Knot Forgotten (Hiddenverse) by A.J. Moran

Author:A.J. Moran [Moran, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

Erin

The next morning, I wake to find another gift bag on the table, a scrawled note next to it.

‘Early morning, let this lamp be your light until the sun comes up. Xoxo Blake.’

Smiling, I peek into the bag to find a small lamp, and upon further inspection, I see it is a touch lamp, perfect for mornings when you don’t want the light to blind you. I carry it back to my room and set it up, feeling light and happy the entire time. The teddy bear he gave me sits happily on my blankets, and I run my fingers over the soft fur before going back out into the living area.

Riley is lounging on the couch as if he’s been there the whole time. His face brightens when he catches sight of me, and he stands up.

‘Did you eat?’ he signs.

I shake my head.

“Me either, want to go grab some food?” He ruffles his hair.

‘Sounds good,’ I sign, even though he has his aids in. I’ve always followed his lead, if he is signing, I’ll sign, too. If he is talking, I’ll talk too. Not that he really cares as long as he can read my lips. He’s told me enough times it doesn’t matter, but too many people in his life since he lost his mom have not treated him right. I don’t want to be one of them; I care too much.

He grins and picks up my bag where I left it the previous night as he leads the way out of the dorm. We walk down the quiet halls and out into the crisp morning to the Baldwin for a quick breakfast. He reaches for my hand, tangling his fingers with mine and making warmth bloom in my chest at the action.

A few early risers wave at Riley or stop us for a quick hello, each one looking at me curiously. None of them ask who I am or why he is holding my hand, but I get the impression he doesn’t do this. Hand holding in public isn’t something people see him engage in, which only spreads the happy warmth. By the time we reach our destination, I don’t think anything can wipe the smile off my face.

He grabs a tray and loads two plates with all of my favorites, then carries it to the table I’m starting to think of as mine. Back in the corner, out of the way. He places the tray with our food down and gestures for me to take a seat before sliding next to me into the same side of the booth I choose.

Blocking the rest of the room from view, he turns toward me and puts one of the plates in front of me. “Eat up,” he says.

I pick up a piece of sausage and dip it into the syrup he grabbed. He watches me take a bite and chew as if it fascinates him.

“Riley, you can eat too,” I say, then cover my mouth with my fingers as I continue to chew.

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