Page 29 of Heal For Me

“My room is just there.” He points to a set of deep wooden double doors off the steps at the end of the hall. I’ve not been on this side of the house yet, like I said, it’s massive. “This will be your room from here on out.” He points to the room to the left of his.

I glance behind us at the six or so doors and back at him, lifting an eyebrow. Why must my room be right next to his when there are so many options.

“You require surveillance, Payson. Besides, this is the easiest if you need me. With you having surgery tomorrow, it’s just easier.” His brows bunch. “Now go look.”

“Pushy,” I mutter but listen because I am curious how he decorated my room. It’s not like he knows much about me or what I like.

I only take a few steps before I can see inside, then I realize I don’t have a door. Before I can even ask, he interrupts.

“Safety precautions.”

“I need a door.” I can’t believe this is even a question. I’m a teenage girl living with a man I hardly know, a bedroom door should be a basic thing.

“You have an en suite with a door. You may change in there, but the main door is nonnegotiable.”

I lift my eyes to his hard ones and cross my arms over my chest but drop them when his glare lowers to my arms. I know what he sees since he is forcing me to wear short sleeves. “That’s a little fucked up, you know?”

“Payson,” he growls. “Don’t push me on this. I am not budging, and stop fucking cussing at me.”

I level my stare, and he tilts his head in a cocky manner. Knowing he’s more stubborn than me, I’m understanding why Olivia was a bitch if this is how he was with her too.

Turning, I step into my room—without needing to open a door. The whole door thing leaves my mind instantly. The rest of the house is perfect, a space anyone would find pleasing. This room, however, my room, is perfect in a different way. It’s perfect for me. From the light-blue walls to the fuzzy rug spanning the dark floor. The bed is huge, and spread across it is a quilt. I move closer, and my eyes widen when I recognize everything on the quilt. It’s a quilt made from my t-shirts, some from when I was a kid. I drag my hand over all the familiar fabrics. Even some of Grandpa’s ties are sewn in, framing the shirts. I always wanted something like this. But how would he know that?

“Do you like it?”

“I can’t say how much.” Emotion pricks at my eyes, but I quickly brush it away. “I’ve never seen so many pillows on one bed.”

He chuckles, for once sounding friendly.

There’s so much to look at, from the white desk in the corner full of various items, to the large windows that cover the wall to the ceiling. Uncle Jet follows me over to them, and we stare out at the garden. I’m glad I can view that from my room. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, so I will take in every moment of this.

“Olivia always loved flowers. We planted that together a few years ago. The last thing we really did together.” The heavy emotion in his voice tugs on my heart.

“Why?”

A beat of silence before he sighs. “She grew up. I stopped being who she wanted to hang out with.”

Typical growing-up stuff. “I don’t understand why she would choose to hang out anywhere besides here.” I spin, taking in the rest of my room. “What could the outside world possibly offer that she couldn’t get here?”

“Some people are never satisfied.”

I guess, I just don’t understand how. I know if Uncle Jet did this for me, he must have gone overboard for Olivia’s room, considering she is his daughter.

“I guess if you grow up with this kind of thing, it becomes redundant.”

Uncle Jet dips his chin once. “Most people aren’t so appreciative of a simple bedroom.” His tone isn’t rude, in fact, it’s a little sad. It’s odd looking into his eyes and seeing a hint of guilt resting in the depth. I look away and shrug.

“It’s not simple to me.” My eyes land on the wall behind my bed. I didn’t notice because I was so amazed by the pillows, but I smile. Moving closer, I’m able to view the several photos. They range from me and my friends as little kids, to some from this volleyball season. A couple of me and Ash make my heart beat harder. My smile grows with each one.

“Where did you get all these?”

Uncle Jet clears his throat. “Janelle was the designer of your room. You think I would have picked any of this out?”

I giggle; it does seem ridiculous when he says it like that. Makes sense why it’s like someone dug around in my head. “Guess not.”

“Yes, well, I will let you get acquainted. I will be in my office, which is the door across from this one.”

So, his bedroom and office are right next door to my room. Great. Next he will tell me there is a camera in my room. I glance around but find nothing. He must realize what I’m looking for because he sighs.

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