Half Truths by Rachael Brownell

Author:Rachael Brownell [Brownell, Rachael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rachael Brownell Books
Published: 2020-08-16T18:30:00+00:00

18

Harley

* * *

God, he’s amazing.

He always smells good. He’s been a huge help with Phoenix. We have fun together, even if we’re just sitting in a room silently. Like right now.

Phoenix is between us on his couch. We let him pick the movie tonight. Alex is staring at the screen, feigning interest while I stare at him between sips of wine. I can tell he’s not paying attention to the movie because his forehead is wrinkled in concern and he keeps sighing at the most inappropriate times.

Especially considering we’re watching an action movie. A romance? Sure. Comedy? Maybe. Not an action movie where cars are racing through the city at speeds you only see in the movies. Making turns that would be otherwise impossible.

I want to ask him if he’s okay. He spent the day at the rehab center visiting with Daphne, and he’s looked lost and distant since he got back. He was going to meet Phoenix and me for lunch but never showed up, and instead shot me a text that he wouldn’t be able to make it.

No big deal. Or at least that’s what I thought until I saw his apartment door was closed when we got back. That either meant he was still visiting Daphne or he wanted to be alone. He never closes his door when he’s home. Ever.

I’ve tried to explain how unsafe that is, but he doesn’t seem to care. He doesn’t have much of value, but a robber won’t discriminate. He’ll take anything that’s not nailed down, and then where will he sleep?

I assumed he was still out until I heard the smoke alarm go off in his apartment and went rushing over. The door was unlocked, and I walked in on Alex fanning the ceiling with a kitchen towel to try and get it to shut off.

He burnt toast.

And not just overcooked it to where it’s tough to eat and tastes a little charred. It was black and rock solid. The toaster was still smoking, the remnants of the toast on the counter next to it.

Once we opened the windows and his apartment door, the breeze pushed the smoke out and the alarm shut off. He didn’t bother to explain what happened. He thanked me for my help and dropped two more pieces of bread in the toaster.

I left without a word.

His actions told me he wasn’t in the mood for company. It’s my job to know when people need a moment to themselves. Alex had all the classic signs. Unemotional. Standoffish. In his own head.

If he had wanted company or even to talk through what was going on, his door would have been open. He was obviously working something out. If he wanted my help, he’d ask. We’re not exactly there yet in our… relationship. If that’s what we’re calling this. We’re friends. No benefits.

Not that I don’t want to see what kind of benefits he has to offer. I mean, I got a sneak peek at the goods and was beyond impressed.

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