“What’s wrong?” Grant asks. “You’re not talking, you’re always talking.”
“Just hungry,” I mutter, tossing my trash in the bin.
Grant’s eyes narrow but I turn away.
“Hey,” Michael stops me before I can leave the room. “You must have read the measurements wrong on the Goodwin project. The cabinet between the fridge and dishwasher is too big.”
I shrug. “I have it on good authority that all I do is screw things up, so I thought I’d stick with what I do best.”
“Well, yeah, you’re pretty good at that but don’t sell yourself short. I’m sure you have some other decent qualities,” Michael chuckles.
“Thanks,” I clench my jaw.
“Oh come on. I was kidding. You’re a good guy. Is this about that girl? Did she break up with you already?”
“No.” Not yet.
Despite what I’d hoped, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t like the way things ended with London last night and I have a nagging feeling that I messed up again. I swear I don’t try to screw up. But everyone in this room would plead the opposite.
I'm done hurting people.
I look at Michael. “I’m sorry I made you compete with me for a job I didn’t even want. That was immature.”
Michael opens his mouth, but no words come out.
I turn to Grant. “I’m sorry you got involved in a bet that included my sister. And all the other bets you got dragged into by association because of me.”
Grant frowns, but I turn away.
“And Trent, I’m sorry I kidnapped you. When you get married, you and Karli can have the apartment, so she’ll feel safe. I’ll move back home or something.”
His eyes widen and both Michael and Grant shoot him funny looks.
Oops.“Also, I’m sorry for just saying that. I’ll try to step out of everyone’s way from now on.”
Michael shakes his head. “Wait, that wasn’t the only reason you challenged me for my job. I think your way of helping is different than most, but that doesn’t make it bad.”
“Yeah. I mean you roped me into some crazy stuff, but call me stupid, I liked being included. You guys were my only family,” Grant adds.
I suppose my stupidity doesn’t sound quite so bad when they phrase it like that. I study the ground, letting their words sink in and ease some of the guilt I’ve carried around.
I look up and find Michael and Grant both looking expectantly at Trent who is sitting there silently.
It was a nice moment while it lasted.
“Well, I better go cut down that cabinet.” I push around Michael and head out the door just as I hear him and Grant start interrogating Trent.
“Dude, you need to get over it,” Michael says. But the door slams behind me to spare me Trent’s objection. It doesn’t matter anyway. He’s got Karli now. She makes him happy. And I’m happy for him.
***
I hop out of the truck and walk to the bakery. Cassie is behind the counter, and I catch a glimpse of Grady through the serving window. But no London. There is Christmas music though, coming from a tiny Santa speaker and it makes me smile.She’s getting into the spirit.
But still no mistletoe.
“Hey, Sean,” Cassie looks up from her textbook to greet me. “Good thing you’re here; the toilet isn’t flushing.”
I lift a brow. “Cassie, you know I don’t actually work here, right?”
