Page 22 of Taking What's Ours
“So, I never asked. What do you do for a living? Do you have work tomorrow?”
“I sell stuff online.”
“Really? Like what?”
“Prints of my grandmother’s artwork.” He nods to the red poppy painting. “That’s one of her biggest sellers. I keep her website running. She had quite a loyal following. I’ve turned her stuff into calendars, greeting cards, mugs, aprons, even dishtowels.”
I turn and look at the painting. “That’s so cool.”
He shrugs. “I sell a lot of other stuff, too. Whatever’s trending online.”
“Like one of those drop shipping sites, you mean?” I stuff another bite in my mouth, fumbling with the chopsticks.
“Yeah, exactly.” He laughs at my efforts. “It pays the bills.”
“Do you do the shipping, too?”
“Nah. The place I sourced to print her merchandise does all that for me.”
I tilt my head. “This is all so fascinating.”
We eat in silence for a couple of minutes, and I finish my helping.
“You want some more?” he asks, lifting his chin to my bowl.
I rub my stomach. “I’m full. Thank you. That was delicious. I’d ask for the recipe, but I’m not much good in the kitchen. Except baking. I love to bake.”
“That so? You’ll have to bake me something then. What are your specialties?”
“Banana bread. Red Velvet cupcakes, and I have a fantastic recipe for chocolate chip cookies with pecans.”
“Damn. It all sounds good.” He grins. “Maybe you’ll have to pay rent in baked goods.”
“I’d love to make you something.”
“I’ll have to take you to the grocery store tomorrow to get what you need.” He stands and carries both our bowls to the sink. “Want to sit on the deck for a bit?”
“Sure. Sounds great.” I follow him out.
We each settle in Adirondack chairs situated around a small metal fire pit.
“This is nice.” Rosie noses my hand until I pet her. After a few ear scratches, she settles at my feet.
Dylan stretches his long legs out and settles in his chair.
I feel his eyes on me. “What?”
He shakes his head and looks away.
“Uh, no. Tell me.”
“You given any more thought to my asshole brother and what you’re going to do?”
“It’s painful to think about. I think you were right. I just need some time and distance before I make any decisions.”
“Has he called?”
I nod. “I turned my ringer off, but, yes. There are a bunch of missed calls. I’m not ready to talk to him again.” My jaw tightens. He didn’t even apologize when I threw my knowledge of Madison in his face, just kept up his lies and tried to make me feel like I was crazy. I shake my head. I don’t want to think about that now. “But my mother knows I’m safe.”