Page 40 of Debts and Desires
“Are you—” Carter cut himself off. He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Fine. But it’s costin’ you another day.” He pointed at me, making me wince. Another day? On top of what I racked up the night before? Fuck that. I was too tired to deal with him and his bullshit.
“It ain’t costing me shit,” I threw back. “Not after last night. If anything, you should be offeringmehours for being a jerk.” I laid back down as best as I could now that Mac was there. It took a few tries and adjusting the pillow before I was semi-comfy. Carter stood there, his lips parted, eyes wide. He looked confused. Finally, he shook his head and turned to go get ready.
As he fastening his belt, he asked, “Can I have my key back?”
“Depends. Are you going to use it to break into my room again?” I asked, crossing my arms. It was a little more difficult to lay down from the lack of room I had courtesy of Mac. It took him a moment to speak and I could feel that gaze of his on me. I refused to look.
“No,” he said.
“Good, then you can take it back.” I pointed behind me, to the side table where my phone and the key were sitting. “And now you can leave me alone.” More silence. It was always silence with him.
“Emmy?” he asked, his voice off. I looked at him and hisexpression was pale. He looked sick. “Did I… hurt you last night?” He looked at the floor.
“What? No.” I softened a little. “No, Carter, you didn’t hurt me. You… you just annoyed me.” I sighed and sat back up, drawing his attention to me. “Do you not remember?” He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
“No.”
“You came in my room at like two in the morning, took your clothes off, and tried to cuddle with me,” I said. “I came in here because I was mad that you justdidn’tcome home.” This time I looked away. “And before you say it, no, I’m not playing house or whatever. I’m saying a text goes a long way. I wouldn’t have stressed with dinner.”
“You’re right,” he admitted. “I was still mad. I shouldn’t’ve been in the first place. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Does that mean the week you added is null?” I met his eyes.
“Week?!” He reared back.
“You asked if I ate and I didn’t answer right away, so you gave me four days.”
“Well, did you?” he countered, his expression wry.
“Yes, Carter,” I responded, rolling my eyes. “I ate.”
“Good… what were the other three for?”
“I said I’d give you three more if you left me alone for the rest of the night. And you did.”
“No, none of those get added. But take three hours off.” I nodded in response and he turned to leave. Just as he hit the threshold of the door, he stopped as if thinking, then turned back to me. “Be ready in ten.” Then he left.
“What?” I called after him. “Carter?”
“Ten minutes, Emogen! Mac, breakfast!” His voice echoed from the hallway as he disappeared. Mac moved faster than I’d ever seen him. I scrambled out of the bed and to my room. My bed was made as if he’d never been in it, but I could still smell him.
I put on a pair of blue skinny jeans and a light blue tee, thenslipped on some socks and sneakers. After I brushed my teeth, I put on a little eyeliner and threw my hair into a messy bun. I was ready and headed downstairs in less than five. Carter was at the stove, cooking some eggs. Mac was eating his kibble. Carter glanced at me before going back to what he was doing.
“Sit,” he commanded. And I did, taking my spot. “You want coffee?” he asked.
“Please.” He finished up the last bit before grabbing me a mug. He sat the cup in front of me and I smiled. Him knowing how I liked my coffee was oddly sweet. He said nothing, turning back to the stove. I watched as he cooked, my stomach rumbling.
It wasn’t long before he slid a plate to me and sat down and said, “Eat.”
“Where are we going?” I asked, blowing on a bite before shoving it into my mouth.
“Work.”
“Work?!” I nearly choked on my food. I took another sip of my drink as he nodded. “You changed your mind?” He nodded again. “I thought you didn’t need any help?”
“I don’t.”
“So why?—”
