stomach making me grunt with laugh.

I shake my head, rolling my eyes simultaneously. “I’m free on Thursday after finals are done if you want to go shopping. I don’t work that day, so we’d have plenty of time.”

“Oh, I uh,” she hesitates, seeming to choose her words wisely. “Meredith’s birthday is that day and we already made plans. Maybe this weekend, though, since graduation is on Friday? She graduates Friday, too.”

“That sounds fun. Let’s plan for this weekend then. What are you two going to do for her birthday?”

She starts folding her clothes as if trying to avoid eye contact. I watch her carefully as she slowly folds a band tee neatly on the floor. “Um, just hanging out in her dorm.” She smiles quickly before disappearing into the small closet.

I have no reason to believe she’s lying to me, but I can’t help but wonder what she’s being so reserved about. “Cool. Well, you’re always welcome to have people over here. This is your place now, too.” Rather than pushing for more answers, I leave the conversation at that.

***

When an extra shiftopens at work on Thursday, I jump at the opportunity since everyone’s busy. Being the last day of classes, there is guaranteed to be a lot of people in the bar. I can already see the drunken tips flowing in.

“Aubrey, we need more straws over here. Can you cover my side until I’m back? I’ll be quick,” I yell over the live band playing on stage.

“I got you!” she yells back, shifting to the middle of the bar.

When I return with a handful of straws and some extra lemons and limes, Aubrey nods, motioning that she’s going back to her station.

I wonder what Abby and Meredith are up to right now. There’s only so much you can do in a dorm room, especially if you’re celebrating a birthday.

Right now cue, Logan bellies up to the bar and asks, “Dude, what’s Abby doing here?”

I blink. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. “What?” I ask, certain I heard him wrong.

“Abby’s here with a friend. I thought she was only twenty. I mean, I can’t say I never used a fake ID, but I’m just checking.” He waves at Aubrey with a smile, but it fades into a frown when he turns back to me. “Dude, what’s wrong?”

I ignore his crime admission and scan the room frantically. “Where?” is all I can muster.

“I saw her next to the stage. She seems pretty drunk.” He points toward the stage where Abby and Meredith dance freely, both raising drinks over their heads. “Can I get another beer?” he asks, clearly not grasping the extent of my concern.

I pour his beer while keeping my eyes on Abby. She should not be here. A quick scan of the room for any of the guys that I forced to move tables last weekend, or Shane, and more specifically Sam, even though he’s not due back for another week and a half, eases my mind a bit when I don’t spot them. “Will you try to keep an eye on her for me? I close tonight.”

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