Page 23 of One Short Summer

Chapter Eight

Gabe

Monica is puttingher tablet down on the kitchen island when I walk into the kitchen. “Talking to Charlie again after yesterday’s chat? It seems like you guys have talked more since we got here than when you’re in the same town.”

She groans before putting her arms on the granite, letting her head fall onto her forearms. “Ugh. You’ve noticed that too, huh?”

Her words come out mumbled but still loud enough for me to understand.

I thought she’s been happier since we got here, so I don’t understand why she’s acting this way. “Did something happen?”

I take a few steps closer, wanting to be there in case she needs to be comforted.

Sure! That’s the only reason.

All right, let’s face it. I like to be close to her.

There’s something about her that pulls me in, that wants us to share the same space as much as possible.

“It’s my fault we haven’t talked much lately, and I guess I’m trying to make up for it. Charlie’s always been one of the most important people in my life, and I really missed her.” She shakes her head back and forth, clearly bothered by this.

I’m just about to open my mouth to reply when she raises her head and holds up her hands. “You know what? Please don’t take this the wrong way, but can we please not talk about it anymore? My recent realization that the rest of the world actuallydidmove on while I was stuck in a slump, has been beyond frustrating to me. Like, wanting-to-pull-my-hair-out frustrating. It shouldn’t have taken me this long to emerge from that deep black hole I fell into. I mean, crap, I barely remember anything from the last few months. It’s so stupid.”

I study her for a moment, keeping my expression neutral to ponder this over for a moment.

On one side, I want to tell her it’s okay, and that she didn’t really do anything wrong. IknowCharlie understands; we’ve talked about it plenty of times. On the other side, though, I know it wouldn’t make a difference right now. She’s already analyzed—and probably overanalyzed—the situation, and knows Charlie better than anyone.

Instead, I nod my head. “Fair enough, but you know I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” She points at the tablet between us on the island. “I wasn’t talking to Charlie though this time, just Alex. He wanted to know how I was doing.”

She shrugs her shoulders as if this is normal and takes a sip from her water bottle.

My teeth grind together as I push down on them as hard as I can muster, certain they’ll crack if I put any more pressure on them.

For some inexplicable reason, this still happens almost every time I hear his name, which makes me even madder. I don’twantto react to this guy in any way at all. I’d actually much rather pretend he doesn’t exist.

Instead of replying to her comment, I put the brown paper bags I’m still holding on the counter.

The food smell has slowly filled the kitchen, making not only my mouth water from the rich aromas—if Mo’s hungry eyes are anything to go by. Her stomach follows suit, letting out a loud growl.

Taking a deep breath, I try to calm down, to shake off this annoying sensation. I promised myself I wouldn’t let my past get to me like this anymore. What happened between Alex and me happened a long time ago. It’s not worth it.He’s not worth it. “I got us dinner from that awesome Italian place on the other side of the lake I told you about. It’s really good. I wanted to take you there, but I thought you might want to stay in tonight. You already looked pooped earlier.”

She’s been doing more this week than I’ve ever seen her do before. Long yoga sessions and strength workouts every day. Not to mention the little moments I catch her swaying her hips when music’s playing somewhere.

Knowing my plan of getting her back into the game might actually be working makes me want to pound my fists on my chest.

Her mouth lifts at the corners. “That was very thoughtful of you, thank you. Even though it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to get out of the house some more too. I don’t mean right now, but some other time. We’ve been pretty much hermits since we got here last week. Not to mention you baby me way too much anyway.”

I give her a small smile, glad my inner turmoil over my former best buddy has disappeared as I listen to her babbling.

It’s actually so fucking cute, I can’t fight the growing grin on my face.

A sound comes out of her mouth that can only be described as a squeak. “Oh, stop it. I’m still not used to people taking care of me like this. It gets me all flustered and stuff.”

Leaning back against the counter with my back, I fold my arms across my chest. “What are you talking about?”

Her finger points straight at me, not a moment of hesitation. “You, of course. You get food for me, youmakefood for me. All. The. Time.”

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