by Kennedy Fox
“Apology accepted.” He grins. “You hungry? I’m making scrambled eggs and hash browns.”
Blinking, I stare at him. “That’s it?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re not gonna give me some smart-ass comment? Make a joke about how I’m a spoiled rich girl who uses her money to right my wrongs or some shit like that.”
“Were you offering me money?”
I sigh. “Well, no, but that hasn’t stopped you before.”
“See, you’re not the only one who can turn over a new leaf.”
“So, no more snide comments?” I wait as he mixes cheese and milk in the bowl, then pours it into the pan.
“Now, I never said that.”
Chuckling, I move to the espresso maker. “Figures.”
We easily move around the kitchen, him making breakfast and me brewing coffee. Bruno even lies close and doesn’t attack me, but his head perks up when he smells the eggs.
“Would you like some toast?” Eli asks.
“Sure, did you bring any bread?” I haven’t had any in months.
He laughs. “Yes. But it’s not the healthy no-carb shit. It’s the good stuff.”
“That’s fine. I’ll have a fruit smoothie for lunch to even it out.”
Eli smirks, shaking his head as he pulls a loaf from the cabinet. “A protein smoothie would be better for you. It’s more nutritious than blended fruit and is balanced.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep. I drink one after my workouts as a meal replacement.”
“When did you start going to the gym so much?” I ask after he sits across from me at the table and hands me two slices of buttered toast. “Thank you.”
“Welcome.” He stabs his fork into his hash browns. “It became a habit for me after college.”
“Any particular reason?” I say before taking a bite.
“Needed a distraction.”
“From what?”
“A girl.”
“Oh.” I swallow. “Were you together long?”
“Not really. About six months.”
This is probably one of the most personal conversations Elijah and I have ever had, and it’s oddly normal. I had no idea he’d dated someone, but that’s not surprising since we hardly crossed paths after high school.
“What happened?”
“Found her mouth wrapped around my roommate’s cock.” He says it so casually as he continues stuffing his face.
I nearly choke on my eggs. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope.” He shakes his head. “The icing on the cake is we still live together, and they started dating after we broke up.”
“Oh my God, no way!” My eyes widen in horror. This chick is a straight-up bitch.
“Yep. So, it was either be in the same apartment with them after work or go to the gym.”
“Wow…” I take a sip of my coffee. “Are they still together?”
“Engaged, actually.”
This keeps getting worse. “Please tell me he didn’t ask you to be in their wedding.”
“Fuck no. They invited me, though.”
“What a douche. Both of them. Seriously. I can’t believe some people.”
“Don’t worry, karma came to play.”
“What do you mean?”
“The ceremony was supposed to be in two weeks, but with the restrictions on social gatherings, they had to cancel it. They’re losing their asses in the money they spent.”
I laugh, smiling wide at his victory. “Good. I mean, the circumstances are awful, but at least they got what they deserved.”
“I’m over it now. We weren’t right for each other, but I would’ve preferred she break it off before sucking off one of my friends.”
“No kidding.” I finish my eggs that seemed to melt in my mouth. “I’m pretty sure Zane cheated on me.”
“Zane’s a fucking moron. For several reasons, but especially for taking you for granted.”
“Yeah, he really is. I guess I was fixated on the idea of us, not really him. I should be more upset than I am. It’s not our relationship I’m grieving, but rather the fact that he made a fool out of me.”
Bruno gets up and walks over to me, setting his head down on my lap. I’m a little stunned and don’t know what to do.
I grin down at him. “What do you want?”
“He knows you’re sad,” Eli explains, standing and grabbing our empty plates. “He’s offering you himself to pet so you’ll feel better.”
I snicker at the way Eli talks about Bruno as if he can read the dog’s mind. “Is that so? You want to be my comfort animal?”
“He’s a good boy, aren’t you?” Eli saunters over after placing our dishes in the sink. “I’m gonna take him out for some exercise for a bit. Wanna join us?”
I look at my phone and notice the time. “I would, but I have to start my schoolwork so I can stay ahead. Need to make sure that ho Francine Withers doesn’t steal my valedictorian spot.”
Eli raises his brows, amused.
“She flirts with all the professors, so trust me, the label is accurate. I’m pretty sure she slept with the dean just to get into the program.”
“Wow, desperate times call for desperate measures. Well, if you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.” He grins, then finishes his coffee. “My offer to help you make me dinner still stands, by the way.”
Laughing, I get up from the table and grab my mug. “How sweet of you.”
“I’m a nice guy, babe.” He winks, then calls Bruno, and the two of them head to the front door.
I grab Chanel’s food and water dishes from my room, then refill them in the kitchen. As I walk back to the staircase, I peek through the window and see Eli throwing a stick for Bruno in the backyard. He’s smiling wide as he grabs it from Bruno’s mouth and stretches his arm back, tossing it as far as he can. Bruno gallops like a small horse and happily fetches it.
