Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
“What are we going to do, little one?” I rub my hand across my stomach. “I’ll have to come clean at some point.”
There isn’t much of an option. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it. Hollis has been so kind to me, and Kindred too. I should probably reveal the truth sooner rather than later. I know I’m being selfish, wanting to stay here as long as possible.
Max is likely super pissed at this point. The more distance I put between him and me, the more I’m seeing things clearly. I was hungry for friends and connection when I entered college. I hadn’t known anyone when I started, and I found it harder to make friends than I had expected. I’d spent most of my life keeping to myself and not making waves. I was and still am shy for the most part.
My stomach growls, and I know I need to go downstairs. Am I going to plan a party or word vomit all over Hollis? I would rather have morning sickness vomit, but I don’t get to pick.
I check myself over in the mirror. Thick leggings and a knitted red sweater. I hadn’t packed much, but I have enough for a few days. Hopefully by then I’ll have more plans laid out.
I brush my hair out and put a low braid in it before I put on my lip gloss and mascara. Knowing this is as good as it’s getting, I make myself leave my room. My attention goes straight to the double doors to Hollis’s room. They’re both standing wide open. I’m sure he’s been up for a while. I can’t believe I slept till ten.
When my feet hit the bottom step, I freeze at the sound of raised voices.
"This isn't working, and you know it." Oh crappers. That's Kindred. "We aren't in love, and to top it off, you're not in it."
Are they breaking up? I should turn around and go back up to my room, but I can't move.
"You're right. I'm not in love with you, and I don't see you that way."
"It's making things awkward for our working life. I knew this was a terrible idea." Kindred huffs, but she doesn't sound as mad.
I find myself creeping toward Hollis's office. He gave me a small tour of the home before leaving me at my door.
"Then, it's over," Hollis says. It sounds mutual.
"I knew that the moment Gwen showed up. You have never looked at anyone the way you did her yesterday."
Oh. My. God.
I’m a homewrecker. An unintentional one, I might add, but still one. I’m definitely getting a lump of coal or better yet, a sack of it for Christmas.
"She's special. Precious." That's the second or maybe third time he's called me precious. I don't know why my insides melt when he does. I suppose because I have never felt as though I was either of those things to anyone before. It brings me so much joy that I can be seen in such a light.
"She's a sweet girl." Kindred’s words soothe me. She's not pissed and doesn’t sound hurt. It’s strange because she almost seems happy for Hollis, which to me is crazy. It tells me they were never really in love.
That doesn’t stop my eyes from stinging with tears. I’m a mess inside that I might have played a role in this, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also over the freaking Christmas tree that Hollis might feel something for me.
I step closer to the office. The doors are open. I see them both standing in front of his desk. Hollis must have seen me out of the corner of his eye because his head turns my way. A smile pulls across his lips. I can’t help but return it. It quickly turns into a mouth drop as I watch Kindred pick up a glass of water from off his desk and then throw it in his face.
“Kindred.” He cocks his head to the side, staring at her.
“I don’t know. Felt like I should do that if we’re breaking up.” Kindred suppresses a laugh. “I may have also really wanted to throw a glass of water in someone’s face to see how it would feel. I may never get the opportunity again, so I took it.” She shrugs.
“I knew it was weird you were carrying around a glass of tap water.” Hollis walks over to the sofa, grabbing a throw blanket to wipe his face.
"Now, that's settled." Kindred claps her hands together. "You need to check over the Dever request. They have a new offer."
"I'll get on that." Hollis's tone is flat. Watching the two of them, they appear more like brother and sister than a couple. But then what do I know? I've never had a sibling or a boyfriend.