Page 33 of Where Love Lies

16

The week goes by, and Heston has slept over every night except tonight. He has to network with some big wigs over coffee in the morning, so here I am, staring at the vase I just made. It’s bulbous and looks different than my normal work. I can’t help but wish my mom was here to tell me what I’m doing wrong, to talk to me. Not having another adult in the house is depressing. The silence is deafening. It makes me think about everything I don’t want to. Feeling frustrated, I grab the rag off my cart, wipe my hands, and head downstairs. Laughter streams through the front door, and I pause, trying to listen. I open the door carefully, hoping it doesn’t creak, and find Paige sitting with Layla—the girl she got in trouble with or drinking. Anger heats my cheeks. My mouth opens to yell for Paige to get inside, but then I see Layla laughing. Her smile reaches her eyes. Her face is bare of dark makeup and black lipstick. She’s wearing one of Paige’s shirts—a maroon American Eagle tee—and is looking at my daughter like a big sister she’s always wanted. Closing my mouth, my brows furrow as they go on about how clueless boys are at their age. I was worried Layla was a bad influence on Paige, but it looks like my daughter is rubbing off on her. Brightness peeks through the darkness that surrounds Layla, and my daughter is the sun.

Gently shutting the door, I head to my room to shower. Taking my clothes off and kicking them to the corner, I grab my phone to turn on music and see a text from Heston.

Heston:It feels weird not being with you.

Me:Then come over.

Heston:Coming.

After showering, I head to the front porch. Paige is long gone and up in her room by now. I sit down, wiggling my toes on the warm asphalt beneath my feet. Owen and Flynn’s front porch light comes on, and they step outside, talking and in their own world. They’re cute together. Funny even. Owen looks up as if he feels me staring and waves.

Getting Flynn’s attention, they start my way. The anticipation of them coming over makes me shift. I don’t know what to say or do. I have seriously been lacking social experience.

“Please don’t tell me you’re out here waiting for Heston,” Flynn says, turning his head to the side. I stay quiet. He said not to say it.

“Couldn’t even make it a night.” Owen laughs, and I can’t help the smile pulling at my cheeks.

“Remember when we were like that?” Flynn nudges Owen, and they give each other that look—the one of love and memories. He’s right though, I’ve become obsessed with Heston. I miss his mouth, his eyes, and laughter. Some would even go as far as saying I’ve become obsessed with the man.

“Well, if he has you out here waiting on him like this, he must be good in bed,” Owen says conspiratorial. I can’t help the laugh that escapes.

“Jesus,” Flynn scolds. Owen rolls his eyes.

“Well, we won’t keep you, but you better come over tomorrow and spill the details!” Owen points to me.

“All right, all right. No need to be pushy,” I tease, and Owen swings his hand like he’s flipping his hair.

“That’s all I do, babe.”

I watch them go back to their place, bickering and flirting, and can’t help but want that for myself. I’ve always been the one to sit back and watch others be happy. I’m not upset right now. If anything, I love seeing them together.

Lights flash across my face, and I squint to see who’s pulling into our little nook. It’s Heston. I stand up as he turns his truck off and gets out in only his boxer briefs and socks. He didn’t even take the time to get dressed. Rushing to me, he nearly knocks me over, crashing his mouth to mine.

“I’m here. I couldn’t get here fast enough,” he says between kissing me, his fervent energy wrapping around me, hugging me.

“Never again. You can’t leave,” I mumble against his lips, both of us stumbling inside the house and into my room. The isolation suffocating me moments ago now taken over with love and adoration. The way I’m falling for this man is unhealthy and I know that, but I can’t stop myself from craving his touch. He was mine and I was his.

Falling into the doorway he fucks me on the stairs, my nails chipping and breaking from gripping the stair above and railing to keep from face planting. It occurs to me that this unhealthy obsession I have is like a drug, and in the end our story won’t end well.

The next morning, Heston leaves for his meeting, but my body remembers his touch very well. I told him not to ever leave me here alone again and he promised. I think that means he’s moving in. My hand on my face, I breathe through the nerves making me want to laugh and cry at the same time. I know what I’m feeling, but what the hell am I thinking? Moving in together already? This is just crazy, crazy beautiful. Getting out of bed, I dress in jeans and a white tank, throw my hair up out of my face, the thought we might be moving in together still playing out in my head. I need some fresh air. Rounding my doorway I open my front door and inhale the dew on the grass and summer blowing through the trees.

“No! The birdbath is fine—and you know it!” Owen shouts from his yard, gaining my attention. Tenly stands in jogging pants and a sports bra, pointing to the little birdbath, her face bunched in anger. “It’s going to bring more animals to the area!”

“So what? They’re part of nature bitch!” Owen sneers, stepping in front of his concrete yard ornament.

Stepping off the porch, I make my way over to see what insight I might be able to offer. I mean, they’re always in my business…

“Seriously, Tenly, do you have to do this now?” Flynn asks, standing in buffalo checkered pajama pants, sounding nearly half asleep.

“Hey, guys. Everything okay?” I ask, walking up to them.

“No, this devil bitch hates nature and wants me to take my birdbath down.” Owen doesn’t back down, ready to fight Tenly over this, his red robe flying open behind him.

“It’s just a birdbath.” I look between them, not understanding. It’s not like a bear is going to come wash its face.

Everyone quiets. Tenly snaps her eyes to me. I don’t give in to her silent threats.

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