Page 7 of Addicted to You
Britt led me to her childhood bedroom, which had a queen-size bed and a few remnants of her teenage years like posters of bands she used to love. Framed photos of her and her friends from high school covered her desk and bookshelf.
“The closet should be empty if you want to hang up your clothes,” she stated.
I nodded and put our luggage on her bed. “Glad your parents are cool with us sleeping together under their roof.”
She chuckled. “We’re almost thirty. I think they know I’m not a virgin.”
We continued to unpack and then Britt led me into the kitchen, where her mom was already setting the kitchen table. My stomach growled and I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.
Once everything was ready, we sat down at the table with Silas. The conversation started with casual topics at first, just getting to know each other better. I found myself getting comfortable with them, though I couldn’t help but notice Silas’s occasional smirk, like he was sizing me up. I didn’t take it personally. I probably would’ve done the same thing if I were in his shoes.
The food was delicious. Each bite of the mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and perfectly seasoned chicken seemed to melt in my mouth. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a home-cooked meal, and I was definitely enjoying it.
As we finished eating, Britt cleared her throat. She looked over at me. “So, there’s something I need to tell you all.”
Britt’s mom paused mid-sip of her wine, and her dad leaned forward, both giving her their undivided attention. Even Silas peeked up from his phone for a second, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.
I looked at Britt and patted her knee under the table. She bit her lip, hesitating for a second before finally speaking. “I’ve been offered a job at St. Thomas.”
Her dad’s eyes widened. “Does that mean you’re moving home?”
Britt nodded and glanced at me. “I am.”
“And you’re moving too, Cash?” her mother asked with a hopeful smile, clearly assuming we’d be making the move together.
I opened my mouth to answer, but Britt beat me to it. “He hasn’t decided yet. We’ve talked about it, but he’s not sure.”
Her dad leaned back in his chair, his eyes shifting between the two of us. “Either way, I’m sure you’ll figure out what’s best for you.”
I nodded. “Thanks. I’m definitely thinking about it.” The idea of moving to Boston wasn’t a simple decision for me, especially with my work. But if I stayed in Houston, I knew the long distance would be the end for me and Britt.
3
Silas
I leaned against the island,scrolling through my phone while Mom and Dad were mixing up a couple of batches of cookies. “Can I borrow one of your cars today? I need to stop by the mall to do some shopping.”
“Christmas is in two days. Talk about last-minute,” Dad teased.
“I ran out of time before leaving LA.” That wasn’t really true, but I wasn’t about to admit I’d spent the last couple of weeks in California hitting up as many clubs and parties as I could.
Mom put her spoon down and dug through her purse on the counter. “You can take the Volvo.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I grabbed the keys from her and turned toward the hallway, nearly bumping into Cash as he strolled into the kitchen.
“Hey,” he said, raking a hand through his brown hair. He glanced at the keys in my hand. “Are you heading out?”
“Yeah. Got some gifts to pick up.”
“Mind if I tag along? I was going to wait until after Christmas tobuy some clothes for our ski trip, but I think I need some warmer stuff now.” He chuckled.
“Okay.” I grabbed my jacket from the hook on the wall next to the front door. “You ready to go now?”
He nodded. “Yep. Let me just tell your sister I’m leaving.”
“I’ll meet you in the car.”
While I waited for Cash, I started the SUV and turned on the heater. A minute later, he climbed inside, blowing on his hands to warm them up.
