Page 44 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“I brought up the topic.”
“I’m the one who’s still not over it. It’s been four years. You’d think I wouldn’t be as emotional about it now.”
He was silent, and I hazarded a look at him. His lips were pressed together as though in thought. “I haven’t experienced loss like that,” he said slowly. “But I imagine it would take a while to heal, especially when you loved the person so much.”
I nodded, turning his words over in my mind. Then I tipped my head up to stop the waterworks. When I felt almost sure I had it under control, I dropped my gaze and checked his bowl. “Try to eat more.”
He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I like the sound of that. You should say that more often.”
“Don’t get used to it.” He ate all the same, getting through half the soup and the cracker before he put the bowl on the table. “It’s getting late.”
The room had grown dimmer without me noticing, and when I glanced out the window, the sky was soft and tinged with pink-orange.
“Oh, yeah. Let me just get you your medicine and clean up.” I grabbed the bowl and brought it back to the kitchen. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
“Yes. This isn’t my first time being sick on my own.”
He said it in a matter-of-fact tone, like he couldn’t care less that he’d had to get through being sick on his own. I hated it for him.
“But . . .” he added, “It was nice to have you here.”
I smiled at him. “Yeah?”
He dipped his head. “That said, I’m still changing my passcode.”
chapter fifteen
gabe
Luna
Ate and Lonzo are coming to watch the finals!!!
Gabe
Excited?
Luna
YES I’m meeting them in Atlanta next week. Can’t wait!
Gabe
You’re leaving on Saturday?
Luna
Yeah, I’ll take the bus and stay till Sunday
Gabe
I’ll drive.
Luna
