Page 20 of Burn With Me

Soon, Amelia. Soon you’ll know the pain I feel when I see you with someone other than me.

Eight

Luke

With a yawn, I look around at what I have left to do.

Why I thought unpacking after work, which has turned into me being up for almost twenty-four hours, was a good idea is beyond me. I double-check that I unpacked all the necessities because I’m just done.

Originally, Sam was supposed to move into an apartment just outside of town, but the remodel was delayed for an unknown amount of time, so I offered him one of my extra rooms.

We talked to the landlord, who was cool about it but let us know the work on the plumbing was taking longer than they thought and that we would be delayed in moving into the house. Thankfully I was able to extend my stay at the bed-and-breakfast easily, and Pam let us store our moving pods at her house.

The house is nice, way nicer than what we would have been able to get anywhere in Boston. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a slightly outdated kitchen and mostly white and beige walls throughout. I’m not worried about it because I don’t plan on being here forever, but the housing market is out of control, so we aren’t in a position to buy.

The only thing I will put up is the picture frame with a photo of me and my parents, and I’ll only do it because I’ll get in trouble if it’s not out when they come down to visit.

“Ya know, even though I was excited to move here, I had some concerns with the limitations of a small town since I’m so used to living in a big city. But I’m shocked at the price of this place. Back home, this would be a loft with a shared bathroom and a fake kitchen,” Sam says, walking past with some boxes in his arms.

“Right, I was just thinking about that. We’re saving a ton of money, and I have a feeling if one of us wanted to purchase this place from the couple renting it, we could probably get it for a steal. The husband was talking about not wanting to worry about it anymore and has only kept it because the market is so hit or miss,” I say and begin to break down some of the boxes in the kitchen.

My phone vibrates, and I smile as I pull it out.

“God, you’re so happy it’s gross. Is she going to actually let you take her out again? I know the last time Pam even mentioned it to her, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to date.” He then levels me with a glare. “You’re like a brother to me but tread carefully. I noticed even before we left Boston that you haven’t been going out with me as much, and while you’ve never been with anyone seriously, I can tell this is different for you. I know Pam already gave you the warning, but if she’s going to be another one of your conquests, they’ll never find your body.”

“If I hurt her, I’ll help you dig my hole,” I say as I look down at my phone.

Amelia: Farmer Joe is a literal angel, but lord can he talk.

Me: Is your meeting running longer than you thought?

Also I know he can talk, but I’m going to miss Ann’s home-cooked meals.

Amelia: Nah, I plan for this now.

You’re right though. Ann can cook.

Does that mean you don’t know how to cook for yourself?

Me: I can cook for myself. If you’d let me take you out on a real date, our third date can be me cooking for you all you have to do is say yes to going out with me again to find out.;)

The three dots pop up and then go away a couple of times, and I know she’s trying to find a reason to shoot me down. It’s been the same conversation for the last couple of weeks. I’m trying to find a good balance between not being too pushy and still showing that I’m interested. Sam still won’t tell me what happened to make her so against dating. All he says is that it’ll be an uphill battle and to hang on for the ride.

Amelia: We haven’t been on a date. Remember?

Me: Go out with me tomorrow night

Then we’ll knock the first date off . . .

Amelia: Don’t you work this weekend? And don’t you want to sleep before said shift?

Me: Don’t care. Go out with me.

Amelia: I have a meeting with my contractor tomorrow and I’m not sure what time it’ll end.

Me: Don’t care. We can go after that.

Let’s go mini golfing

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