Page 167 of My Lucky Charm

I frown. “Do you want to tell me what you’re doing here?”

He turns away from me and starts making the bed. I look down and see my bra in full view, still lying on the floor next to my black dress. Not so subtly, I reach my foot out while he has his back turned, snag the bra with my toes, and try to fling it under the dresser.

I miss completely, and it sails high and lands on the side table lamp.

He looks over, sees the bra, and just looks at me with a hint of a smile.

Without a word, I walk over to the lamp, grab the bra, put it in my hamper, and walk out of the room.

I go back into the kitchen and eat more ice cream. I would offer him some, but I’m mad at him.

Really mad.

More than that, I’m hurt. I don’t usually let myself feel either of those things, but I can’t pretend anymore.

Once my bed is made, he turns around and looks at me. “Do you want to try it out?”

My eyes go wide.

“I didn’t mean—” He looks away, visibly flustered. “I mean—” He pushes his hand through his hair and shakes his head. “I just meant, do you want to see if it’s okay?”

“Is there a spring sticking out of it?” I ask dryly.

“No.”

“Then I’m sure it’s great.”

He nods, sticks his hands on his hips and looks at me.

I look back.

What is he waiting for?

“What are you waiting for?”

“Nothing, just . . .”

He stands there for seconds that feel like hours, then finally says, “Okay, I’ll see you later.” He grabs the old mattress, which is now propped against the wall, opens the door and walks out.

I close the door.

What the heck?

Seconds later, there’s a light tap on the door.

I pull it open and find Gray standing there, my old mattress now at the bottom of the stairs, like he just tossed it down there.

“That’s not really why I’m here,” he says.

“You don’t say.” I lean against the door jamb and watch him.

He’s now holding a six-pack of Dr Pepper. He shoves it in my hands.

I look at it, a little confused.

“Bouquet of Dr Pepper,” he says, simply.

I go still.

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