CHAPTERFIVE
London
“I didn’t mean to make her uncomfortable.” Ever’s eyes well with tears, but it’s not her fault.
“She’s coming around,” Shane tells her. “It’ll take some time.”
“I know,” Ever says sadly. “I just feel terrible.”
“Well, let’s get this going.” Shane changes the subject, handing Memphis a tray of steaks and ribs. “Think you can handle that?”
Memphis snorts. “Yeah, I think I’ve got it.”
“I’ll go check on Snow,” I whisper to Shane, who nods.
Running up the stairs, I lightly knock on her door. She’s crumpled on the floor next to the bed.
“Hey,” I say as I slide down next to her.
“I’m sorry.” Snow sniffles. “I’m so pitiful.”
“You’re not pitiful or weak or feeble. It took guts to do what you did—getting away. You’re stronger than you realize.”
“Everyone keeps telling me that, and yet, I keep running off.”
“Healing won’t happen overnight. And your talks with Ariel will help.”
“I think they will,” she agrees, hugging her knees to her chest.
“Soon you’ll be back to your sassy self.” I flick her nose.
She sighs and chuckles, tilting her face, wiping her tears on the sleeve of her shirt. “Thank you.”
“So, since you aren’t comfortable enough to go downstairs yet, how about we go into Shane’s room? He has a huge TV, and we can watch movies. I’ll go down and grab a bunch of munchies.”
Snow perks up at my suggestion. “He won’t mind?”
“No,” I shake my head, “he won’t mind.”
After standing and giving her a boost to her feet, I lead Snow down the hall, into Shane’s room, and she gasps.
I had the same reaction when I saw his bedroom—it spans the length of the house. The bed is big enough to fit an entire football team in it, and his balcony has a private jacuzzi. One wall is covered by a one hundred, thirty-five-inch TV.
Her eyes widen. “Oh, wow.”
“He made all the furniture himself.”
“He’s very talented,” she says as she moves around the room, lightly touching items as if her touch alone could break the pieces.
In more ways than one. We haven’t talked about the night Shane and I kissed. I think he was freaked out by it, and he felt bad about Ivy. Now that she’s not in the picture, I want to explore that, hopefully. I’m not sure how he will react if I make a move, but I’m hoping he’s receptive, because pining for him in secret sucks.
“Yes, he is talented. He’s making Ever a crib for the baby.”
“That’s sweet of him. When does he even have the time?”
“He doesn’t.” I huff out a laugh. “But for his daughter, he’ll make time.”
“Sounds about right.”