Page 31 of Compassion

“I think you do.”

“You don’t know me.”

“Then stick around. Give me a chance to get to know you better.”

“Why?”

“Because I like you.”

“Why, Jaye?Why do you likemeof all people?”

“Because you’re my person.” Awkward cringing is immediate. “Er…um…my kindof person.”

Despite his best efforts, I manage to see the smirk on his face.

“You listen when I talk. And you ask me things I wanna answer. And you tell me things I wanna know. And you make me laugh. And laughing…isn’t something I get to do much of outside of work and my dad and binging sitcoms. It’s nice to laughwithsomeone. And to just…bearound someone that Iwantto be around.”

To my surprise, understanding immediately seeps into his stare.

“And maybe I know what it feels like to have the entire world look at you one way and just wish for one second, one person, would see youjust oncea little differently, too. Maybe that’s why whatever this is,” my hand casually gestures between us, “works.”

Archer quietly coos, “How could anyone see you for anything less than amazing, sweetheart?”

My face heats to the point I swear I’m going to sweat off my mascara, yet I force my eyes to stay locked on his. “Breakfast?”

His lips tighten.

“I’ll even let you help with the dishes this time.”

Archer reluctantly caves on a small chuckle. “Fine. But I’m doingall of themtonight after dinner.”

Excitement doesn’t bother hiding itself. “You’ll stay?”

“For one more night.”

Mmm…we’ll see about that.

“It’s probably best anyway. I get the feeling the woman next door will be looking forany wayto prove you were lying last night.”

“But Iwasn’tlying.” Folding my arms firmly across my chest, I plant a victorious smirk on my face. “Youaremy friend.”

“You don’t have to look so fucking smug about it.”

“Oh, except that I do.”

His laughter sparks my own further proving my point.

He belongs here.

Making me laugh.

Letting me makehim.

Laughing together.

Even if we only end up as friends that’s still better than nothing.

Archer creeps back inside, encouraging me to push the button to lower the door down behind. “She’s probably so hyper focused on your life because hers is a shitshow.”

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