Page 159 of Meet Me In The Dark
“Yes?” Avery answers.
“Bring Ms. Morgan an oat milk latte.”
“Sure thing.”
I slam the phone back into its cradle, jaw ticking as Celeste finally looks up. “Thank you.”
After what feels like hours, Avery finally brings in the coffee. Celeste murmurs her thanks, and Avery quickly scurries out, clearly sensing the lingering tension between us.
She lifts the cup to her lips, takes a sip, and sighs.
I don’t know if I want to shake her or kiss her when I ask, “Better?”
She smiles. “Much.”
“Glad to hear it.”
She exhales a shaky breath. “I’m not your enemy, Julian, but I’m also not someone you can use anddiscard when things get tough. I know what you’re doing.”
“And what’s that?”
“Pushing me away to protect yourself.”
“Don’t,” I warn.
She ignores me and leans forward. “But here’s the thing. I’m already in. You’re just a stubborn bastard who won’t admit it.” She jabs a finger into her chest right over her heart. “I’m already in there, and I’m not leaving.”
Fifty
Celeste
I’m balancing a pizza box on my hip and fishing for my keys when I turn into my hallway.
“Celeste! Open the door.”
“Julian?”
He’s leaning against my apartment door with his forehead resting on it, like he’s been standing there a while.
“What are you doing?”
He looks up, a crooked smile breaking across his face before relief replaces it. “My brain needed to see you.” He swirls a finger near his temple. “It goesquiet when I see you.”
That’s when I notice the slight sway and the glassiness in his eyes.
“You’re drunk.”
“No.” He waves me off. “I’m fine.”
“You’re drunk,” I repeat, brushing past him to unlock the door. “Come inside before my neighbors call security.”
He follows me in, eyes landing on what I’m holding. “Is that pizza?”
I pull it away from him. “Hands off.”
“You’re not going to eat a whole one by yourself.”
“Watch me.”
