Page 9 of The Only Time

It’s only seven. Does he really have a headache?

I walk up the stairs to my room, where I close the door and take a seat on my bed. It’s dark and quiet, and I’ve never felt more alone in my life.

For the first time in years, I cry for myself. The tears spill over in quick succession as I fall back onto the comforter and let all my emotions that I’ve pushed down for days, weeks—even years come to the surface.

It ends up draining me to my core, where I end up falling asleep on top of the covers.

Chapter Four

Eric

I woke up extra early to get in a run before work. I didn’t get great sleep last night and I needed something to wake me up.

I tossed and turned all night thinking about what the hell I’m supposed to be doing with Mia here in my home. Am I supposed to invite her to dinner even though I’m probably shit company like we’re Beauty and the Beast?

I can’t believe I agreed to this. Although, to be honest, I didn’t really agree to this.

The morning’s fall chill was exactly what I needed to wake my brain up despite its desire to go back to sleep. I walk back inside to get ready for work. My grey shirt is sticking to my body from all the sweat. I do my best to wipe the sweat pouring down my face with the bottom of my shirt as I stroll into the kitchen.

To my surprise, Layla and Mia are standing at the kitchen island clutching coffee cups. I must’ve missed Layla’s car parked in my driveway.

My sister’s face lights up when she sees me. I do my best to offer a small smile, hoping to make up for being a bit of an unwelcoming dick to her friend last night. I don’t handle things being sprung on me last minute very well.

There’s also the fact that I’m still questioning why a thirty something year old woman needs to stay at my place. Is there a motive? Does she know how much money I have and is looking to worm her way into my life to take advantage of it?

I wouldn’t be surprised. Poor Layla is too kind to see through it.

“Morning ladies.” I nod and look at Mia. “I’m sorry about last night. I was a bit worn from work. I hope your first night went alright.”

There, I did it. I was nice. Layla mouths thank you to me, knowing that none of this is coming natural to me.

Mia smiles at me. “I’m sorry to be intruding in your personal space. And my first night went well. Thank you for asking.”

Her response feels just as forced as mine.

As I pour my coffee, I glance over at Mia while her and Layla continue talking. She’s pretty. Not the usual type I go for. Kim was blonde and stick thin with little curves.

Mia has brown hair, pulled up in a messy bun right now. She’s wearing pajama shorts and a baggy t-shirt, so I can’t get a read on her body.

Not that it really matters. I’m not interested.

After I take a long shower, I dress for work and grab a bar and banana for the road. Not the healthiest or most filling breakfast, but I just need to get out of the house. I heard Layla talking about wanting to taste Mia’s cooking tonight.

I suppose that means I will be coming home to company again.

It’s not that I don’t like being around my family, because I do, but lately they have been making more and more comments about my life. Everyone wants to know when I’ll get back out there and date again. It isn’t that simple. I don’t want to be in a relationship ever again, but I don’t have the heart to tell them that. That will just invite more questions, and I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to talk about Kim.

I walk into my office and switch on the lights a little harder than necessary. Being out of my element and routine is already stressing me out.

Charlotte follows me into my office with a pad of paper and a pen. She takes a seat across from me. “Tough morning, boss?”

I fall into my chair and run a hand through my hair. “You could say that.”

“Anything I can help with?” she asks.

I wish. Charlotte is an incredible assistant, and can make many of my problems go away, but this isn’t one of them.

“No, I’m just having a bad morning. Didn’t get much sleep. I’ll get over it. Let’s go over the agenda for the day.”

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