Page 73 of Aim Assist

Fuck. My eyeliner smudges again as I blink, leaving a messy black streak across my lid. Growling, I grab a tissue and rub at the ruined makeup. It only makes it worse, smearing dark smudges everywhere like a raccoon mask.

"Dammit!" I snap and throw the tissue into the trash. It bounces off the overflowing bin.

Lucky glances up at my outburst, fluffy tail wagging. She prances around my feet, pink tongue lolling.

"Not now, Lucks."

She barks insistently, pawing at my leg. I sigh, realizing I'm not getting anywhere with this makeup, anyway. Turning on the faucet, I splash water on my face, washing away all traces of my failed attempts. My reflection stares back—pale, bare. Naked.

Like how I felt that day in the elevator when he kissed—

Lucky whines, scratching at the bathroom door. Shaking off the memories, I towel my face dry. "Alright, alright. Let's go to the park."

She does a happy dance as I clip on her leash, white fur bouncing. At least one of us is in a good mood. I grab my keys and open the front door, only to stop short.

A huge moving truck is parked right in front of my car, blocking me in. Irritation prickles through me. Great, guess we're staying in the neighborhood today.

"Change of plans, Lucks. Looks like we're doing a few laps around the block."

The fresh air does feel good at least, warm sun and a light breeze playing across my skin as we meander down the sidewalk. It's quiet, peaceful. I inhale deeply, trying to let the tension drain from my shoulders.

Lucky sniffs happily at every bush, pausing to mark her territory. She pees more than any male dog I've ever seen. I let my mind wander, drifting. Not thinking about broad shoulders and heated blue-green eyes. Definitely not remembering the electric slide of fingers on my—

My phone rings, startling me. It's Max. I stare at his photo, debating letting it go to voicemail. He's called every day for two weeks, even when we see each other at work. Texted. Even showed up at my door once with pizza and beer, claiming we needed a "sibling night".

He never asked why I've been so withdrawn. Didn't push when I brushed off his questions about the trip. But I could see the concern in his eyes, the way he watched me when he thought I wasn't looking.

My thumb hovers over the green button. Max has always been there for me, even when I tried to push him away. Especially then. I press Accept.

"Hey Max," I say, infusing forced cheerfulness into my voice.

"Ames!" He sounds surprised I actually picked up. "How's my favorite sister today? You busy? Wanna grab lunch?"

"I'm your only sister, doofus, and you saw me three hours ago when I dropped off donuts." I roll my eyes, despite knowing he can't see. "And I can't. Lucky and I are out for a walk."

"Perfect, I'll come meet you. We can take a stroll to that cafe on 3rd, the one with those lemon tarts you love. I'm buying."

"Max..." I trail off, trying to think of an excuse. I'm not ready to face his probing gaze, the brotherly inquisition hidden behind nonchalance.

"Come on, Ames. I feel like I've barely seen you since you got back. I miss you. Lucky misses me too, don't you, girl?" He makes kissy noises through the phone as if she can hear him, and I can't help but laugh.

"She misses the bacon you sneak her when you think I'm not looking."

"Damn, you're on to me." I can hear the smile in his voice. "But seriously, let me feed you. It'll make me feel better."

Damn him for playing the guilt card. I exhale heavily, knowing I'm going to give in. Maybe it won't be so bad, talking to someone. Max always has a way of cheering me up.

"Fine," I relent. "Meet us at the cafe in 20?"

"Yes! See you soon, sis."

He hangs up before I can change my mind. I shake my head ruefully and glance down at Lucky. "Your uncle is very sneaky. Yes, he is! He wants to give you contraband treats."

She wags at my baby-talk voice and I can't help but grin. "Alright, let's go get you some bacon."

We continue our walk, heading toward the cafe. My mind drifts again as we pass the moving truck. A new neighbor. I idly wonder what they'll be like. The last tenant was a middle-aged cat lady who mostly kept to herself.

My thoughts inevitably circle back to Liam, as they always do lately. I feel that pang in my chest, the hollow ache of missing him. It's ridiculous. We spent one week together, that's it. A fling.

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