Page 17 of Waiting Forever
“You made a sad sound.” Her eyes glisten with concern. “I know you’ve been through a lot, too. My mom filled me in and I’m not going to push you for info, either. I just want you to know I’m here for you. I understand what it’s like to lose people. I lost everyone back home after, well, you know. Some I pushed away but most steered clear of me or made rude comments, which is beside the point.” She frowns and rolls her eyes, her head shaking slightly. “Anyway. I just want you to know, I’m sorry for all that happened and all you lost. I never met Sebastian or Riley, but I’ve seen pictures of them on your Instagram. Not that there are many. You looked like you were having fun. I can’t imagine losing a close friend in the way you lost Sebastian, but I can be here for you if you want to talk, or need someone to listen, or to just sit with someone in silence. I’m good at all three.”
She tucks her hair behind her ear and packs up the McDonalds bags before opening the car door.
I love how she doesn’t linger on a topic after putting it out there. I also love that she cares. I can’t remember whether Harper ever told me she was sorry for what happened when Sebastian died, and Riley left without a word. I know why he did now. He was put in Witness Security after Sebastian died because he’d been kidnapped along with Ainsley and considered a vengeance target. But for three months, I wasn’t sure why he’d left or where he went.
I grab Kensi’s hand before she climbs out of the SUV. “Thank you for saying that.”
Her lips curve with a small, somewhat shy smile. She lowers her gaze, her cheeks a little pink, and carefully eases herself out of the car and onto her feet. Even for a girl who’s average in height, the Hummer is high off the ground. Next time, I’ll offer to help her down.
“Leave your bag.” I nod at it on the floor. “I’ll get it.”
She steps back from the door and glances at the Audi, curiosity in her gaze. “New car?”
“Nope.” I climb out and head to the back of the SUV, avoiding the topic of Harper, which is plain ridiculous.
Kensi joins me, the McDonalds bag in her hand, the heavy carry-on hooked onto her shoulder.
Stubborn girl.
“New roommate?” she asks.
I shake my head, retrieve her suitcase, and rearrange a few boxes filled with pamphlets from work. Stalling won’t change the inevitable.
Harper is inside, waiting to meet the girl who’s moving in with her boyfriend. It’s too much to hope she won’t feel threatened or react with jealousy. This is Harper were talking about. She’s like a tornado tearing up everything in her path—and now Kensington is in her way.
Maybe I should sneak Kensi in through the back door, get her settled, and introduce her to my girlfriend later, once I’ve had a chance to gauge Harper’s demeanor.
Good plan.
I close the hatch and tense. Kensington is already jogging toward the front door.
Shit.
8
Kensington
ON THE FRONT porch, I wait for Nathan to join me.
He hurries up the walkway, carrying the suitcase versus rolling it, and stops when he sees me. “You didn’t go in.”
“I-it’s not my home.”
He sets down the suitcase and frowns. “It is now. I want you to feel like it’s your home.”
I nod. “Thanks, but it’ll take some time.”
“I understand.” He rolls the luggage to me and takes out his phone, texting something.
My phone dings in my bag. “Did you just text me?”
“I sent you the security code to the keypad.” He points to a small gray enclosed box to the left of the door. “I don’t set the code that much these days, but maybe we should start doing it now that you live here.” He clutches the door handle, and it clicks open with ease.
I raise a brow. “You don’t lock your door? I figured your dad would have drilled that rule into your head. Mine sure did.”
He tugs the door closed and lets out a heavy breath. “I do lock the door, and I’ll start setting the alarm again. Your dad would want that. But there’s something else,” he adds in a cautious tone.
“Okay.”
