“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
