Stuck with You: A ONE WEEK Novella by Carmen Roya

Author:Carmen, Roya
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

10

“It still burns, by the way,” he says matter-of-factly as he’s cooking us burgers on the barbecue the next day.

I’m setting the table outside. It’s a beautiful night and I’ve convinced him to eat out with me. He agreed as long as he got to cook the burgers. “I’m sorry,” I say for the millionth time.

He glares at me. “You should be.”

I struggle not to laugh. “It was a good one, you have to admit.”

“One of your best,” he agrees. “Now go toss the pasta salad, and get out of my face.”

We’re sitting quietly, enjoying our meal. Abby and Baxter are sitting at our feet, salivating. If I’m being honest, these past few days have been kind of wonderful. I feel more at home here than I do at my condo these days. I wonder if that has everything to do with Jacob being here. I’m so confused. A few days ago, I was so sure I was doing the right thing, walking away from him and letting him find a better life. But now I want him by my side, as irritating as he can be. I’m being selfish. I know it. I know he deserves so much more than I can give him.

Jacob is the first to spot him in the distance. He waves a hand, and I turn to see Alex, looking as delicious as always. I ogle him as he approaches.

“Out for a walk?” Jacob asks, his usual friendly self.

Alex shoots me a quick shy smile “Actually, I was just coming to say hi to you.”

By ‘you’, does he mean both of us, or me. It seems crazy, but for some reason, I’m convinced he means me.

“That was nice of you,” I offer. “Why don’t you sit down. We have an extra burger.”

Jacob glares at me — we both know that extra burger had his name on it. Well, he can just throw another one on the barbecue if he’s that hungry.

Alex scooches into the picnic table, next to Jacob. He seems to take it over, being as large as Jacob. “Are you sure?”

I smile brightly. “Yes… help yourself.”

He reaches for the burger with hungry eyes. “Don’t mind if I do. I’m starved. Haven’t had a chance to make dinner yet.”

Jacob is not impressed.

“So you two are married?” he asks, clearly curious.

“We’re separated actually,” I explain. “We just both ended up here for the week… it was an accident. Long story.”

“I love long stories,” he says, and bites into his burger.

“Well,” I start and catch Jacob rolling his eyes at me. “This place belongs to our friends—”

“James and Beatrice,” Alex says with a mouthful of food. “They’re cool.”

“Anyway,” I go on. “I booked the place for the week to get a little peace and quiet, and next thing you know, Jacob shows up. He booked the place too. But I’m pretty sure Beatrice did it on purpose, trying to play matchmaker and get us back together. She even persuaded Jacob to take a vacation.”

“Priceless,” Alex says. “She does seem like a meddler… but in a good way.

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