Page 28 of Hidden Hearts

My stupid body needs to listen to my stupid head instead of doing its own stupid thing.

Elsie sighs, her nails picking at a curl of thread protruding from the blanket. Her mouth twists as if holding something in, and the pulse of anticipation heightens the longer she remains quiet.

“Just say it, Els,” Grace’s voice crackles over the line. “Can’t be worse than what Ave’s already thinking about herself.”

They've obviously discussed my situation when I wasn't around.

"No one likes the girl who keeps denying what's right in front of her face. You like him, so what? Get over it already and enjoy the ride."

Well, that wasn't sugar coating anything. Propping up on my elbows, I argue, "I can't like him! He's rude. Aggressive. Bullheaded. Why would I be attracted to someone like that?"

“He’s also been kind to you,” Grace says. “Remember when he came by with a mini pharmacy when you weren’t feeling well? Plus, no one else has ever made you feel this way. If that's not worth exploring, I don't know what is. So, what if he can be a bit abrupt with people? It's called flaws. Everyone has them, including you."

With that piece of wisdom delivered, Elsie agrees and pats my leg before they both have to go, leaving me to my thoughts.

Maybe they’re right.

Maybe I’m judging Dominic too harshly.

But he isn't who I expected when it came to the type of guy I'd end up with. Not who I imagined could be my heart spark—but still. Maybe I need to stop overthinking everything and go with the flow. See how everything shakes out.

Easier said than done.

I've overanalyzed everything in my life. Tried to make the right choices.

Yet look where it's gotten me. A dead-end job and a triangle as a support system. One line to Grace and another straight to Elsie because we’ve become homebound old ladies years before our time. Heck, I act more Louise’s age than she does, and how pathetic is that?

My life hasn’t been happy since I graduated college.

Maybe it’s time to let go of my bubble of safety and see what happens when I take a risk.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DOMINIC

The YP event must've been a turning point in our relationship. Because even though Avery initially denied her feelings, she doesn't refuse my advances anymore. In fact, she's even initiated things a few times.

Life seems to be getting back on track for me as we continue to outfit the office with new furniture and decor. I have Avery, and the company is growing in this new environment. Everything is great which means I'm in for a fall soon.

Avery would tell me to stop being so pessimistic, but I'm a realist and understand how things work in the world. What goes up always has to come down. Nothing ever grows in a steadily increasing line.

"Pick it up, slacker!" Avery yells at a player on the field. This is a new side to her—the rambunctious heckler—and she’s damn good at it. A moment doesn't pass where trash talk isn’t flying out of her mouth. She likes to say I’m unfriendly, but my girl has a secret mean streak, and I can only laugh in shock at some of the insults her mind comes up with.

We decided to take a break from work and spent the day in Seattle ambling around the mall—where she'd refused to let me buy her anything—and now we’re at a professional baseball game. Avery bought the tickets, mentioning it being our thing after the incident at the rec league game. Apparently, surprising me with tickets was the only way she could guarantee I didn't pay for everything while we were together.

My head shakes again at her stubbornness. The few women of my past loved when I spent money on them, in fact they insisted on it. Of course, the one woman I want to spoil tries to derail me at every turn.

A trait that’s cute and generous, but frustrating when this is officially our first date.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. The screen shows Matt’s name, but I ignore the call—something I never would have done before Avery. Guess she’s gotten me to relax a little.

The phone goes off again, and my thumb taps the red button. Matt can wait. I’m spending time with my girl.

"You can answer it. You're not missing much here." Avery waves at the green field below where players toss the ball around before the next inning. A protest is on the tip of my tongue when another call comes in. "Answer it. It might be important."

Doubtful, but her tone brooks no argument, so I hit the green circle as I scale the stairs to the concourse, hoping it'll be marginally quieter.

"What?"

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