As I watch them, a strong sensation ripples through me. I’m relieved and glad Eli’s here, so I’m not alone, but he’s also great company. It doesn’t hurt that he cooks, too. However, he’s helped keep me distracted from what’s happening right now. My anxiety spikes just thinking about it, and if I were here by myself, I’d drive myself crazy watching the news. I’m not being ignorant about the extreme situation we’re in, but it doesn’t help to overly obsess either.
If there’s anyone I have to self-isolate with during times of uncertainty, I’m glad it’s Elijah.
Chapter Six
ELIJAH
Cami has given me whiplash the past couple of days, but I’m managing the best I can.
One second, she’s blazing hot, and the next, she’s ice cold.
Then she’s apologizing.
I must be living in the twilight zone because Cameron rarely admits she’s wrong, so I certainly appreciate her apology. Though she may not believe it, I’m actually glad she’s here and keeping me company. It beats being in this big cabin alone, and if we can get along, even better.
I throw sticks for Bruno until my arm nearly gives out, then we head back into the house. I grab some bottles of water, go upstairs and take a shower, then log in to my laptop. I have a video conference with some clients and my supervisor for two hours, which is as boring as it sounds. The only bonus is the view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and clear blue skies. Though it’s a little chilly outside, it’s common for Upstate this time of year.
Once I’m off the call, I return dozens of emails and decide to turn on the news.
Bad fucking idea.
Reporters show footage of doctors working in the ER in New York City under extreme distress, and it has me on edge thinking about Ryan. Though he might not be able to text me back, I message him anyway so he knows he’s on my mind.
Elijah: Hope you’re doing okay. Shit is looking scary on TV.
I’m shocked when his reply comes minutes later.
Ryan: It’s fucking bad. Never in my life have I e
ver seen anything like this before.
Elijah: I can’t believe it. It doesn’t seem real.
Ryan: I heard you’re stuck with my sister. Sorry, I didn’t know she’d be there, but I’m glad you guys are together and safe. Gives me one less thing to worry about.
Elijah: Did she chew your ass out?
Ryan: Not really. She said she was worried about me so I tried to downplay things so she wouldn’t have an anxiety attack.
Elijah: Does she still get them?
I knew she did in high school but wasn’t sure if she still did. Since the media is constantly in her business and making up stories, she’s overly private about her personal life.
Ryan: Yeah, sometimes. She doesn’t always tell me, so it could be happening more than I know.
Elijah: I’ll keep an eye on her. Did she tell you Zane broke up with her?
Ryan: What? No. That fucker. I’m gonna punch his pretty boy face.
I laugh, knowing he totally would too.
Elijah: Don’t worry, she’s taking her anger out on me.
Ryan: I believe that. Don’t let her near the vodka…
I snort.
Elijah: You’re a day late and a dollar short on that tip.
Ryan: Fuck. Sorry.
Elijah: Don’t be. We’ll be fine. She’s coming around. We’ll be married in no time ;)
Ryan: I’m not sure if I should worry about the virus killing you or my sister, but good luck either way!
Elijah: Be safe, bro! Keep me updated with how things are going. I’ll make sure Cami is safe.
Ryan: Appreciate it, man. I gotta run. Talk to you later!
I’m not a religious guy, but I whisper a little prayer to keep my best friend safe and healthy along with his coworkers and patients.
By three thirty, I’m tired of glaring at my computer screen and want some fresh air, so I take Bruno outside. I chase him around the yard, throw the stick a dozen times, and am nearly out of breath after thirty minutes.
“Alright, let’s get some water, bud.” I pet his head, and we go into the house. As I reach the fridge, I spot Cami at the kitchen table with her cat lying next to her computer.
“Hey,” I say as she pounds her fingers on the keyboard. Grabbing a bottle of water, I offer her one, too.
“No, thanks.” She doesn’t take her eyes off the screen.
I chug half of it before taking a deep breath, trying to get as much air as possible. Bruno drinks every drop in his entire water dish, and I fill it up for him. When I turn around, I notice Cami’s cat is moving around the table, taking notice of the dog. To avoid another war between them, I put Bruno in my room.
“You okay?” I ask Cami when I return downstairs. “I don’t think you’ve blinked in five minutes.”
“Just working on a paper.”
“You look like you’re about to fire someone.” I chuckle. She finally drifts her gaze toward me and shoots me a death glare. “What? You seem tense. That paper piss you off or something?”
“It’s called focusing.”
“Why are you down here anyway?”
“I got tired of looking at the same thing upstairs,” she explains. “Plus, I needed more caffeine.”
“Speaking of which, can you teach me how to use that machine? I mean, unless your plan is to make it for me every morning. And if that’s the case, I’d prefer it be delivered to my bedroom.” I smirk, sitting on the edge of the table.
“You have a better chance of a meteor hitting us than me bringing you coffee in bed.”
“Ouch.” I chuckle, placing my hand over my heart. “Why don’t you take a break? Have you eaten yet?”
“Not since breakfast.”
I check the time and see it’s already after four. “That was hours ago. C’mon, shut down the laptop and make me dinner.”
