Page 48 of The Spider Queen
“It’s…being managed.”
Whatever that meant.
He peered at me for a long moment, noticing that I hadn’t stepped aside to let him in, noticing that I wasn’t thawing. He swallowed and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Listen, I know it would be easier to let it go, to walk away. We don’t know each other that well, and I’ve already disappointed you. That kills me, Poppy.”
“Do you know how hard it is for me to let someone in?” I whispered. “Did you know I was ready to do that with you?”
“Then let me in. I’m here. I’m facing you.”
“I forgive you,” I intoned. “But I don’t think we should date.”
His smile dimmed. “Poppy, please—”
“Hunter, I have a lot of shit going on right now. I’m trying to focus on school and I just don’t have the mental reserves for anything else.”
Hunter’s shoulders slumped, but he nodded. “Okay.”
“I really do appreciate you coming here and talking to me. And I don’t want you to disappear on me again. Friends?” I asked tentatively.
“You mean it?”
I smiled, more sure of my decision. “Yeah, I mean it.”
He grinned back, looking relieved. “I’d like that.” He shook his head. “Huh.”
“What?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a female friend. This should be interesting.”
Chapter 16
I faced Thane.How do I look?
Beautiful.
I smiled. Sure, it was a compliment from a spider…or from a part of my fractured mind, but it made me happy nonetheless.
What do you want to watch tonight?I asked. Thane was caught up onGrey’s Anatomyand needed a new show.
TheX-Fileslooks interesting.
I laughed out loud.That’s irony for ya.
I’m not analien.
I mentally shrugged.
I wish you hadn’t painted over the drawing.
The wall that had once been covered in marker art was now an uneven swatch of off-white. I hadn’t paid attention to the actual shade of paint I was buying when I’d been at the hardware store.
I didn’t respond to Thane’s comment. It wasn’t art—it was a sign I was out of control, spiraling faster and faster as my mind hurtled toward insanity.
Maybe I should see a doctor.
You did see a doctor. He gave you sleeping pills. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with you.
I mentally snorted.I haven’t ruled out that you are a figment of my imagination.
