Page 54 of Where We Fall

"No. You've got to stay in those gray sweatpants for me."

"You've got yourself a deal, baby," I say with a wink. "Now, let's see what I have in my fridge."

I scan the contents of my fridge, trying to think of what I should make. I generally try to keep my place stocked with food. I try to eat in whenever I can, not wanting to be the typical bachelor who only gets takeout. I'm too old for that shit.

I forgot I cut up a bunch of veggies the other day to make omelets.

"How do you feel about an omelet?" I ask over my shoulder.

"I can go for an omelet. Do you need any help?"

"Nope. Veggies are already cut. It'll be easy. If you could just get us some coffee."

I point to the coffee bar that I have set up. "There should be plenty of options."

"What kind do you want?" she asks.

"I'll just take the medium roast."

I start to whistle while I cook when the front door opens, and I hear someone walking across the hardwood floor.

It's got to be one of my siblings. They're the only ones who invite themselves in.

Shit! I look over at Lexi, standing in only my shirt while she sips her coffee. I don't think she noticed the door open and close.

"Hey, brother. Was just stopping in to give you cannoli from—Oh, shit!" Mia shrieks, frozen in the kitchen with eyes wide as saucers. "Umm, hi, Lexi."

"Hi," Lexi stands still, not moving a muscle while she looks at me for help,

"I'm so sorry to barge in here," Mia says, looking between the two of us.

"You literally barge in all the time. No need to apologize for it now. I guess the secret's out."

I'm not sure it was something that was really a secret to begin with.

"I would say I'm shocked, and I kind of am, but I'm kind of not."

"Really?" I ask as I flip over the omelet in the pan.

Mia walks into the kitchen and places the dessert box on the counter. "Something about the kiss that night at the party. It just seemed unlikely that it was fake. There were other signs, like how you guys looked at each other and how Lexi defended your honor all weekend."

"Are you mad?" Lexi asks nervously.

I turn around and place the omelet on a plate, then hand it to Lexi. I take the other one, already done and probably a bit cold, and walk over to the table, waving for Lexi to join me.

"No, I'm not mad. I just…" Mia stops and seems to ponder her words. "Never mind. I just hope you two know what you're getting into. Office romances can get kinda messy."

I know what she really wants to say,'Watch out, Lexi. He's a heartbreaker. He'll have you in tears by the end of the week.'

I want to get mad, to defend myself, but I guess I haven't given her any reason to think anything else about me. It would still be nice if she trusted me.

It's not like I was going to sleep with Lexi just for the sake of getting laid.

"I think we can handle it. We're two consenting adults, and I trust Marcus," Lexi says to Mia, taking me by surprise.

I wonder what I've done to garner such trust from her. Either way, it's a refreshing feeling. And to hear she was defending my honor all weekend in Chicago floors me.

"Sorry, didn't mean to overstep or anything. I just care about you two." Mia seems a bit surprised by Lexi's words but not at all mad.

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