Page 30 of Surrender
I mashed on the screen, my hands sweaty with nerves, and took several attempts to stop the screeching.
“I, uh…” I started, pinching at my brow. “Sorry, I’ve got a list of things to do, so...”
Nate leaned back against the counter, folding his arms across his chest as if nothing had just happened. “Where you headed?”
I tucked my phone into my jeans pocket and brushed past him again as I reached for the documents on the counter behind him. The documents I still hadn’t filled out. “I’m seeing the bank, and then Lucy’s aunt. She has a receptionist job going.”
His brows shot up, and his head fell to the side. “I thought you were working at the studio for Lucy?”
I didn’t question how Nate knew things.
He just always did.
“I am. Or at least, I’m hoping that the few classes I’m teaching will grow and become something more full-time,” I explained, fighting to keep my shoulders square even though I felt dejected. A degree in dance doesn’t exactly give a lot of options when it comes to occupations, but it’s what I loved, and the idea of having to give it up and do something else made me feel sick. “But, as I’m assuming you know, I’m looking at buying thisplace, and it’s gonna cost a lot to do it up, and I need to decide if it’s worth it.”
He tapped his heavy boot on the worn floors. “If you need work, I’ve got some.”
I frowned. “Work?”
Nate shrugged, pushing off the counter. “Nothing major, always looking for a pair of extra hands to help out.”
It would be so easy.
No interview, no need to explain to new people about myself and my life.
Yes.
“No, it’s okay.” The words came out tasting sour. “I’ll figure it out.”
He studied me for a second, like he was preparing an argument that I would have likely given in to if he’d just tried, but instead, he simply nodded. “All right. I’ll leave you to it,” he said, hitting every creak and crack in the floor as he crossed to the other side. “I’ll use the door this time.”
The corner of my mouth turned up, though he didn’t see it, already stomping back out through the living room and foyer, a loud click echoing back at me as he got the door to close behind him with one hard tug—no oneevergot it in one tug.
At least, no one who hadn’t been here before.
Who hadn’t practically lived in this house.
Whose past wasn’t completely intertwined with mine.
The house suddenly felt quieter.
Lifeless.
Without him in it.
But there was one thing—the anger that had been fueling my memories of Nate was easing.
And suddenly, I just felt confused.
And lost.
All over again.
Chapter Twelve
BLUE
“I think Roxie might be having problems with some of the girls downstairs,” Estelle informed me over the phone. “I need to know if there’s something going on before it turns to absolute shit.”
