Page 76 of Playing With Fire
It’s no less painful for Knox who hasn’t been to his own beach house in the three—almost four —years it’s been since Karen left him. Thankfully, he pays a property management company to keep it up because otherwise, I’d be battling some pretty hefty neglect if he lets me stay there.
“I know giving me the keys makes you uncomfortable, but I promise I’ll treat it well.” It seems I’m cashing in all my favors at once. I still can’t believe Monica eventually agreed to make that appointment to see Shannon at work and give her the phone.
After a long exhale, Knox nods. “Yeah, sure.” Thinking maybe we could all just face some scary shit down there at the same time, I ask if he wants to come with me. “Nah, I’m not ready for that yet. Too many memories. Good and bad.”
I just nod instead of pressing the issue. He’s going to have to decide for himself when he’s ready.
“Thanks, Knox. I owe you.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that,” he replies ominously.
Chapter 29
Shannon
Greg left for the beach retreat after I got home from work yesterday with a sloppier-than-necessary kiss and a tongue that felt like a dead fish as it probed my mouth.
I just have to make it to Sunday,I remind myself.
With Greg going down to the beach before me, I plan to move my clothes, Serafina’s favorite toys, and a few other items to my apartment tonight.
My paranoia was running high and I was completely prepared for Greg to actually show back up last night in an effort to try and catch me doing something I shouldn’t be, so I stayed home and called Hudson on my secret phone.
Even though Greg had originally wanted to leave Serafina with his parents, they planned an impromptu trip to Greece and are leaving Saturday—thank God—so she’ll be staying with my parents instead, making me feel a lot better about getting her back after I tell Greg I’m leaving.
I’m very aware of the fact that he’s most likely paying attention to my location on my cell phone now, and am sure to leaveit at the house as I transport things back and forth and stop at Target to get a few basics like dishes, a mattress, pillows, sheets, a bottle opener, a few basic groceries, and a futon.
My apartment is going to look like a college dorm room, but I don’t even care because it’smycollege dorm room.
With all my new items and my daughter loaded, I rush back to the apartment to get set up before calling Hudson. Even after a full day of working, and all this shopping, I have more energy than usual. The physical distance from Greg is like removing the hand that’s been holding me under water. Recently, all my energy has been spent on surviving and I finally have margin to beginlivingagain.
I take Serafina up first and put her in the bouncy swing she loves so much. Although my apartment is on the second floor, I have a clear view of the door from my car so I’m not too worried about leaving her alone as I move things in.
By the time I have everything unpacked, it feels like I barely bought anything at all because there is so much empty space, but it’s still home for now.
Excited and proud, I call Hudson to see if he’s free.
“I’ve been waiting for this call all day, baby. Of course, I’m free,” he says. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
As I wait for him to arrive, I run the sheets on the quick cycle. I don’t want to presume, but on the off-chance Hudson is ready to take this to the next level, I want to have a place to do it—even if floors, walls, and counters would suffice, I like options.
Chapter 30
Hudson
Ipull into Shannon’s apartment complex twenty minutes later, armed with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, and a pack of teething rings for Serafina.
Shannon opens the door before I have a chance to knock. “I can see the parking lot from the window,” she explains excitedly, ushering me inside. “Welcome!”
She’s radiant. Not in her appearance—although she always looks beautiful to me. It’s the light dancing in her eyes, the unguarded smile, the excitement around her that permeates the air.
“These are for you. Acongratulationsinstead of an apology this time.” I chuckle, holding the flowers out for her. “And I brought this because dinner in your new place seemed like a celebratory-bottle-of-wine kind of night more than a get-hammered-on-tequila-shots kind of night.”
Nowshe’slaughing. Cocking a brow, she says, “Me opening this bottle depends solely on what rules you have in place for the evening.”
I gently toss the teething rings onto the bar behindShannon and grip her hips with my hands, leaning forward to suck on that spot behind her ear that turns her to putty in my hands.
“There are no rules tonight.”
