Page 27 of Brood
It even makes my pussy throb. Just a little.
“I…” I gulp over the tension in my throat. “I have to be at work in three minutes.”
“You better go.” He takes a step backward. “Right now.”
I really don’t want to, but that’s what I do.
* * *
I go to the Meadow for my midmorning break like usual, and today Danny shows up and sits on the bench beside me.
He doesn’t always join me the way the way he used to. He’s been kind of standoffish since I married Will.
It’s understandable. We can’t have the same relationship as before. He’s told me about the girl they’ve paired him with on Level Two. She’s healthy and attractive and by all accounts has a pleasant manner, but he doesn’t seem nearly as excited about her as he was about me.
We’ve known each other all our lives, and I care about him as much as I ever did. But things are different now. They have to be.
He asks about my ankle and about my doctor’s appointment yesterday. He tells me he’s been working on repairs to the generator that broke yesterday.
“Oh, yeah, Will mentioned that. Have you lost power anywhere?”
“We transferred power to one of the backups, but we need to get the main one fixed.”
“Is it causing you problems?”
“No, but it takes time. And it would be easier if I weren’t constantly micromanaged.”
There’s a particular edge to his tone that clues me in. “Who is micromanaging you? It’s not Will, is it?”
“Of course it is.”
The corners of my lips turn down. “He’s not normally like that.”
“You have no idea how he acts at work. And it doesn’t help that he doesn’t like me.” Danny scowls, which never used to be a normal expression for him.
“Why wouldn’t he like you?”
He gives me a significant look.
“No. That’s silly. He wouldn’t hold it against you that we used to be intended for each other. He’s worried about the generator. Our power supply is crucial to life down here. Of course he’s worried. That’s why he’s hovering more than usual.”
“It might explain his hovering, but it doesn’t explain why he treats me like a kid. It feels intentional.”
I’m upset, but not because I suspect for even a moment that Danny’s complaints are based in reality. Rather, it bothers me to hear anyone speaking badly about Will. “Danny, you’re twenty-two. He’s thirty-seven. Couldn’t that be the reason he treats you like you’re younger than him?”
“You’re really taking his side? You’ve only known him for three months.”
“I’m not taking a side. I’m asking questions. Obviously I don’t know Will as well as I know you, but I do know him now. He’s not petty. Ever. He became a chief younger than anyone else in half a century because he’s smart and gets things done and focuses on what’s important. The generator is important. It’s not personal.”
Danny shakes his head, still sullen. “It feels personal. How can it not? I resent the hell out of him for getting to marry you when you should have been mine. I bet he resents me too. Because I’m closer to you than he’ll ever be.”
Something doesn’t feel right about that. In fact, it’s so wrong, it makes my insides twist and tighten.
I’m relieved my break time is almost over so I can say goodbye and return to the kitchen.
* * *
I follow Will’s suggestion and skip my exercise hour today. After showering, I switch the lights to a dim gold and lie down on my bed. Instead of reading, I fall asleep.
