Page 76 of Burning Embers
He plays the top of the bar with his fingers. “And why is that?”
I need to say it out loud; the more I try to ignore it, the more it’s beginning to fester. “She doesn’t need my shit to add to her already hectic life.”
He raises his eyebrows. “And how do you figure that?”
I don’t want to talk about her business with people, but Charlie is a friend. “You know every penny she earns goes on Molly?”
He nods. “Yeah, kids are expensive,” he says with a blissful smile.
“No, I mean—Marcus doesn’t contribute fuck all.”
His eyes turn into slits. “Are you shitting me? There is no way the money she earns is enough to keep her afloat.”
“Nope, and she even pawned her Rolex.” I only know this because I found the receipt from the pawnbroker in her kitchen drawer.
“She, what?”
I nod. “I’ve never known a woman as tenacious as her. She blows my mind. Come on, you saw her painting at the charity day. She’s so fucking talented.” I already feel as though I’ve said too much. “Anyway, that’s only between you and me. But yeah…she’s pretty mesmerising.”
His shit-eating grin forms. “Damn. You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
I stand up straighter. His words echo. “Well, I mean, I care about her.”
He laughs. “Mate, you are. You’re in love with her.”
I swipe my palm over my face. If I am, she’ll be the one to hear it first. I grab a bottle of coke off the side and pop the cap, downing it in one go. The bubbles tickle my nose.
“Listen, it’s a minefield. Just be honest with her. She’s probably just as scared as you are.”
I toss the tea towel at his face. “Who said anything about being scared?”
“You don’t have to, mate. I’ve been there.”
I am terrified. Opening up to her won’t be easy, and I hate the thought of her having the power to hurt me. It wouldn’t be just her, I’d lose Molly, too. Growing up as a foster kid, I know how important family is—whether you’re bound by blood or not.
When my shift is finished, I slide out my phone from my back pocket.Are you busy?
Bubbles appear, and I bite my lip, waiting for her reply.If you mean is Molly in bed and have I finished adulting for the day? Then the answer is yes. So, in answer to your question, no I’m not busy xo
I can’t hide my smile.Can I drop by on my way back from work?
I wave bye to Charlie and Jase. Not having to lock up and getting out early works for me.
Sounds good xo
I stop at the supermarket to grab a bottle of wine. At the checkout counter, there’s a multicoloured orchid that reminds me of her painting. I smile, pay, then make a beeline for my girl.
When she buzzes me up, I suddenly feel nervous. What if she thinks this was a booty call?
She opens the front door, hair piled on top of her head in a messy array, her lips curved into a wide smile. She’s never been more beautiful. And it hits me in the gut—what I wouldn’t give to come home to her and that smile every day.
I hold out the orchid, words suddenly failing me.
“What’s this?” she asks.
“I saw it and thought of you. I know, it’s stupid.”
She pulls on my hand, closes the door behind us. She ushers me further into the small hallway, the orchid in the crook of her elbow. “No, it’s beautiful. I saw one similar the other day,” she says, trailing off.
