Page 65 of Stuck with You

“My mom works too hard and refuses to look after herself. It pisses me off that she never listens to me.”

“She’s only trying to help people.”

“Yeah, but who’s trying to help her? The hospital is working her too hard.”

I slowly nodded. I couldn’t imagine being in his position, seeing his mom drag herself through each day. She’d been looking increasingly exhausted during my time here, and I could see why it would upset Aiden that she’d been called into work on her day off. I could also see why she didn’t feel like she had a choice. It was a difficult situation.

“You look after her,” I finally said.

He nodded, and a sad smile curved his lips. “I try, but it’s never enough.”

Aiden had always acted like nothing ever bothered him. He was always so playful and flippant on the surface, and before we lived together, I’d suspected he didn’t care about anything at all. It was clear he loved his mom and brother though, and tonight had shown me just how much.

“She’s lucky to have you.”

The sadness that had filled his eyes when I entered the room seemed to ease at my words, and a little of his usual sparkle returned. “How about you? Do you feel lucky to have me?”

I swallowed, unsure how to respond. He definitely wasn’t thinking about his mom anymore, and his question seemed to strike right at the heart of the confusion I felt whenever I thought of Aiden.

“Um…” I stammered, grasping for an answer.

Aiden was watching me closely, but his eyes suddenly flared. “Wait, what’s the time?” He jumped across the bed and reached for his phone. The screen lit up, showing it was nearly 8:30 P.M. Aiden swiftly stood up, took hold of my hand, and dragged me toward the door.

“What’s going on?” I wasn’t sure what had prompted him to suddenly burst into action, but I also wasn’t complaining. He’d saved me from attempting to answer his question, and I still wasn’t certain what I would have said.

“I told you I’d show you proof that Herb and Rosalind love each other more than anything.”

“And you want to show me now?”

“Now’s the only time I can,” he replied.

Aiden kept hold of my hand as he pulled me down the stairs and through the house. It wasn’t until we were on the front porch that he finally let go. He gestured toward the porch swing, indicating for me to take a seat. I didn’t comply straightaway though.

“Aiden, what’s this about?”

“Just trust me and sit.” His gaze was sincere, and there was an earnest tone to his voice.

I huffed out a breath before doing as he asked, and Aiden lowered himself onto the seat next to me. He was close enough I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and I felt the urge to move closer still. It was cold out tonight, and I wished I’d worn a thicker sweater. I rubbed my arms as I stared out at the street. I had no idea why he’d dragged me out here, but it was kind of peaceful as the seat gently rocked back and forth.

“Aiden…”

He glanced at me, his eyes narrowing on my hands as they rubbed my arms. He quickly jumped up. “You’re cold.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Aiden wasn’t listening though as he walked over to a box that sat in the corner of the front porch and pulled out a heavy blanket. He placed it over my legs before sitting on the swing at my side. As his warmth returned, I found myself moving in slightly closer to him so our legs were pressed together. Every cell in my body seemed to happily hum at his return, and I couldn’t remember ever feeling so content.

“That better?” he asked.

“Yeah, thanks,” I murmured. I was glad he hadn’t listened to me when I’d said I was fine before. I was feeling so much warmer already.

We sat in silence. I didn’t feel the need to fill the air between us with talk. The crisp night was cool against my cheeks, and I was so cozy beneath the blanket I felt like I could stay this way forever. Aiden’s body was relaxed at my side, and his gaze remained on Herb and Rosalind’s house across the street.

“What exactly are you looking for?” I asked.

“Just be patient and you’ll see.”

The words were barely out of his lips when the front door to the elderly couple’s house opened. Herb stood in the entrance, his elbow crooked, as he waited for Rosalind to join him. She linked her arm with his, and the two of them made their way out onto their front porch. They lowered themselves onto a porch swing that looked very similar to the one Aiden and I sat on.

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