Page 14 of Until I Have You

She wants the story and wants it sooner than later.As if I’ll give it to her.

There’s nothing to talk about really.It was a coincidence, a ridiculous scenario.And that was that.

“Look, how about we go into the living room, and we can give Bonnie her gift and relax before everyone else gets here, hm?”Dad gestures down the hall toward the family room.

Bonnie jolts away from me, eager to find out what awaits her.“Oh, yes, please.”

“Go slow, Bonnie, go slow.”Theo follows Edwin and Bonnie down the hall.

Sonia sweeps her arm around me before I can disappear back into the dining room.“Whydidn’t you tell me about running into Theo and Bonnie at the aquarium?”

“I told you, I had other things on my mind,” I say, begrudging, as I join Sonia in following the train.

My friend smiles, lips sneaky and devious.“Likely story.”

If I force the issue any more, she’ll think I’m lying, so I simply wave my hand in her direction.“Whatever.”

I don’t care what anyone else things.I know how I feel about Theo Wallington, and that’s all that matters.

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Bonnie works with the bright orange dipped paintbrush, stroking it down the scallop shell, her tongue tucked into the corner of her mouth.

Sonia did good with the gift.A few different art kits, including a shell-painting one.

Bonnie wanted to tear it open then and there and, despite Theo’s original refusal, I offered to sit with her and paint.

He was more grateful than I really knew what to do with.

Theo is justtoo muchfor me to know what to do with, especially when I don’t have a particular kind perception of him already.

But Bonnie is just a little girl, and she deserves attention and kindness.

Plus, that meant I wouldn’t have to deal with all the “adult” conversations going on around me now that everyone else has arrived.Didn’t have to engage in the baby talk once Bridget arrived with her stepbrother turned fiancé, Seth.Didn’t have to try and disentangle the arrangement between my brother Nate and his best friend, Mason, who are both partners of the same woman, Laney.

All those conversations feel above my pay grade.They talk about their homes, upcoming weddings, vacations, plans,babies.

I still feel like the baby of the family given I’m just trying to get a fucking job.

Which is why sitting at the coffee table painting with Bonnie makes all the sense in the world to me.

“Water’s getting muddy,” Bonnie says, dipping her paintbrush into the water cup and cringing at the dark water.

“Mmm, we need a fresh cup, huh?”

“Yes, please.”

I pick up the cup and drift out of the living room and down the hall to the kitchen where Dad is putting finishing touches on the meal while talking with Theo.Their voices filter down the hall among the kitchen sounds.

My dad’s voice reaches me first.“…trying so hard, you know?”

“That must be a bit demoralizing,” Theo’s voice is low in his chest, warm like mulled wine.

“It is!She worked so hard finishing up her degree and has been applying nonstop to things, and it just hasn’t panned out for her.”

I stop at the door, out of sight.They’re talking about me.I know they are.

“Job market’s tough lately.”

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