Page 78 of Pieces of Us
Melonie
Iwake up to bright sunlight coming through my windows. I look at my phone and it’s almost nine thirty. I rarely get to sleep this late, and it was glorious. Sitting up, I stretch my arms above my head. The apartment seems quiet, and I wonder if Linc is here.
I fell asleep last night on the couch waiting for him to get home. I lost the battle around ten thirty. When he walked me to my bedroom, my clock said it was nearly midnight.
And when I hugged him, he smelled like a woman’s perfume that I hadn’t smelled before.
It took me by surprise. I think I’ve become accustomed to Linc not going out unless it’s with me or the group. I haven’t had toworry about other women, haven’t been in a situation in which I sensed someone else getting close. It’s pathetic that I have anxiety about not knowing who Linc was out with last night after the dinner. My stomach clenches at the thought that he could have been out with a woman.
The logical side of my brain says I have absolutely no place to ask questions. Deep down, I don’t think he would welcome the attention of another woman, but maybe that’s the selfish side of me. If I’m so much of a coward that I can’t divulge my feelings, I have no right to question if he met someone.
On the other hand, my heart—it hurts. It’s filled with jealousy.
I swipe a tear from my cheek when there’s a soft knock on the door.
“Mel? Are you up?”
I scramble to compose myself. “Yeah, getting dressed.”
“Alright, breakfast is almost ready.”
“Okay! I’ll be there in a minute.” I try my best to sound cheerful.
“Okay.”
I swing my legs off the bed and head to the bathroom. I splash my face with cold water and fix my hair. I blow out a breath, tugging a sweatshirt over my head.
I walk into the kitchen. “Good morning!”
“Hey, I didn’t wake you up, did I?”
“No, I was up.”
“Good. Breakfast is on the island. Do you want coffee or orange juice?”
“Juice, please.”
“You got it, Mama.” He turns to the fridge and looks back up with a worried expression. “We’re out of juice. Do you want me to run to pick some up?”
I shake my head. “I forgot I finished it last night when I got home. I’ll just take a water. You’re sweet to offer, though.”
He places a bottle of water in front of me, and I pick up my fork. Eggs and toast this morning. I’m only able to eat a couple bites before curiosity gets the better of me. My fork pauses as I turn my head toward him.
“You went out after the dinner?”
He swallows a bite of toast. “Yeah, Barry and I went out with Gwen and Laura.”
“Who are Gwen and Laura?” I wince as I blurt out the question that I need the answer to.
He turns to me and smirks. “Teammates. Gwen started a couple months ago, and Laura is the blonde I tried to fix Marcus up with a while back. Not that it worked.” He points his fork at me. “You have nothing to worry about, Mel.”
“I’m not worried.” I poke at my eggs. “Just making conversation.”
“Mmhmm. Look at me, Mel.” He turns in his seat and pulls my knees between his. He holds my bump with his hands. “I have all the girls in my life that I need right now. Do you understand?”
I nod.
“Use your words, Melonie.”
