Page 44 of Fifty-Fifty

More banging ensues as I find Mac on the ground with a wooden spoon and a metal pot on the floor, clanging away on her own little drum set.

I can barely contain the gut-wrenching laughter threatening to explode from the sight.

Subtle, Beau. Really subtle.

As soon as Mac sees me, she drops her new musical equipment and reaches for me.

“Noah!” Her voice uttering my name is one of the sweetest sounds I’ll ever hear, and I close my eyes, letting it soak in.

After a brief second, I open them and bend down to give her a hug.

“Hey, Mac. What are you up to?”

“Mac play drums. Mama help.”

I smirk over at Beau. “Mama helped, did she? Interesting.”

“Noah help, too!” Mac says excitedly while clapping her little hands.

I chuckle under my breath before sliding her to the floor and grabbing my sketchpad from the counter along with a box of crayons. I place them on the floor beside the pot and wink at Mac, silently giving her permission to color on my shit. She grins before taking full advantage.

I usually have the sketchpad glued to my hand, but for the past week or so, I haven’t needed it like I used to. I had other things to fill my time. The thought is sobering as my gaze turns to Beau, who’s busy ignoring me and burning the bacon. Not all of it, just the majority.

Pretty sure she’s doing it on purpose.

I shake my head while trying to contain my grin.

How can I find her so attractive right now? When I’m a little worried she’s poisoned the food in hopes of me eating it.

“Hey,” I greet her, trying to grab Beau’s attention.

She glares at me before sticking the burnt bacon back into the oven.

I roll my eyes. “Need any help with that?”

“Nope.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “You sure?”

“Positive. Now, why don’t ya go to the dinin’ room with the other guests. I don’t normally allow customers in the kitchen. I’ll be out in a few to serve your food, now if you could be on your way, that’d be great.”

“Customers?” I quirk my brow. “I thought I was a part owner, Beau. You haven’t minded my help in the kitchen before now.”

“Well,” she huffs, “it seems sleepin’ alone has cleared my mind just fine, thank you very much.”

I don’t say anything as I watch the girl in front of me hide her hurt behind a bunch of bullshit anger.

“Beau.”

She doesn’t look at me, but grits her teeth as soon as her name slips past my lips.

“Beau,” I repeat.

“What?” she whispers, losing her earlier bravado. She sounds like she’s close to tears, and it feels like a knife twisting in my chest. I did this to her. I caused this pain. I’d give anything to take it away, but I don’t know how.

My head is so screwed up, I can’t decide if I should comfort her or run in the other direction. I don’t really see the point of smoothing things over when the entire night before I was hellbent on leaving this little town. But as I take in her slumped shoulders and glassy expression, I can’t help myself.

Cautiously, I walk around the island in the center of the kitchen and over to Beau. She doesn’t move a muscle as I approach her.

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