Page 47 of Fight or Flight

CHAPTER XVI

I TRY TO SHIELD MY body with Tommy’s as we stand in front of Brody’s door, which is ridiculous because he’s shorter. But I’m actually scared to walk into that house.

I’ve already created a few drafts of the outside of the house with the added space, but I can’t put away coming inside any longer. I hold my big folder in front of me like a shield and gulp when the door opens, revealing the tall, curly-haired woman.

She smiles warmly at Tommy as she opens the door wider for us to come in.

“Hi guys, Brody mentioned that you may stop by today. Sorry about the mess,” she winces, waving at the open space.

Usually, when someone makes a statement like that, they tend to exaggerate, but even I have to admit that the house is in total disarray. The sofa is spread out to make a bed with twisted blankets and pillows, making it look like whoever slept there had to be tossing and turning. Around it, there are loads of female clothes littering the floor, along with a few children’s toys discarded in random places.

And when I get a look at the kitchen space... Wow, it’s a mess.

She must see our reactions, although Tommy does a great job of looking passive because she adds with a sigh: “It’s getting a little crowded in here.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I say, stepping forward with my hand extended. “I’m Aidan Linden.”

She grabs my hand and shakes it with surprising strength. “Oh. I know who you are.”

The way she says it makes me wonder if there’s a hidden meaning behind her words, but then she drops my hand and smiles.

“I’m Jennifer Wallace. Thanks for agreeing to help us.”

“I still don’t know how much of a help I will be... Wait. Wallace?” I make big eyes at her, and then a bulb goes off in my head. I literally have to stop myself from slapping my forehead. How the fuck I didn't put two and two together?

I’m so fucking stupid it’s embarrassing. Brody’s Jen is Jenny. The Jenny. Well, I guess it makes perfect sense now that Claire is here.

Jenny actually snorts at my shock. “I know, right? I’m somewhat of a celebrity in Bell Ridge. Unfortunately, not positively. But I’m just a regular girl in Madison, so who cares about that godforsaken town.”

“And... you’re okay with me being here? You know... After everything?” I eye her carefully, ready to get the fuck out of here if my presence is causing the pregnant woman any kind of stress.

“Brody deemed you worthy, and I trust his judgment. And I’m not an angel by any means. Did lots of stupid shit a few years back. I’m happy that people around me were able to look past that.” She states matter-of-factly and then glances toward the staircase when her son calls for her.

“I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” She puts her foot on the first step and pauses before pinning me down with a freezing look, so at odds with her mellow attitude just from seconds ago. “Oh, and Aidan. Claire is not here right now and will be gone for a couple of hours. I don’t know what’s the deal between you two yet. But you better be gone by the time she comes back. Understand?”

“Yes, uh, I understand,” I stammer out.

She looks pleased by my answer and continues to climb the stairs before disappearing upstairs.

I take a deep breath and then glance at Tommy, who’s still looking at the top of the staircase.

“Dude. She’s fucking terrifying. I would literally shit myself if she gave me that look.”

“Yeah... I can see why she and boss make sense now,” I mutter and open my clean binder. “We better get to it then. Take the measuring tape and start from this wall.” I command, and together, we work in silence.

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