Her fingers finally stop moving, and her shoulders shake as she laughs. “You’re not as slick as you think.”
“Really?” I stand. “Because I think I just got you to finally smile.”
She rolls her eyes with a groan. “Fine, but after we eat, I have to get back to it. This professor is a hard-ass, and instead of taking it easy on us during this time, she’s added assignments.”
“Sounds like a bitch move,” I say. “But you’re a genius, so I’m sure it’s cake for you.”
Cami flashes me a look of uncertainty. “I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not.”
I hold up two fingers. “I swear, totally genuine.” Her expression softens. “You’re obviously smart, Cami. You got into NYU on your own merits. You’re just not…fix a toilet seat smart.”
She leans back in the chair, and her arms fall to her sides. “And you’re clearly not make coffee smart.”
Laughing, I nod and shrug. “Right. So it’s perfect. I’ll be in charge of the hard labor, and you’re in charge of making sure I’m caffeinated enough to do it.”
Her gaze lowers to my mouth, and I wonder if she’s thinking about our kiss like I am. When she licks her lips, the temptation to lean in is strong, but I refrain. The last thing I want is for things to be more complicated between us. It’s only the two of us, and it’s too easy to blur the lines. If we’re going to stay here and get through this together, we have to be civil and respectful of each other
“Okay, deal. But don’t expect room service,” she teases, closing her laptop.
“Oh…” I say slowly. “So then I guess it’s a no for personal lap dances?”
“Are you always this obnoxious?”
“Only when I know it gets on your nerves.” I beam, staring into her crystal blue eyes. They’re brighter than yesterday.
“I’m gonna need way more vodka to deal with you.” She stands and pushes in her chair, then moves to the kitchen.
“Actually, I was informed to hide that.”
She looks over her shoulder and glares at me. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t.”
I follow her, then rummage through the fridge for the meat I brought. It’ll go bad if we don’t eat it soon. “Do you like chicken fettuccini Alfredo?”
“Is that pasta?” she asks, leaning against the island.
Turning to look at her, I furrow my brows. “Are you serious?”
“What?” She shrugs. “I don’t eat a lot of pasta.” I tilt my head at her. “Okay, fine. I never eat pasta.”
“Guess that means you’re about to have the best meal of your life,” I tell her, gloating. “Wash your hands.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not making this alone. Time for you to learn how to cook, woman.”
She sighs and goes to the sink, then suds up her hands. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
I chuckle at how she exaggerates her inability to cook and grab all the ingredients for dinner. After I place the box of pasta and chicken breasts on the counter, I grab a knife and cutting board.
“Alright, you’re in charge of the chicken. Cut off the fat, then slice it into long pieces. Think you can manage that?”
“I guess we’ll see.” She steps closer to the counter and opens the package. I hold back a smile when she grabs the chicken breast and cringes. Carefully, she places it on the cutting board as if it’s going to jump out of her hands. “This is really gross.”
“Dry it with a paper towel first,” I tell her.
Cami does what I say, and I’m amused by how helpless she looks. You’d think she was dealing with a live animal by the way she’s holding it. With her back to my chest, I lean into her ear. “Don’t worry, it won’t bite ya.”
“Not funny,” she deadpans.
I place my hands on her shoulders, and she shivers. “I have faith in you.”
She inhales sharply, and I release her so I can prepare the sauce. “Wanna learn how to make homemade Alfredo sauce?”
Cami looks over at me, unamused. “Sure, why not?”
Chuckling, I grab the butter, heavy cream, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Then I tell her what I’
m doing as I do it. After I melt the butter in the saucepan, I add the cream, then let it simmer.
“You wanna whisk it?” I ask after I check the sauce, not wanting it to burn.
She looks over her shoulder. “Do what?” Before I can respond, she drops the knife. “Fuck!”
When I rush to her side, she’s holding her finger that’s bleeding. “Did you cut yourself?”
“Yes, and it hurts like a bitch.”
“Let me see it.” I grab her arm, turn her toward me, then grab a paper towel before holding her hand in mine. “Oh man. I think I’m gonna have to amputate.”
“Stop!” she whines. “That stupid knife is really sharp.”
“I think this was caused by the operator’s error,” I say, laughing. “It’s just a small cut. But I’ll grab some supplies and bandage you right up. You’ll be as good as new in no time.”
“You distracted me with your sauce.” She pouts, looking down at her finger as I race to the staircase. I’m full-on laughing as I grab the first-aid kit I packed from my bag and bring it back to her, cradling her hand.
“Raise your arm over your head to slow the bleed.” I stand in front of her and open the kit, finding the items I need to play doctor.
After a moment, I grab her hand and inspect her finger again. “Let’s rinse it under some warm water for a second, and then I’ll clean it with an alcohol pad before putting some Neosporin and a Band-Aid on it.”
She nods, and I lead her to the sink, carefully placing her hand under the stream. She winces for a moment, then relaxes. It’s a baby cut, but I think it freaked her out more than anything.