Page 67 of The Ex-Best Thing
He lifts an eyebrow. “Am I wrong?”
Is he? “I’m not whipped, if that’s what you mean. But she’s in a vulnerable state, and I have a chance to be here for her.”
“Almost like you guys are getting a second chance.”
“No, because I’m old enough to recognize the things that got in the way of us being together before would still be problems now.”
My phone buzzes, so I pull it from my pocket and read the text.
Bree
I might have spoken too soon
Benny
Did a blue jay make its way into the bathroom?
Bree
That’s a weird guess. For your information, it has nothing to do with birds
Benny
What is it, then?
Bree
The dolls. I can’t handle the dolls
Benny
I’ll be right over.
Bree
THANK YOU
“Apparently your mom’s dolls are freaking her out.” I stand, stretching. And, I’ll admit, it feels good to be needed. Too good? I don’t want to think about that. That thought is better left in a bottom drawer, tucked under the pants I never wear but can’t bring myself to give away.
“Oh, yeah? They don’t even have wings.” Colby’s laughing.
“I don’t think that’s the problem.”
Colby gives me a look. “You can’t get rid of them.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Bree said to jump.”
I shake my head, but when I reach the door, I give him a look. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s going to happen to the collection.”
“I know, man.” Colby goes back to his computer as I slip outside.
“I feel ridiculous,”Bree whispers, standing so close that the hair rises on the back of my neck. “What’s Colby going to think?”
“He won’t care. Don’t worry.” We brought all the dolls to my garage so they wouldn’t even be in the vicinity of her sleeping quarters.
Her hand slides around my bicep as I push a tote box into place. She breathes out a heavy sigh and leans her forehead on my shoulder. “I’m being a baby.”
