Page 71 of Why Not Us?

“This is the last time, Elliot. You have this appointment. You need to get your finances together. I can’t keep bailing you out.”

He stares at me for a long time, and I wonder if he believes me. After he nods and leaves, I sit there staring at my computer where I’ve transferred the most amount of money I’ve ever given to my brother, and I wonder if I believe myself.

Chapter 22

Adalie

When I knock on Nate’s door later that evening, I’m completely out of sorts. Elliot’s unexpected visit had messed up my whole routine so much that I’ve already called Vic twice to ask her to leave me notes for things I need to take care of tomorrow.

Dani answers, her smile so big, tears prick my eyes. She’s so happy to see me and it’s so nice that I go inside and hug her a little more tightly than usual. She hugs me back and says quietly, “Are you okay, Adalie?”

I nod. “I had a bad day. But that’s all over now.”

She steps away. “I have some good news.”

“Tell me,” I say, smiling.

“My teacher said he’s never had a student who understands perspective as well as I do.”

She looks so proud of herself as she leads me through the living room toward the kitchen, taking the bag I’d brought so I don’t have to carry it.

“You’ve been doing really well,” I say. “I’m not surprised he noticed.”

I look up from the girl and see her father. My breath lodges in my lungs as I take him in, standing in the kitchen, cooking dinner. He’s dressed in worn jeans and a faded Harley Davidson t-shirt. I want so much to walk up to him, bury myself in his strength with his arms wrapped around me.

I just want to surround myself with these people who make me happy, who don’t make me feel guilty, or like I’m doing things wrong, or like I’m not enough.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I miss the next thing Dani says. Nate chuckles, noticing my preoccupation, and says, “Why don’t you get the easel set up, pipsqueak?”

She bounces her way out to the family room where the easel I’d loaned her from Blue Vista leans against the wall. She brings it to the middle of the room where they’ve laid a sheet to protect the floor.

“Hey,” he says softly, while Dani is focused.

“Hey,” I say.

“Did I hear you say you had a bad day?” he asks.

I nod. “Elliot came by the office. I don’t really want to talk about it.” Then a thought pops into my head. “Shit,” I mutter, glancing at Dani immediately, but she didn’t hear me swear. “Sorry. I remembered something I needed to do today at work. I’m a little scattered.” I pull out my phone and send a text to Vic.

Me:

Are you still at the office? Can you write me another note?

Vic:

I left about thirty minutes ago. Text me everything you forgot as you remember, and I’ll have it all for you tomorrow when you get in. Relax and have fun tonight with Dani and Nate. Start fresh in the morning.

I sigh and send the text with the thing I need to remember.

“Sorry again,” I mutter to Nate as I finish and put my phone away. “He threw off my routine today, and I didn’t write my list of things to do for tomorrow.” I meet his eyes. “I keep randomly remembering stuff.”

“Can I do anything to help?” he asks, and those stupid tears prick my eyes again.

It’s very hard not to touch him, to watch him without reaching out to him. Especially when I just want him to wrap his strong arms around me and tell me everything will be okay. I manage a smile and shake my head.

“It’s fine. I hate it when my routine is thrown off, that’s all. It takes me so long to get back on track.”

“Can I make you some tea?” he asks.

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