page32 (1/2)

“Take hiet the stuff to set another place at the table” He reached into the refrigerator for a bottle Then he paused, shooting me a look “Shit, I didn’t think”

Frowning, I didn’t quite understand at first, and then it dawned onood with that One of out spot” I smiled “I can take a beer to someone”

He crossed the room, kissed my forehead, and handed me the Budweiser

As soon as an to treain

“Maybe you should take it to him after all,” I whispered

“Get it over with, Bluebell Like a Band-Aid, remember”

Reluctantly, I nodded and pulledto march into war

Little did I know

At first, I strode out of the kitchen, but my strides sloithroom

Michael wasn’t sitting at the table He had his back to raphs that covered the wall I took the opportunity to drink him in His broad back filled out the fitted dark-brown leather bomber jacket he wore The fact that he hadn’t taken his jacket off wasn’t a good sign

“Did you know you’re not in any of these photos?” He made me jump a little with his abruptness

Instead of answering, I walked toward him I wanted to stand closer to hi me out of his peripheral, he turned his head from the photos to watch me approach The chill in his eyes erly held out the beer to him

He flicked a disgusted look at it, not reaching for it

I lowered

“Well?” he asked