Page 22 of Come Back To Me
“Yup. Forgot all about that.”
“Okay, new plan. We’ll eat here and then go costume shopping.”
“What are we, ten? You know I don’t dress up anymore.”
“Maybe you should. The party I’m dragging you to has a costume contest, and all three of us can match. Make it a fun theme.”
“And how does Glen feel about this wonderful idea of yours?”
“He’ll love it once I’m shoving his costume in his hands on Halloween.”
Throwing my head back, I laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll go get dressed. You go on and fix yourself a plate.”
“I can wait, so you don’t have to sit at the table with me watching you eat later.”
I snort. “It’s not like it’ll be the first time.”
“Alright, go change, and maybe rinse off a little. You look like you could use a splash of water or two to wake you up more.”
“Yeah, and maybe three energy drinks.”
“Ah, that’s what I’ll do while I wait. I’ll make coffee.”
“Okay, but don’t go organizing my pantry again. I still can’t find where you moved my Oreos.”
He waves me off, taking himself to the kitchen, and I rush off to my bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, I drop my robe to the floor, and man was he right about my appearance. I look so disheveled and like I’m the one who recently came back from the dead. Brushing my teeth and washing my face doesn’t help me feel more human either. Neither does straightening out my hair or putting on clothes.
I still feel like I’m dragging when I walk back into the kitchen, the savory scent of bacon calling my name.
“There. That’s much better. You look . . . almost like yourself,” he teases, lifting a steaming mug to his mouth. “I made yours with ice, just how you like it.”
“Thanks. It’s really good having you here. It is. I’m sorry if I ever make you feel otherwise.”
He gives me a downturned stare. “It’s okay. I know you’re going through a hard time, and it’s good to get away from the house for a bit while Glen’s working that construction job two hours away.”
“You getting the work-at-home blues again?”
“Yeah.” He looks like he wants to say more but takes another sip of his drink.
“Everything okay at home?” I move around him, fixing my plate and reaching for my drink sitting behind him.
“Yeah . . . we’ve both just been so busy. We haven’t set a new date for the wedding yet. I bring it up, but Glen either changes the subject or asks to talk about it later. It’s probably my fault. I think I’ve ruined things between us for good after—”
“After what?”
His lips press tightly together and he sits up taller. “Nothing . . . I don’t want to bother you with my problems. I’m supposed to be here for you.”
“I can be here for you at the same time, you know? It’s what friends do.”
His lips turn inward and then he smiles softly. “I know. But really . . . it’ll all be fine.” His eyes grow heavy.
“I’m sorry, Leo.” I squeeze his shoulder, wishing I could do more for him. I know how much he loves Glen, but the guy hasn’t been very affectionate or there for him the way he needs him lately. Not that he was much of a touchy-feely guy to begin with, but I think it’s gotten worse with all his work changes and family drama. I tried to be there, but I was so busy with my own shit, I kind of started distancing myself too.
“Eh.” His lips turn up a little, not matching his hooded eyes. “It’ll work itself out, I’m sure.”
“You still want to marry Glen, right?”
“Yeah,” he says, and the answer sounds a little forced. “I think so.”
