She must’ve been able to read the murderous intent in my expression, because finally she turned away and stalked back to the door. “You’re fired and you’re out of here by the end of the month. Good luck with whatever piddly shit of a life you’ll be able to cobble together. And don’t even think of trying to take what’s mine. I’ll sue you so fast, you won’t know which end is even up. Bruno, come!”
Bruno lifted his lip and snarled at her.
I had to laugh. Bruno never had liked Lydia. He saw through her bullshit on day one. My boy had good taste.
“Bruno, come!” Lydia yelled.
Bruno barked at her, the hair on his back standing on end.
Bruno was the definition of all bark, no bite kinda dog, but even I wouldn’t test him right now. He clearly didn’t want anything to do with Lydia.
She backed away, keeping a wary eye on the dog. “Fine. But don’t even think this is over.”
“Oh, it’s definitelynotover. I’ll be seeing you in court, remember?”
Lydia tossed me one more glare then stumbled her way through the door.
“Who are you?” She gasped.
I shoved the door closed.
“Looks like we’re moving, Bruno.” I patted his head. “You’re such a good boy. And good news, neither one of us is going to have to put up with her bullshit anymore. Or see her demonic cat again.”
Knock, knock, knock
“Oh my god.” I rubbed at my tired face again. I really didn’t have the energy for anymore of her bullshit. So I yelled, “We’re moving out today! Just fucking go away!”
“I’ll help you pack!” Ben shouted back.
I jolted at the sound of his voice.
Fuck me sideways. So far today was starting out to be even worse than yesterday. I just couldn’t do this. I was so freaking tired.
“Go away!” I shouted. “We’re full up on bullshit here. Try the farm on the corner. I bet they’re in need of some for fertilizer.”
A bark of laughter came through the door. “Christ, you’re cute. Just…open the door, Em. Please.”
I closed my eyes as tears pooled in them again. Every time he spoke it felt like a stab to my gut. I so wanted everything that’d happened yesterday to have been real. But I knew better. And it hurt so much that he was here, trying to smooth things over. Like it didn’t matter he had lied to me. Like I should be happy that he was really Reuben Bello and not Ben Bellomo.
“Just go away, Reuben,” I whisper-shouted. The pain in my chest made it too hard to speak.
Bruno whimpered and snuggled into my side. He licked my foot, then blinked up at me with his mellow brown eyes.
And I hated that they weren’t the same hawkish golden brown as Ben’s. Reuben’s. Whatever.
Clearly, I had issues.
“Fine. If you’re not going to open the door, then I’m going to yell what I want to say to you. If we’re lucky, the neighbors will call the cops, and then the fun will really begin.”
“Good. They’ll arrest your ass and take you away.”
“You think I’m afraid to get arrested? You really aren’t a fan. Otherwise you’d know my criminal history.”
“Way to sell yourself to me. MaybeIshould call the cops.”
I jumped as my door suddenly opened, and then Ben—Reuben—was standing there, his palms lifted in a placating gesture. “I swear I’m not dangerous. Most of the charges were for drunk and disorderly or resisting arrest. Once for assault, but the asshole deserved it.”
“I was wrong. That’s clearly the way to sell yourself to me. Now fuck off. For real this time. Before I actually do call the cops.” I rubbed a hand over my stinging eyes, trying and failing to hide how much it hurt to see him again.
