Page 65 of Unhinged

“Gregory Richard Rodwell, I can’t believe you’d say that.”

“Really? Do you know me?”

She points to the door. “Go apologize to her right now.”

I laugh. “Fast and hard or slow and steady?”

Confusion suddenly replaces her frown. “What?

I roll my eyes. “Nothing. Where is she?”

“She’s in the spare office where we keep supplies. She’s been there most of this morning, creating a filing system for me. Simone has been a godsend. Do whatever you need to do to convince her not to leave Durham.”

“Even oral?”

“Gregory!”

“Okay. Sorry. Is she thinking about leaving?”

Mom nods. “Amos said she’s not happy here. We believe it’s because of how you treated her.” No doubt. I stand, and she asks, “You’re leaving?”

I roll my eyes at her before leaving her office. I go down to the end of the hall and then around the corner. The door is closed, so I knock. I hear Garrison answer, “Come in?”

Inhaling a deep breath, I go inside and close the door, leaning against it. Simone gasps, “What are you doing here?” Her eyes wander over me, and it feels so good. She then blinks and shakes her head. Her purple skirt and frilly lavender blouse complement her lipstick and eyes.

“I may have taken a wrong turn.”

She frowns. “I figured.” Simone returns to her task, and I suddenly feel awkward, like a virgin at a whorehouse. That’s a terrible analogy and nearly true on my end.

I sigh as I watch her sort. “Look, Garrison. I’m sorry about everything. I’ve been a dick to you, and you don’t deserve it.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? Did your mom or Amos tell you to do this?”

I nod as I notice her pink nail polish. “To be honest, my mom did.” Simone’s face falls, and I quickly add, “But the apology is real, with no side note, strings, or disclaimer. You’re right. You’ve been a good friend to me when you didn’t need to be. I’m sorry for being so mean to you.”

She smirks, and it makes me smile. “You’ve always been mean to me, but it was manageable when you didn’t hate me.”

“I don’t hate you. I was just overwhelmed and wrong to blame you.”

For the first time since I met her, Garrison is at a loss for words. “I don’t know how to respond besides thank you. This means a lot to me. I’d never lie to you or betray your trust on purpose. I told your mom because I thought she was just a doctor I could talk to.”

I nod. “I get it.” Simone smiles, and it’s genuine. I breathe a sigh of relief. I didn’t realize this shit with Simone was so heavy. My gaze then falls to her tits, and I force myself to look at a filing cabinet. “Well, okay then. I’m on my way to HD. I’m off at the bar tonight, so see you tomorrow.”

I turn to open the door, and Garrison says, “Wait.” I face her as she walks over, stopping at the end of the table two feet from me. She frowns to herself, staring at a wall as if she’s contemplating life. “I know I’ve apologized, but I didn’t mean to break your trust. When I helped you with Birdy, we trusted each other, no matter how much we argued.”

“I know. That’s why I told you about not being with anyone since…you.” I shrug in my Michael Kors coat. “Anyway, thanks.”

I grab the handle again, and Simone says, “I’ll help you.”

Shocked to hear those words, I turn slowly toward her. “What? That’s not why I apologized. No strings. I meant it.”

She nods, and I watch her throat move as she swallows. “I know. That’s all I’ve wanted. Are you in?”

I probably nod too fast and grin too much. “Uh, yeah.”

“Okay. We need some ground rules.” We both nod at each other. “Total truth and trust always.”

I shove my hands into my coat pockets. “Agreed.”

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