Page 19 of Everything I Crave
“Green,” his answer is followed by silence.
“You’re supposed to ask me a question back.” I roll my eyes at him.
“I already know your favorite color. It’s yellow.”
“A question, Gunnar. Not a statement!” I toss one of my croutons at him, hitting him in the forehead.
He scowls, but proceeds. “Why did you pick Nashville to start your music career?”
This was supposed to be easy. He clearly doesn’t understand the point of this game.
I stare at him, but he just stares back, giving me the space to decide what I want to share.
“I had to get away after Dad died. I blame myself for his death and he always told me he could see my voice being huge in Nashville. My first gig was at his favorite bar there. So I guess I chose it to feel close to him.”
So far, Mack is the only one I’ve been remotely honest with about my feelings on singing and my music. Which is ironic, because looking at her no one would say she’s the one they feel safe to open up to with their darkest secrets.
He nods, accepting my answer. “You’re supposed to ask a question.”
I shake my head at him and ask my next question.
We clean up our dishes and head back to our bedrooms.
He pauses at his door. “I forgot to tell you, tomorrow I’m going to head to my parents for theweekend. Mack is in charge. I’m leaving early so I’ll probably be gone before you wake up.”
“Oh, um, okay.” Damn, why does it make my chest hurt that he’s leaving? “Is everything okay?”
“Oh yea, Hunter just called and asked if I could help them do some stuff around the inn. I guess this last winter was rough on the cabins and they need some extra muscle.”
At the mention of his muscle, my eyes roam over his chest covered in a tight tee that shows off his eight pack, and the sleeves straining to cover his chorded arms.
I realize that I’ve spent a little too long ogling him when he clears his throat to bring my eyes back to his. “Right. Mack is in charge. Goodnight.”
I give him a small wave and shut my door. Fanning my face, I slouch against the back of my door. I need to get my body under control around him. He’s my roommate and boss.
Gunnar has been gone for two days. I feel lost without him around to talk to all the time. We were together all day every day for a bit there. Is it crazy to miss him?
Mack sent me home tonight because it’s slow for a Sunday. I’m definitely not complaining about the night off. But I don’t want to just sit here alone watching TV.
I text Addy to see if she wants to come over for dinner. She answers right away.
Addy:I’ll be there in ten! Porter and the girls are off doing something at the garage and I’m bored out of my mind.
I throw the pizza in the oven that I ordered before leaving work so it’s warm when Addy gets here.
My mouth is watering as soon as I pull it from the oven. Mack made a buffalo chicken pizza with her house made bleu cheese drizzled on top. I’m about to sneak a piece when there’s a knock on the door.
“Come in!” I yell.
Addy runs over to hug me, or squeeze me might be more accurate. “Hi! I’ve missed you!”
“You just saw me two nights ago!” I whisper through her crushing my ribcage.
“I know, but not really. I’ve only seen you while you’re working since you’ve been home. I’ve tried to not push you to see us, I know you’re struggling, but I’m really happy you invited me over.” She releases me and places her bag down on the dining room table that Gunnar and I rarely use.
“I still don’t want to talk about it.” I set the boundary for tonight with her.
“That’s fine, I’m fine talking about Gunnar,” she winks. “And eating this pizza. Mmm,it smells so good.”