I know I haven't said much about the purchase of the house next door. I've been very busy juggling hearts and I haven't had time to even think about it and then Satan sends a message this morning telling me it is closing day and did I want a tour now that he has the keys?
That was fast. Doesn't it take longer to move furniture out of a house that size? Apparently they were mostly out the door anyway and the staging was all that was there, removed the day after the sale was approved. We probably could have gone in before now but Caleb is in no rush.
Also, change the locks first. Always change the locks first. I was going to tell him this until I saw New Jake heading out with him this morning. Jake will look after putting new locks on and then Caleb can pay him for doing so. Unless Jake goes to live in the new house too and then it can come off his rent. Don't ask me what their plans are, I'm never told anything until it's too late to change anyway.
***
Fortunately for him, Lochlan did not have his cat that swallowed the canary expression on when I saw him. His look was pure concern.
Where were you last night?
Theater.
You could have messaged me.
I don't think that would have been appropriate. Besides, I left my phone on the desk.
Are you okay?
Why wouldn't I be okay?
I can read, Bridget.
Then why did you ask where I was?
He looks up at the sky abruptly. It's an exasperated, almost eye-roll. Because I was hoping you would have a little more to say than this. Don't shut me out.
What would you like me to say?
Have you talked to Ben?
I really wish people would stop asking me that.
Does he know you know?
I'm guessing yes, since he can read too. In spite of everyone's assumptions that he can't.
When are you going to talk to him?
If and when he brings it up. It's not an issue. He didn't go through with it. Everything remains the same. If you want to push him around then that's your problem. Don't make it mine.
You want to stay with someone who would give you away.
I want to stay with someone who considered being unselfish and letting me out if I wanted out but in the end couldn't let go? Hell yes. Yes, I do.
I'm not sure who is more fucked up, you or Ben.
Then we make a good couple. So if you're so perfect, why are you with us?
Can't let go.
Then you understand him perfectly. And me. Are we done here?
He nods, eyes glassy, words forgotten.
Good. I have a house tour to get to. Want to come? It'll piss Satan off.
Sure. Just give me a minute.
Okay. I soften and try to smile for him and it fails. What a mess. What a godawful fucked-up mess.
