Page 61 of Desserts for Stressed People

I put my phone away and push my chin up. It’s coming from him. His ungratefulness, his lies.“I don’t think it’s out of line for me to suggest you speak with your own mother.”

His mouth opens, and when no sound comes out, I storm to the bedroom and grab my computer from my work bag, ignoring his quick steps after me.

“This is about that guy, isn’t it?”

I scoff. “Are you asking me if I’m refusing to remindyourmother about the documentyouneed foryourtaxes because I have a crush on my boss?”

Letting out a gigantic sigh, he passes a hand over his face. “I’m asking if you have a crush on him.”

“And what if I do?” I ask, aware this is the most we’ve talked in a long time. Especially about our feelings.

“If you do, then—well, stop it.”

With a bitter chuckle, I march out of the bedroom and into the home office.

“Do you?” he asks as he still follows me.

I drop the computer on my desk and connect it to the plug. I’m not sure why I’m picking a fight with him. I know this isn’t what I’m supposed to do. But I can’t take it any longer. I’ve been back for a few hours, and I feel completely trapped. I’m restless, unhappy—to be honest, I’m just done. “Maybe I do.”

Silence settles in the room—the only noise is the tip-tapping of my fingers on the keyboard. I don’t look at him. I can’t. Right now, I need to be office-me. Work-me. I can’t deal with both Shane asking me on a date, then immediately finding out about Alex combined with a breakup.

“Okay, listen.” He clasps his hands and moves them onto his lips. “You have a crush on some guy. It’s fine. We’ve been together a long time, and it’s okay to have crushes as long as you don’t act on it.”

I study his face, trying to remember something about it I like, but there’s nothing. I don’t know what’s worse. His disinterest in my crush or the fact that he’s such a hypocrite. “You’re right. Acting on it would be a mistake,” I agree.

He swallows. “Just stay away from him. It’ll pass.”

My hands ball up in fists, and although it feels like my voice will crack, I need to get the words out. They’re bubbling out of my lips, thick and dense like hot lava as they move up my throat. “Alex, I know that you’ve been—”

“Sorry,” he says as he takes out his phone, ringing in his pocket. His head drops forward, then he shows me the screen. “My boss. Hold that thought.”

I blink a handful of times, and as soon as he’s gone from the room, I slump into my chair, once again defeated.

Chapter16

Nevaeh Strikes Again

Sunday is a long day.Though I guess most people actually think it never lasts long enough. Soon, it’s Monday again and we’re all back to work. I agree with the concept, in theory. Except that I don’t want to stay home today, and the office is where I’ll see Shane. God, do I need to see him. This Sunday sucks.

Since he left my apartment yesterday, I’ve sent him fifteen work-related emails. He usually answers immediately—weekend or not—but that wasn’t the case yesterday. I’m guessing it won’t be today either.

Alex, on the other hand, went out last night. I guess when Nevaeh didn’t answer, he went to bark up another tree. And since this morning, he’s been at his dad’s house. Or so he said.

Not that I truly care. All I can think about is Shane. Getting Shane to speak to me, getting him to forgive me. Getting him to look at me as he did at dinner last week.

Rubbing a finger over my temple, I focus on the email I’m sending him.

From:Heaven Wilson ([email protected])

To:Shane Hassholm ([email protected])

I’ve spoken with the construction company. The catwalk will be ready by Wednesday. Let me know you got this email.

Heaven Wilson

Junior project manager at IMP

He won’t answer. He’s furious, and he has every right to be. Except that he didn’t let me explain, and once I do, everything will be much, much better. At least, I hope so.

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