Page 37 of The Persistence of Thornes
“Believe me,” I say, keeping my tone light, “you could.”
“If I ever have one,” she adds, passing me another dish. “The house needs a lot of updates, and a dishwasher falls pretty close to the end of my list of priorities.”
I’ve officially lost it. Because all I want to do right now isdrive over to the nearest home improvement store and buy a dishwasher for Halle.
She already has too much going on. She shouldn’t have to worry about washing dishes too.
But I can’t imagine she’d take it well if I made a purchase like that for her. “I’m sure you will one day,” I remind myself. “You’re young. You have time.”
She snorts. “I’m twenty-three going on a hundred and three at this point.”
I frown at her comment. I could tell from the moment she tried to blow off my offer to help her move in that she hasn’t had an easy life, and every time we’re together, the weary set of her shoulders silently urges me to take some of that weight from her so she can stand up straighter.
The thought is usually followed by my mother’s voice, telling me that I’ve always wanted to fix everything and everyone.
It’s not a compliment when she says it.
But it’s true. I like helping people. If I have the power to ease another’s burdens, then why wouldn’t I?
But in this case, I absolutely cannot buy Halle a dishwasher.
I’m certain my pretty neighbor would never speak to me again if I tried.
“You’ve always had to take care of yourself, haven’t you?” I close the dishwasher and press the start button.
Casen and Quinn are gone already. They went straight home after dinner so they could play video games, much to Seda’s dismay. She dragged herself upstairs after theirdeparture, sulking the whole way, to take a shower and read in bed.
With a sigh, Halle leans back against the counter, crossing her arms.
Of their own accord, my eyes drop to the swell of her breasts. I catch myself quickly, forcing my gaze up, finding her watching me wearing a hint of a smile.
“Yeah, I have,” she says, letting me get away with checking her out. “There’s one person in the world I can rely on, and it’s me.”
Her words are like a stab to the heart. The pain, though, is quickly followed by the desire tobesomeone for her.
I don’t make the vow to her, but in that moment, I make it to myself.
Halle might think the only person she can count on is herself, but I’ll prove to her that she can count on me too.
CHAPTER 10
HALLE
For three weeks, I’ve answered emails and scheduled meetings for Caleb. I’ve filed documents and set up depositions. And so far, it’s been fairly smooth sailing. Certainly better than my coffee shop experience. I still haven’t been brave enough to go back there to even order a drink.
Still sleepy, I pour coffee into my mug, then add the syrup I made yesterday. I’m not sure the brown sugar concoction will be life-changing like the recipe promised, but it smells good. I add a little creamer and stir, then take a tentativesip.
Pretty good.
Certainly better than anything I made at the coffee shop.
I blame the fancy machines. They’re far more complicated than any kind of equipment has the right to be.
Caleb is working from home today, so now that I know the syrup isn’t half bad, I pour a cup of coffee for him too.
“Boys,” I call out. “I’m headed over to work. Be good. Call me if you need anything, and sandwiches are in the fridge.”
On the couch, Quinn tips his head back and hollers, “See you.”
