Page 53 of I Could Never
I shook my head. “Anyway, it’s pointless to think about. You can’t change the past.”
“No, you can’t. But it’s important to talk about the things that haunt you. Letting them out is the only chance in hell we have at getting over them.”
“There’s no getting over it,” I corrected. “Just gettingaroundit.”
“That’s true, yeah,” she whispered.
I forced myself to take a couple of steps back. “Well, I’ve managed to ruin the mood for you tonight.”
“You didn’t. I appreciate knowing I’m not alone.”
“Okay. Enough sad talk, though. Go have fun. But don’t be surprised if you come home to find the pistachio ice cream gone.”
She smiled. “Go for it. I’ll pick up some more this week.” She moved closer and poked her index finger into my chest. “Better that than smoking.”
“I agree.” I grinned. “Actually, Scottie and I have big plans tonight. So that’ll keep me distracted.”
“Oh yeah?” She raised her brow. “Do tell.”
“Well, first we’re gonna listen to Elton John backwards. That should eat up a good hour or so.”
“Fun...”
“Then we’re gonna heat up some chicken from the fresh batch you made last night, and I’m gonna make this honey-mustard sauce and go all out.”
“That sounds pretty tasty.”
“Then, for our manshower, I’m gonna blast his other favorite, The Wiggles, on the Bluetooth speaker.”
“He’s gonna love that.” She giggled. “What else?”
“After all that excitement, I suppose I’ll hope he sleeps well so I can properly demolish that pistachio ice cream in peace.”
“Sounds like a good way to top off the night.”
Actually, a good way to top off the night would’ve been having her here, too. I cursed myself silently. I had to stop having these damn thoughts.
“Are you taking your car, or is he picking you up?” I asked.
“I told him I preferred to meet him. I like the ability to go home whenever I want.”
“Makes sense.”
Carly looked at the clock. “Actually, I’m running a bit late.”
“That’s my fault. I’ll get out of your hair.”
“I’m glad you came to talk to me, Josh.”
Stop being so fucking nice to me. You’re not helping.
She walked out into the living room where Scottie was sitting on the couch. “Be good for Uncle Josh,” she said, kissing his cheek.
He ignored her and kept playing on his iPad.
She put on her coat and slung her bag over her shoulder. “Well, I’ll see you later. If anything comes up, just text.”
“The only way I’m gonna bug you is if the house burns down, and thankfully I won’t be cooking anything, so we should be good.”