Page 48 of Rumi: The Hawthornes

I told myself that Nova obviously needed a friend for some reason and that was why I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her back against my chest. It was just a friendly cuddle, just like any other night when we’d curled up on the couch to watch movies. I’d almost convinced myself by the time I fell asleep.

Chapter 10

Nova

Istartled awaketo Rumi’s alarm blaring through the room.

“Fuck,” he hissed, carefully scooting away from me.

“I’m awake,” I muttered wryly, making him curse again. “You do realize no one could sleep through that alarm?”

“Sorry,” Rumi muttered as he stumbled toward his dresser. He smacked the top and the noise stopped. “I had to put it over here ’cause I kept hittin’ snooze and then I’d be late to work.”

“No worries,” I replied, stretching. My arm was still a little tender and it was a jolting reminder of the day before. I ignored it. “I have to go home and get ready for work anyway.”

“What time do you start today?” he asked as he started pulling on clothes.

“Not until nine,” I murmured, watching him.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve got just enough time to brush my teeth and stop for coffee or I’m late.”

“You could skip the coffee,” I replied hopefully.

He laughed again. “I get back in bed and it’s gonna be a lot longer than stoppin’ for coffee before I get out again.”

“Fine,” I muttered. “Sorry I fell asleep last night.”

“No problem,” he said with a shrug, stuffing his wallet into his pocket. “You were tired.”

“I was.”

“Even after all that sleepin’ you did yesterday before work.” He kept his tone even.

“I know,” I said, meeting his eyes. “Hopefully I’m not getting sick or something.”

“You’d tell me if somethin’ was goin’ on, right?” he asked carefully.

“Like what?”

“Anythin’.”

“Of course I would.” The lie rolled off my tongue easily. “Hey thanks for letting me crash in bed with you. I don’t even remember you bringing me in here.”

“You were pretty out of it.” He paused by the door. “I’ll text you later?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Hey, do you care if I stay in bed for a little bit? I don’t have to be up yet.”

“Sure.” He patted the doorframe. “Lock up when you go.”

“Nah, I thought I’d leave the front door open with a sign that saysBurglars Stop Here.”

“Boy, would they be disappointed when they got inside,” he joked, walking away.

A few minutes later, I heard him leave the house, and I closed my eyes in relief. We both knew that it was weird I’d asked to stay. I’d spent the night on plenty of weekdays, and I’d always left before Rumi when he had to go to the garage. Sometimes I’d left before he’d even gotten up for the day. Getting up early had become second nature for me and even when I didn’t have to work, I rarely stayed in bed. There were always things to get done.

I brushed off the worry that Rumi was probably wondering what the hell was wrong with me and decided to just be grateful for the fact that I could wait until everyone was gone before I went home. I wasn’t ready to see Pop and I couldn’t help the anxiety that pulsed in my chest at the thought of repeating the morning before.

I’d told Nana to make sure Pop knew I wasn’t coming home, but still.

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