Page 336 of Breaking the Rules
She could manage the shop if she wanted.
Or she could start her own.
Hell, she can take the world by storm.
I want that for her.
I really do.
"You're looking at me funny." She yelps as the microwave beeps.
"Funny how."
"You know how." She slides out of her seat, moves into the kitchen, fixes the second bowl of oatmeal. "Ryan might take it back. Once we tell him."
"Dean and Chloe work together."
"Yeah, but—"
"They're wildly inappropriate."
"True. I just…" She drops strawberries in the bowl. "What happens when we tell everyone?"
I wish I had a good answer for her, but I don't.
"What if Brendon kicks you out?"
"I can deal with that." I've found a place. But not the right moment to tell everyone.
Or schedule my move out.
It's a big deal, being on my own.
As much as I hate having to hide this from Brendon, it's nice staying at his place.
Knowing someone is around if I get lonely or scared or desperate for a drink.
Knowing someone is going to hold me accountable.
My own place—that's a lot of freedom.
Freedom to fuck Emma.
And freedom to fuck up.
"What if he lobbies to get you fired?" she asks.
"He won't."
"You're sure?"
No. Brendon is usually reasonable. But he is protective of Emma.
And he knows all the ugly stuff I've done.
He knows what a piece of shit I can be.
He knows better than anyone.
