Page 13 of Ky
“Wow, this place is…” Her voice trailed off as words escaped her.
The house was impressive enough. It wasn’t huge, but it was a cute, little beachfront house with a cozy wraparound porch. The light blue and white paint on the outside had a nice light and airy feel to it. Very beachy, for lack of a better word. But I had a feeling it was the smell of the salt in the air, the stickiness of the humidity that seemed to press down in a way that threatened to cave in your chest, and the distant sound of crashing waves that caused her reaction.
“Can I level with you?” she asked and I halted in my steps at her words.
“Level with me?”
“Yes, that is a saying, right?” Her shoulders went up to her ears before they dropped heavily back in place.
“Where did you—never mind. What?”
“I know more than you probably think I do,” she said looking at me and there was suddenly something more soulful in her eyes. “I mean, knowing and actually seeing—experiencing, are very different. I am starting to learn that, but I do understand more than I am supposed to.”
That was the first time I’d heard her talk where she didn’t sound completely like a brainwashed robot. It did something to me on the inside and I couldn’t tell what the feeling was. My mouth parted like I wanted to say something but nothing came out.
The front door opened, saving me from what was going on with my sister. Only it wasn’t much help. Chris stood there on the front porch, his smile and stance very welcoming. I kept my sigh buried deep down. This wasn’t going to be easy and I knew the moment I stepped foot in that house that I was going to feel like I’d rather be rolling around on a bed of nails and hot embers.
“This all you have?” Chris said as he reached out to grab the bag that held Ingram’s things. His fingers brushed mine and I released the bag with a small flinch. I prayed that he didn’t notice but as his lips twisted into a half-frown, I knew that he had.
“Yeah, that’s all that Ingram brought. I just grabbed a few things to hold me over until…”
Until what? I figured out all the fucked up shit that was going on not only around me, but in my head as well?
“Ky.” His voice was soft as he almost breathed out my name on a sigh. “Just stay. Don’t worry about finding a place for you two right now. You need to focus on Ingram. Let me…just help out by giving you a place where you can do that. Okay?”
He was too sweet for his own good. Even if I wanted to hate him, there was no way that I could. Not this guy. Not ever.
“Thank you, Chris,” I said as I moved my gaze to meet his. We held it longer than a beat but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Instead, I felt warm, safe.
“Right,” he said as he cleared his throat and took a step back. “Let me show you the rooms. Ingram, I’m Chris, by the way. Welcome to the beach house. The view isn’t that great from the bedrooms, but it’s killer from the living room. And even better when you’re sitting at the table eating breakfast. Nothing like waking up to a perfect view of the ocean.”
He winked at Ingram and she smiled wide. Instantly, he set her at ease and I was fucking grateful.
The spare bedrooms that would be ours were right next to one another. There was a bathroom at the end of the hall that we would share, but I didn’t think either of us minded.
Chris was right, the view from the bedrooms was shit. But the rest of the house was jaw-dropping. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all one big open area with sporadic beams for support. The back of the house and half the sides were lined with windows.
The house felt like him. As I took a look around, I honestly couldn’t imagine Chris any place else.
“The entire upstairs is my room,” he said, finishing the tour and pointing to the stairs that were just behind the kitchen. “I don’t have a door, so I would give a shout before you come up.”
Ingram let out a loud, nervous laugh and I fought back a smile.
“Yes, I can imagine that might make for an awkward situation,” Ingram said smiling wide.
“I was just about to make some dinner. Chicken tacos sound good to you?” Chris asked Ingram and it was almost like I wasn’t there. Not like I cared, I wasn’t picky when it came to food.
“I have never had a taco,” Ingram stated and I had to hide my cringe. “But I would love to try one.”
Chris nodded as his eyes slid over to meet mine. It was clear there was a shit load of explaining to do, but I didn’t want to get into it right then. I knew it would come out eventually. Not only did I not want to dredge up my past and put things out there that I’d tried for a decade to leave behind, I didn’t want to make Ingram feel uncomfortable either.
Sensing this, Chris move the conversation along, taking her arm gently and leading her to the stools on the opposite side of the wide granite island from where the stove was. Ingram offered to help but Chris waved her off. I could tell she was tired, though she’d never voice it.
Dinner was out of this world amazing. Chris had both flour and hard corn shells. He loaded them up with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocados. Then he topped it off with homemade tomatillo salsa. Ingram ate as many tacos as I did, declaring that she was a huge fan and wanted them again tomorrow night.
Something about the calmness that washed over the room felt like the thing I’d been missing for a long time. I didn’t dare question it or try to explain it. I didn’t even want to think about it. So, I sat there in a happy daze as I listened to Chris and Ingram talk about the small stuff.
