Page 25 of Sweet Dreams
I tell Leroy about Nancy or as much as I know. Which is she’s a cunt, in a nutshell. Leroy had more colourful words to use, which I agreed, but cunt wraps it up nicely. Together, we came up with a plan, but unfortunately, I’m working on Leroy’s schedule, and who knows when we’ll be able to execute that plan. I only hope it works out before Nancy causes Teagan any more problems. Or Teagan finds out that I’m meddling in her business.
That’s all I need is, another reason for her to hate me. I’m digging myself a lovely grave with every minute.
“Silas?” Teagan coughs my name.
I leave the kitchen and find her leaning against the hallway wall, covering her eyes. Even with all the curtains closed, the house is still too bright.
“Teagan, if you aren’t feeling better, stay in bed. It’s alright.”
“No. I have to check on the shop. John probably had another visit from Nancy, and I have to oversee the remodel and order new stock. I can’t afford time away.”
I move toward her and pull her into my chest; this is gonna make it worse when she finds out I’m a big fat fucking liar. “Hey, it’s fine. I’m sure John can handle it; he would’ve called if Nancy had shown up.The stock can wait one more day. Do you still have a headache? Want something to eat or drink?”
She groans. “Too many questions, Sunshine.”
I shake my head. “It was two. Come. I’ll make you something and then get you home.”
I get Teagan seated at my small kitchen table. I grab a glass from the rack and turn the tap on until the water runs cold. I watch the water run from the tap, wondering if I should just disappear from her life for good instead of keeping up with all this bullshit.
“Silas, you okay?”
Her voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I quickly fill her glass. “Yep, I’m good. Just thinking of what to cook you, that’s all.” I turn around, walk the three paces to the table and slide the glass toward her.
“I’m not picky. I’ll eat almost anything.” She pulls the glass closer to her but doesn’t drink it.
“What’s the matter?”
She leans back in the chair and exhales. “It’s nothing that you haven’t heard me bitch about before. I’m just tired of it all. I’m almost ready to give up.”
“That’s because you’re still tired, so sleep more, and you’ll be ready for a fight. Trust me.”
Trust me, what a joke. I’m blowing smoke out of my ass now. Fuck, I’m an asshole. Teagan looks atme with those piercing green eyes like she’s on to something. I shake my head and back away, moving to the fridge and pulling out the butter and cheese slices. Grilled cheese it is. It's the easiest and quickest thing I can think of.
“Did you want to fill me in on why Nancy showed up at the shop?”
She picks at her sandwich, taking one deep inhale. “She slapped me with a pink sheet.”
I raised a dark brow questionably. “A pink sheet? Explain.”
“Oh, sorry. It’s a sheet from hell. It’s her way of denying my renovations even though it was the city's fault for the damage.”
I raise a finger, but she shakes her head.
“I didn’t tell her about the room being torn down. The less she knows, the better. And besides, I’m taking it down, not building. It’s different.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think that’s how it works. She will find out.”
She shrugs and shoves a piece of food into her mouth. I wish I had her outlook on things, no care and dealing with the consequences when they arise. There’s no way I could do that. No matter what I do, it seems like a cloud of bad luck is always hanging over me.
“In a way,I hope she does. I have more to say to that stuck-up bitch. She doesn’t rule this town. I should have a meeting with the mayor and see what he has to say about all of this. I can’t keep looking over my shoulder whenever I want to do something with my shop. It’s not fair.” She slumps back in her chair. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to dump all my shit on you.”
“No. It’s perfectly fine. That’s what I’m here for. Whatever I can help with, I will.” Secretly, that’s me asking for forgiveness in advance for what I already have cooked up.
“I should get going; John probably needs my help. I kinda disappeared on him.”
“Are you sure you are, okay?”
“Peachy, baby. Thanks again for cooking. You’re two for two, and I have a lot to catch up on.” She stands, grabs our plates, and sets them in the sink.