Page 129 of Seasons of Love
I swallow, trying to push my thoughts away, and then smile. “I have it on good account that Cathy’s jambalaya is the best outside of Louisiana, and since it’s best eaten warm, I figured you might want it now.”
He gasps. “You came all this way to bring me jambalaya?”
“And a ride home, which, by the way, is nonnegotiable,” I say when I see he’s about to argue.
I grab the box from the passenger seat of the car and point to a bench on the side of the parking lot.
Milo follows me to the bench but stops for a moment before opening the box. “Did Tyler send you?”
“He couldn’t get ahold of you, so he figured you’d be on a last-minute double shift.”
He takes the plastic fork and starts eating. “Oh my god. I love Cathy. This is so good,” he says between mouthfuls.
It’s a pleasure to watch him eat and enjoy the meal.
“Tyler says your boss isn’t the nicest.”
Milo snorts. “That’s an understatement.”
His hair falls onto his face as he tries to keep his food from falling out of the box while he eats. I feel a compulsion to push it behind his ears and wonder if his hair is always like this or if he’s due for a haircut.
I like it like this. It’s a little wavy and perfect to run my hands through.
Once again, I curse myself. Why am I not attracted to Tyler?
Why does it have to be this much younger man?
“Do I have food on my face?”
“What?”
“You’re staring.”
“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought,” I say. “Did you enjoy your dinner?”
“It was perfect. Thank you so much for bringing it to me. I wasn’t expecting to stay at work. All I had today was my lunch sandwich, so I was a little hungry,” he says apologetically.
I put my hand on his arm. “Never apologize for something out of your control. Come on, let me get you home.”
15
MILO
My mom was right about many things all the time. Or so she made us believe.
But this time, she was wrong. Working hard in the backyard, digging up soil, and breaking into a sweat isn’t helping me figure out any of my problems.
I can’t figure out how to approach the topic of my pay with Ellis. Money keeps appearing in my bank account, and it’s far too much. Definitely more than the hourly rate we agreed on.
And I can’t figure out how to stop wanting Ellis so much.
If the money is a problem, then wanting Ellis is a catastrophe.
He’s been more than generous with his time, tutoring me after work and answering all the questions I’ve had. Especially with science, which is my weakest topic.
Two weeks ago, he suggested I bring a spare change of clothes, so I could use his shower and change after work to feel comfortable and clean while we study together.
I should have said no.
