Page 61 of Sorrow

The violets really do destroy the rocks.

“I’m not upset, I’m sorry. I think the last few months have just been a bit much for me and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all of it. Let’s just go make some breakfast before Boo wakes up, yeah?”

He’s still standing there in a towel, but ultimately relents. “Alright. Wait for me before we walk out there.”

Still scowling, Hayes dresses himself in dark wash jeans and a San Francisco hoodie, then tosses another one my way before I can even think about the fact that I’m cold. I didn’t even realize.

We look like a couple in matching sweatshirts when he finally opens the door for us, making it worse when I see Boo leaning against the wall in the kitchen holding a cup of coffee.

“About time you two get — wait, why are you both wet? I only heard the shower once.”

If a sinkhole could open up and swallow me, that would be great.

“Can we talk?” Hayes moves to stand across from him and takes a breath. “I’m sure you have an idea of what it’s about, so I won’t draw this out. We’re together now.”

That’s one way to put it.

Boo looks as confused as I was. “The fuck do you mean, together? You hate each other.”

“Hate is a strong word,” Hayes argues. “Besides, we live together now. It’s only natural we all got closer, right?”

Boosquints at him. “I’ve lived with her my whole life and I’ve never thought about fucking her. Not even once.”

Oh my g— “Gross,” I interject. “He’s not my brother.”

“Well thank fuck for that,” Hayes says with a surprised laugh. “I don’t think these are comparable situations, bro. We didn’t plan it.”

He looks between us and only seems to squint harder. “Nah, you guys are fucking with me. There’s no way you two are suddenly all gooey for each other.”

I don’t know why, but that makes him frown. “Why’s it so hard to believe she might like me? Come here, Samara.”

He holds out a hand to beckon me forward, and I nearly don’t go. But this is the deal, and I’m making a good bit of money to sell it.

Walking forward, I take his hand and curl into his side while I stay silent.

“See.” He kisses the top of my head to sell it further, and I hate what it does to me. “Do you not approve?”

Boo is still staring at us like we’re aliens. “I approve just fine. You’re grown adults, I don’t give a shit what you do. I just don’t believe it.”

“No?” He tilts my gaze up to meet his. “Tell Boo your favorite thing about me, baby.”

Fucking hell.

This is a nightmare, right? “Um... I like how observant he is.”

It’s not good enough and I know it, but I’m completely out of my element here. I can think of a thousand things and none of them are appropriate.

“Observant?” Boo asks incredulously. “The fuck?”

“You might not want to understand that one, Boo.” Hayes tugs on my hair. “I pay attention to her needs, let’s put it that way.”

Yeah, we’ll put it that way. Fuck me, I can’t think of a single thing to say that isn’t weird. “What’s your favorite thing about me?” I counter. “You’re not allowed to say my boobs.”

“Well then I got nothing,” he teases. “No, my favorite thing about you is your sass, believe it or not.”

I don’t think that helps Boo at all, but he seems past the point of asking questions.

“Whatever,” he mumbles. “Just don’t do weird shit in front of me.”

---