Page 59 of Lyric Squared

“Wow, some type of friend!”

“The best friend. Your only friend. And you know I love you too much to see you being crazy,” Ever reminded me.

“I know. Are those fresh out of the oven?” I asked, reaching over and grabbing one of the snickerdoodle cookies from the sheet before she could stop me.

“Well, I’m sure glad I always make extras.”

“Me, too.” I sniggered, tossing my head back as my laughter evolved.

“But seriously, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Ever. Just all over the place a little. I’ll get it together, though, and I promise not to burden you for much longer with my antics. This shall pass.”

“It will and you’ll never be a burden, Lyric. I’ve never been one to you, so don’t even go there. It’s harmless conversation, a listening ear, and some sound advice. It’s the least I can do for all that you’ve done for me and the girls. I’m at your mercy for the rest of my days. You literally saved our lives. Your whole family,” Ever expressed, putting the lid on a large bowl of sugar.

“Awwww. I love you so much, especially when you’re pregnant and emotional.”

“I’m not emotional.”

“Then, why are you wiping your tears away?”

“Because I’m just thankful, Lyric. Every day, I’m filled with so much gratitude that it just spills from my eyes. I’m happy. Too happy. So happy that I’m just waiting on something to come disrupt that happiness.”

“Nothing will. He’s gone and that man he brought with him is gone. Nothing is going to steal your happiness this time. I promise, babe. I know because I have to catch up and your happiness has to wait for me to do that.”

“Yeah?” She smiled.

“Yeah. Give me a few months, and I’ll be right there with you. I can feel it.”

“Me, too.”

“Uggghhh. I have to get out of here and go do some work. Seriously, I have no desire to leave, but I know the longer I stay the harder it will be to leave.”

“That’s true, so go get busy instead of watching me be busy.”

“See you later, babe.” I wrapped my hand around her neck and kissed her cheek, then swiftly pulled away.

“See you later,” she returned.

With my head held a little higher and feeling a bit more in control over my emotions, I trekked through Ever’s bakery and out of the door. Before I slid into my truck, I finished off the cookie that I’d stolen. It was delicious, per usual. There hadn’t been a single creation of Ever’s that I’d tasted that left me disappointed. The girl was good at what she did. That wasn’t a secret. All of Channing knew, which was why she was extremely busy all the time.

My solitude was unmatched.I loved being alone. It’s where I thrived for the most part. As I stood over the stove, plating the garlic mashed potatoes, steak, and creamy-cheese broccoli, I savored the silence that it afforded me with.

Instead of the dinner table, I opted for a seat on the couch so that I could continue to binge Blacklist. It had quickly become my favorite show and with eight seasons on Netflix, I knew that Ihad a while to go before I’d completed it. And once I did, season nine would be waiting for me.

Red’s mind was impeccable. He was the smartest man I’d ever watched on screen. The way he thought twelve steps ahead of everything and everyone was impressive. If there was anyone who reminded me of him, it was my father. They were both wise beyond their years and always ahead of the crowd.

I rested my bottom on the plush, tan sofa that I melted into each night for two hours while watching Blacklist. I was sure not to consume too much at once because then I’d have nothing to watch once I was off and done dealing with numbers for the day. Besides, television wasn’t exactly something I enjoyed watching for hours on end. It was mainly the reason I didn’t have cable and could always keep up with my remotes.

Ping.

My cell alerted me of a text message once I was comfortable and ready to dig into my food. I felt around the couch in search of it, not bothering to take my eyes off the television. It wasn’t long before my fingers were wrapped tightly around it as I pulled it up to my face. Collin’s name was beside the message icon. I tapped it without hesitation, wondering what he was thinking at this hour.

You at home?

I am.

How about I come join you?