Page 40 of Broken Silence
“You going to buy it?”
“You will be helping me. You’re staying here until stupid o’clock in the morning, painting and tiling. You’re working for hot chocolate and ice cream.”
I laughed, stepping closer. “Deal.”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m going to buy this shithole.”
“It won’t be like this.”
“I know. I wanted a project, and I’ve certainly got one.” He glanced back at the house—athishouse.
I wanted it, too. My heart ached for how much I longed for this to beourhome, but that was a fantasy I couldn’t let myself think about.
The next morning, I had a meeting with my lawyer.
With dread in my stomach, I made my way downstairs and into the kitchen. Each step was an effort that I didn’t want to make.
“You back with him yet?” Jasper asked as I walked through the door.
“Jesus!” Startled, I leapt back and whacked him. “What the hell?”
“Well?”
“No, Jasper!”
“You two are stupid.”
“Shut up.”
“It’s going to happen eventually,” he said.
“Hi, honey,” Mum said. Her voice was soft—the same one she’d used for me as a child. I hated it.
“Hey.”
“Are you sure you don’t want us to come?” Jasper asked, getting straight to the point.
“I’m sure.”
Mum sighed as if she carried the weight of the world. “We don’t mind. We want to be there for you.”
“I know, but the best way you can help me is by letting me do this alone. Please?”
“Okay, darling. Whatever you want,” she said, avoiding my gaze.
The doorbell rang, breaking me from my thoughts and this awkward conversation. I felt guilty for making her stay behind, but I couldn’t worry about her while I was there.
“I got it!” Jasper shouted, even though we were all in the same room.
“He’s so loud,” I said.
Mum huffed. “He’s never been anything but.”
I looked up, my heart skipping as Cole walked into the room, followed by Jasper.
His eyes found mine instantly, and the room heated by several thousand degrees. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved top. Simple. Hot.
“Shouldn’t you be at work?” I asked, unable to keep the smile off my face.
