Page 134 of Fun Together
I squirt some shampoo into my hands and run it over her fur. “Squirrels can be annoying, huh? They seem to be one of the more conniving creatures of the animal kingdom.”
Chris swings open the door that leads to the lobby area, just as I’m lathering up the shampoo. “Who are you talking to?”
“Charity, of course. I like to make small talk with them.” Charity looks over at Chris as I give her ears a good massage. “See? She likes it.”
Chris just shakes his head. “Someone here to see you,” he says, holding open the door.
I peek out to see Faye standing there. I think I’m imagining her, until she gives me an awkward wave. “Hi,” she says, stepping inside the room.
“I’ll be out here if you need me.” He winks at me as the door closes behind him—a subtle nod to the confession that he and Dani made after one of our softball games that everyone at game night, except Cameron, was in cahoots to get Faye and I together.
We just stand there, staring at each other, neither of us saying anything. I drink in the sight of her. Her hair is tousled up on top of her head, and she’s wearing a tank top with a pair of old overalls on top of it. Her bangs are messy, like she’s gotten them sweaty and brushed them away from her face.
Wait, she has bangs. “I love your hair.”
She reaches up, like she forgot they were there. “Thanks. I think I got a little scissor happy,” she says.
I notice she has paint splattered on her clothing and in her hair. “Have you been painting again?” I ask.
She looks down at herself. “Oh, yeah. My living room.” Charity gets restless and makes a low groan, probably wondering why I stopped scratching her ears. “You’re busy. I’m so sorry. I should’ve called or texted.”
“What color?” I ask.Don’t leave.
“Hmm?”
“What color did you paint it?”I miss you.
“Oh.” She frowns. “Green.”
“Green’s a pretty color.”Why are you here?
She shakes her head. “Rett says it looks like I live inside of a key lime pie now.”
“How are you?”Do you miss me, too?
She adjusts her ponytail. “I’m good. Are you liking the new job?”
“I am. It’s temporary while I find something that fits what I’m looking for, but I can’t complain about getting to hang out with dogs all day.”
She smiles and walks over to give Charity a head rub. “Good for you. I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for you.”
“How are things at good ol’ Millionfish?”
“I’ve actually been on vacation for the last couple of weeks. I also had a very interesting run-in with Alexis. We’re going to talk on Monday about what’s best for me, career-wise.”
“That’s great. I’m glad you took some time off.”
She shuffles on her feet.
“I found a place to live,” I tell her, hoping that if I keep talking it’ll encourage her to say what she came here to say. “It’s a little apartment I’m renting above someone’s garage, but it’s nice for now.”
“That’s awesome. You seem to be doing well?” she says, her voice straining a little.
I’m taking steps to make my life better in many ways, but none of that matters if Faye isn’t in it. Why is she here? I feel hopeful, but I’m scared to hope for anything.
She straightens her shoulders like she’s gearing up for what she wants to say next. “The reason I came here is because I’d like to ask you something.”
My heart speeds up. “Okay . . .”
