Diamond
How many blisters can you have before your feet just stop working?
My first guess was eight, but I’m bordering on ten, and well, still walking. Two whole weeks have gone by since my brother decided he wouldn’t be driving me to work anymore.
It came out of nowhere. Jesse just strolled into the kitchen one weekend and told me he was done entertaining my “nonsense.”
Something about refusing to play a part in my horrible decision to see this job through. He said if I wanted to keep working for Mr. Richards, I’d have to find a way to get there myself.
I thought about telling my dads but was nervous Jesse would retaliate and snitch on me for living with a boy. So, I agreed to pretend like my brother was still driving me around when, in fact, I’ve been walking for an hour every Friday and Sunday.
It’s not the hour-long walk that’s killing me.
It’s the bad-quality shoes. They must’ve belonged to my sister for five years before being passed on to me, but every cent I’ve made this far has gone to buying my car.
Shoes will have to wait.
It’s near 9:00 p.m. when I amble up the driveway to the Richardses’ mansion with my luggage. I slow down at the sight of Finn’s car parked by the entrance, my rib cage compressing the loud drum where my heart should be.
Shit, he’s here.
I haven’t seen him much sincethewine cellar incident…
I was thankful for his absence, at first. Finn staying out all the time meant there was no risk of the dry humping fiasco happening again, but it’s become crystal clear that he’s avoiding me.
He doesn’t even come home to sleep most days. And when he does, he’s gone before I wake up. I knew we’d come to regret the kiss and well… the other stuff, but I didn’t think he’d fall off the face of the earth.
It’s been quiet around the house. So quiet that I caught myself wishing Theo would get into a fight with his parents and move back in a few times.
I suck in a breath as I unlock the front door and push it open.
I notice the lights are on in the kitchen and recognize the sound of the fridge closing.
Lexie runs to me on cue, her warm welcome a temporary cure to my anxiety. I pet her for a few minutes before marching myself straight into the lion’s den.
Every muscle in my body is tense as I grip the strap of my bag and turn the corner. I find Finn by the sink, pouring himself a bowl of cereal. His hazel eyes flick to me when I walk in, a dash of desire zapping throughout my entire body.
Yep, he’s still handsome.
I’d hoped staying away from him for a while would terminate this attraction, but as soon as our eyes meet, my mind opens the door to a dark and twisted memory.
You’re going to come, aren’t you?His voice echoes in my head over and over. You’re going to come for me like a good fucking girl?
“What took you so long?” His rude question shocks me.
I blink myself back to reality. “None of your business.”
Unaffected by my scathing response, Finn bites back a scoff. “You need some help with that?”
“With what?”
“Getting that stick out of your ass.”
I don’t let his comment about my bad mood faze me, a hate-ridden smile plastered on my face. “Remind me again why I put up with you?”
Seeming more amused than annoyed, Finn sits on one of the stools around the kitchen island and sticks his hands up. “Can’t help you there. I’ve been trying to figure that out since the day you got here.”
“Not that it concerns you, but I’m saving up for a car,” I enlighten him.