Page 44 of Debts and Desires
After washing my hands, I hurried back to the office, not daring to look at Carter in the garage. But when I walked in, I froze. Carter was behind the desk, leaning down over the computer. He looked up at me and motioned for me to join him. He had a security feed up on the right computer monitor.
“So you can see from now on and go when you need to,” he said, then proceeded to show me how to pull it all up. There were nine cameras in total throughout the garage, inside and out.
“Thank you,” I said when he finished explaining. He gave a nod, then headed back out. I spent the rest of the day staring at him on the screen while he worked, not getting any of the papers done.
19. NO HONOR AMONG HORMONES
September 14
Day Eighteen
144 Hours to Go
“Damn it,” I muttered, eyeing the pitiful feminine care arsenal scattered across my bed. Another cramp twisted my insides, and I let out a groan. It felt like someone was having a field day with a pair of rusty pliers in my abdomen. I surveyed my meager stash again, realizing it wouldn’t last more than a day, maybe two, if I rationed carefully. Not to mention I couldn’t find anything for pain relief, which meant I was about to have a super awkward conversation with Carter. I could only hope he’d surprise me and be decent about it this time, though my gut told me not to hold my breath.
“This sucks ass,” I grumbled to myself. As if on cue, another cramp jabbed at me, reaffirming my misery as if I’d forgotten it.
Great. Just great.
With sluggish movements, I got ready for the day, donning a pair of sweats and a tee before slinking my way downstairs to the couch. I decided it was a no-go day for anything remotely productive.
Carter had already texted and let me know he wasn’t coming home for lunch. I was thankful because I felt like a wrung-out dishcloth. Mac nestled beside me, offering the best comfort his furry presence could. Hours passed in a haze of scrolling through my phone, trying to hum a few bars and write lyric ideas on my phone, and playing mind-numbing games. I took an unintentional nap, waking some hours later, confused as to what year it was. Then I did the small bit of dishes from Carter’s breakfast, grumbling the whole time. That was the extent of my productivity, because I soon had another wave of pain to deal with.
When Carter came home that evening, I hadn’t budged from my spot, save to get up for a snack or to go pee. I heard the familiar clinking of his keys as he hung them on the hook. He walked over behind where Mac and I were laying. Mac jumped up, putting his head on the back of the couch, his tail wagging eagerly as he received Carter’s affectionate pats.
“You look comfy,” Carter remarked my way, a hint of amusement in his voice. I shrugged in response. For the time being, I was okay. I stretched and sat up.
“How was your day?” I asked, attempting to sound casual despite the dull ache in my abdomen.
“Got Mrs. Abernathy’s car done,” he replied. As if remembering his deal to be nice, he hastily added, “Yours?” I gave a quick smile.
“Justwonderful,” I replied with a heavy dose of sarcasm and a forced smile. Carter looked up from scratching Mac’s ears. I swallowed hard, not particularly thrilled about discussing the matter, but knowing I had no choice. “I, uh, haven’t started on dinner because I wanted to see if you would take me to the store first?”
“No,” came his straightforward reply. I sighed, expecting as much.
“Then can you go for me?” My tone was more pleading than I intended it to be.
“Why? I got all the stuff you asked for last time, didn’t I?”
“You did, yeah, for food. I need some other…things.”
“Things?” Carter quirked a perplexed brow. It took him a moment, but I could practically see the light bulb flicker to life above his head. “Yeah, I can go. You need ‘em now?” I nodded, feeling somewhat awkward. Carter, on the other hand, didn’t seem fazed in the slightest as he casually made his way back to the front door, retrieving his keys. “Text me what you need,” he instructed before disappearing out the door, leaving me in a state of mild bewilderment.
Maybe it was because my ex was always weird and dick-ish about it, but seeing Carter go get me what I needed with no hesitation filled me with gratitude and a strange sense of emotion. I felt guilty for waiting until he’d returned home before bringing up my needs, but part of me had hoped that I could go with him. Deep down, I knew he wasn’t going to let me. Going to the shop was miracle enough. I realized, too, that I would need to call my doctor and see if they could forward my birth control to the local pharmacy before I ran out. Another conversation I’d have to have with Carter later.
With that thought, I pulled out my phone and texted him everything I needed. I was still a little embarrassed, but the interaction had helped.
Emmy
That’s everything. I’ll subtract it from my pay at the shop.
Carter
No.
Emmy
Fine. Can you bring dinner then?
