Page 87 of Hide and Sneak
“And that’s what you deserve. I know your mom has convinced you that Amos’s welfare comes first, but it’s nottrue. You aren’t doing anything wrong by ending that toxic ass arrangement.”
“I know that, logically. But it’s hard.”
“Of course it is.”
“I’m going to talk to Sutton tonight. I won’t end things over something that happened ten years ago, but I want to know if there’s anything else he’s keeping from me.”
“Good. And if it turns out he’s also an asshole, call me and I’ll come over and personally fuck him up.”
Our laughter echoes around my apartment as I wipe my eyes. I’ve made a decision. “Alright. Do you want to help me test these inflatables?”
“Hell yes. I want to try that slide.”
I feel much better as we air up the inflatables. All the rooms are finished now. I’ve really managed it. Maren and I spend about twenty minutes testing everything out. We jump in the bounce house, go down the slides, and laugh like little kids.
“I can never thank you and Cooper enough,” I tell her as we lie back on one of the soft surfaces. “I couldn’t have done this without your help.”
“I’m as excited about this as you are.”
She is and my family should be too. The two people who haven’t even asked to see the place. Sutton has been counting down the days with me. Cara and Holly ask me all the time how things are going and are eager to be here on opening day. That’s family.
That’s where my loyalty belongs.
CHAPTER 30
SUTTON
This has beenthe longest day of my life. Lila asked for space and promised to talk to me tonight so I resist the urge to text or call her despite how badly I want to. I need to know I haven’t lost her.
This is the day I’ve looked forward to for so long and all I can think about is her. After I finish moving the last of my things, I spend some time putting the finishing touches on the dollhouse Amos and I found in the shed.
My plan is to give it to her for Christmas. I want her to have it no matter how things turn out between us. Amos said it was her favorite thing growing up until he destroyed it. I found a picture online of the original and it’s taken a lot of work, but I’ve succeeded in restoring it.
I haven’t heard from Amos, and while I’m still pissed about him telling Lila out of spite, I do feel a little guilty. We’ve been friends forever. I should’ve told him earlier. Just like I should’ve told Lila the truth about my wilder days.
Being with Lila has made me realize I’ve never been in love before. I thought I was, and I’ve gone through some breakups that hurt, but I’ve never felt anything like this. Not even close.It’s like she’s holding me hostage while I pray she’ll decide to never let me free.
My heart races when I hear her car pull into the driveway and I step out into my yard. This wasn’t how I envisioned things going my first night in my new house. I wanted to make her dinner, tell her how lucky I am to have her, fuck her nice and slow in front of my fireplace, then carry her to my bed.
Instead, I’m holding my breath that she isn’t going to tell me to go to hell. Even if she cares about me, she’s so beholden to her family. Amos is going to be in her ear about what a bastard I am for sure.
Dusty dives through her door as soon as she opens it. I’m happy to see she’s brought him and that her bag is slung over her shoulder like she plans to stay. Big, fat snowflakes begin to fall. She pauses to look up into the night sky and I’m nearly knocked off my feet by how beautiful she is in that moment. The subtle joy on her face.
I’m not sure what to expect when I walk to meet her. Before I can say a word, she throws her arms around me. She hugs me tight, and I cradle her head to my chest as she says, “I hated today. I don’t want to fight with you.”
The unbearable tension that’s gripped me since last night loosens. My body relaxes as I hold her, running my hand through her hair. “Me too. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
Nodding, she moves back a little and touches my face. She raises up on her tiptoes to press soft, cool lips to mine for a few seconds. Tears spill down her cheeks. “I’m in love with you, too.”
The words nearly knock me off my feet. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.” I pull her back into my arms. “It’s going to be alright.”
“I know.” She steps back and looks me in the eye. “But we still need to talk.”
“We do. Come in. It’s freezing out here.” I take her hand and call to Dusty, who’s darting around, snapping at the snowflakes.
“He’s crazy,” she laughs, and calls him again. He reluctantly gives up his game and follows us inside. Lila joins me in the living room while I build a fire, and Dusty settles down on the dog bed I bought him in the corner.
“Have you had dinner? Are you hungry?” I ask, and she shakes her head.
