Page 45 of Heart Strain

“Hm?”

“What’s wrong? Are you already regretting it?”

“What? No, of course not. I’m just thinking about all the shit I have to do. Like find a job and pack up my house and talk to Gav and stuff.” I shrug, and I notice the weird grimace he does at the mention of my best friend, but I let it go since this isn’t the time. “It’ll be fine. It’s your turn.”

He stares at me for a few seconds before rolling the dice.

Jameson comes in a while later with lunch in tow and a little smile. “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”

“That depends on what you brought for lunch,” Drix says.

“I got Chinese.” He looks at me with those smiling lips. “I got your favorite.”

“Thanks, Foxy,” I say and smile up at him for a moment before realizing my mistake. I didn’t mean for that nickname to come out. I turn to Drix and find him chuckling at me, so I shrug. I can’t take it back now.

“You’re welcome,” Jameson says as he sits across from me. He’s smiling, but his cheeks are pink, so it looks like I’ve successfully embarrassed both of us again. Yay, me.

* * *

Peanut’s been stayingover Jameson’s house while we’re at the hospital. Jameson told me he doesn’t want my baby to be lonely while we’re gone, so we’ve been taking him there every day. Even today, when we were going to different places this morning, Jameson had me drop Peanut off.

I kinda like it because it gives me an excuse to go to his house every night. I really wish I could just invite myself to stay there until I find my own place, but there’s no way in hell I would ever ask that of him. Especially not after the night that shall not be mentioned.

“Thanks for letting Peanut stay here,” I say as I hook the leash onto Peanut’s collar.

“You really don’t have to thank me every single time. I know you’re thankful, so I’ll assume it every day.”

I chuckle. “I’m going to thank you, anyway.”

He sighs like he’s put out. “If you insist.”

“I do.” I grin at him and the overwhelming urge to kiss him hits me. And I know it’s time for me to get the hell out of there before I repeat my mistakes. I look him over. Maybe repeating my mistake wouldn’t be that bad. Oh my god, no. Stop it, Holds.

“You alright?”

“Yep, fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m running errands in the morning, so we’ll have to drive separately again.”

“Drop Peanut here first, okay?”

“Okay. Thanks.”

He laughs. “Stop thanking me.”

“Nope.”

He laughs as I wave and walk my dog out to the car, then drive away. Peanut seems a little mopey, and I swear it’s because he likes Jameson’s house better, too. I pet him with one hand as we drive to my parents’ old house. “It’s okay, baby. We’ll see them again tomorrow.” He licks my face as I pull into the driveway.

Once we’re inside, I grab my phone and stare at it. I’m dreading this phone call, but I know I have to get it over with, so I press the call button with a sigh.

“Hey,” Gavin answers with a smile in his voice.

“Hey.”

“What’s wrong?” Before I can answer, my phone makes a weird noise and I see that Gavin’s switched it to a video call, so I reluctantly answer it. He looks good; his brown eyes are a little tired and his blond hair is messy, but that’s only because he’s in bed. I miss his face.

“Hey.”

“You look like shit, Holds.”

---