Page 111 of PS: I Hate You
Dom and I won’t be together long enough to celebrate an anniversary.
I force the thought away, ignoring how it feels like a sharp needle jab to the heart.
And as my friend talks, I realize how I’ve let distance settle between us. Not just the Dom secret, but also these simple life plans. Before Josh got sick, I would have been helping Jeremy plan the cruise, researching the most luxurious ships with him and seeking out the best deals. In the past, we’d text throughout the day, and I’d already have a mental map of all the relationships and drama going down with his work committee.
We still hang out all the time, watching movies and shows together in my condo.
But I sit quietly beside him, letting my brain zone out. Like a form of self-preservation to guard me from the pain of Josh and the guilt of my Dom secret.
I blink when Jeremy’s hand appears in front of my face. “Let’s go. Time for you to shower, smelly.”
When I glance up to meet my friend’s eyes, I see his normal teasing nature, but also a flash of worry. And I acknowledge that he has a reason to be concerned. I would worry, too, if he started folding into himself the way I have been.
I slip my hand into his.
“I’m running out of books,” I announce once I’m standing.
Jeremy laughs. “I doubt that very much.”
“Fine.” I offer him a cheeky smile. “I’m running out ofnewbooks. What do you say to you, me, and Tula going to happy hour tomorrow, then some tipsy bookstore shopping?”
The relieved grin that spreads over his face from the simple suggestion tells me all I need to know.
It’s time to start living my life again.
Chapter
Thirty-Two
Two months after the twins’ graduation, I prepare for Dom to arrive.
In Seattle.
In my condo.
In my life.
If I didn’t have to work, I would’ve picked him up from the airport. But there was a deadline, and he said he was fine getting a rideshare. Now I’m pacing my kitchen, done with my tasks for the day, staring at my phone screen as I wait for updates and reread the ones he’s already sent.
Dom:Landed
Dom:Off the plane
Dom:On my way. Can’t wait to see you.
Tingles vibrate throughout my body, and I do a giggle dance, then swear to never repeat the move because it was creepy and weird. After another five minutes, I decide waiting five floors up is a waste of time. I shove my feet into some worn sneakers and abandon my condo.
On the first floor is a small sitting area, the gym, and our mailboxes. Unable to sit down, I fiddle with my key in my mailbox, eyes on my hands. It’s either this or press my face to the glass and wait for him to appear.
There’s a whoosh of a door opening, a heavy footstep, and the sensation of eyes on the back of my neck.
“Maddie.”
I don’t remember how the kiss started, only that it doesn’t stop even as we stumble into the elevator and travel up five floors.
“I’ve missed you.” He whispers the words on a hot, harsh breath against my neck.
I let out a whimper just as the metal doors slide open. Luckily, to an empty hallway. Dom steps back and gestures for me to lead the way. On not-so-steady legs, I show him the door to my apartment, feeling his looming presence at my back as I unlock the door.