Page 17 of Fall Twice

I play with my ponytail. “Maybe should have been. But truthfully, the sign was always there. I thought I was in love, and maybe I was at one point, but in the end, I think it was that I cared. We were right together in so many ways, checked so many boxes, and I thought it made sense because of that. But we were missing excitement as time passed. We both gave clues we wanted an out, and finally, we agreed it was the right step. Sucks all the same.”

His brow raises slightly as he takes in my words and understands what I’m saying.

“Anyway, I think I’m too independent to be in a relationship. Maybe I’m not loveable either.”

He scoffs at my theory. “You just didn’t find someone who can handle your independence. You’re allowed to have space in a relationship.”

My lips quirk out as I contemplate his thought. I like his theory, it’s something that I can believe in. But I don’t want to get into relationship talk with the guy who held more cards when it came to me than he knew.

“Can I bring something tonight? I need to stock up at the grocery store anyway. My offspring eats like an entire hockey team.”

Reid grins. “Nah, you’re good. Just bring yourself.”

“Okay. By the way, is this coffee like magic or something? I feel wide awake,” I note.

Reid looks at me and leans against his hand, almost smug. “It’s because you’re in my company.”

And I don’t think he’s wrong.

I knock gentlyon the door of Reid’s home. He wasn’t exaggerating when he said this place has historic charm. Must be from the thirties, yet the bricks look like they’ve recently been restored. His apartment is on the ground floor.

Music is playing in the background as Reid opens the door. He’s in a dark green sweater that brings out his eyes, and he’s happy to see me even though he was expecting me.

“Hey, welcome to casa del Reid.”

He holds the door open and invites me in, helping me take my jacket off as I look around. I hand him a bottle of white, just because I don’t like to arrive empty-handed. I scan the area and see a lit fireplace, original details on the mantel, and crown molding along the walls. There’s artwork on the walls, and a record player stands on a table in the corner, but the music must be coming from a Bluetooth speaker. I feel like this would be a great place to work on papers and relax.

“Want something to drink?” he asks as he heads to a side table with a tray of whiskey in a crystal bottle and matching glasses.

I chuckle softly at this scene. “Wow, you really are feeding into the professor persona.”

He pours a glass and then hands it to me. “Would hate to disappoint.” I wonder if he meant to have a hint of sexiness in his voice when he said that.

I take the glass since I took a cab here so don’t need to drive, and he holds up his own to clink our glasses. The moment I drink the amber-colored liquid, I feel like I’m heading down one dizzy spiral, letting go of something that I can’t quite pinpoint.

“Where’s your neighbor?” I notice that we’re alone.

“Johnny had to cancel, his grandson wanted him at his karate match or something,” he informs me so easily and casually.

I try to hide my smile at what feels like a scheme. “So here I am with a fire lit and whiskey in hand.”

Reid walks to the sofa. “Not like you had plans.”

I follow him and land on the opposite end to ensure there is space between us. “Fair point, and I guess I could use an evening of chillaxing before life gets chaotic.”

“I have artichoke chip and crackers. Does that entice you?” he offers.

I rest my head on the back of the sofa. “Wouldn’t say no.”

Over the next few minutes, I take in more sips of whiskey as the music plays, switching to classic Stars. I focus on the music and allow myself not to think. When Reid returns with snacks, I decide to ask him something that is really none of my business, nor should I care.

“Can I ask you something?” I focus my attention on a cracker, dipping it into the bowl.

“Sure.”

“Did you want kids with your ex? I mean, well, you mentioned freezing…”

A subtle smile plays on his lips. “My swimmers? Yeah, I froze some. It’s a risk with most cancer treatments that it messes with your ability to reproduce. I can’t exactly get someone pregnant now, and kids weren’t on my mind even with her. But never say never. That’s the thing with life, we evolve, and who you are ten years ago maybe isn’t who you are today. Our wants change.”

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