Chapter Thirty-Four - Something Is Off

Chapter Thirty-Four - Something Is Off
Gabe

It is after midnight when I arrive home in a cab. I dropped Florence off at home first. Dinner went better than I expected. It wasn’t great, but it was nothing like it usually is. Florence being there helped, just as I thought, because they loved her. She is the perfect woman for me. My mom arranged plans with her, plans that won’t happen. I needed Florence as a buffer tonight. I don’t plan to make her deal with my family again after she helped me out. 

Thanking the driver, I step outside into the cold air and shiver, noticing it's much colder now. I head toward my door, and as I reach for the handle, I swear I hear someone call my name. Turning around, I see no one. I probably imagined it, which makes sense since it sounds like Peyton, and she isn’t here. I sigh at the thought and brush off the feeling. 

“Gabe.” This time, it is spoken more clearly and loudly. 

What's happening? It's creepy. I spin around completely. “Peyton?” I have to ensure I'm not losing my mind. 

Someone emerges from the shadows, and I quickly recognize it as Peyton. “Hi, Gabe.” 

She has a hoodie on, her hood up, shivering. I move closer to her. “What are you doing here? Come on inside. It is cold out here.” 

“It depends. Is your girlfriend inside, or is she coming round?” 

“Peyton, what are you talking about? I don’t have a girlfriend. Why would you think so?”

I'm really confused. Even if I had a girlfriend, how would she find out? 

“I mean the pretty blonde who answered your door earlier today," she whispers nervously. 

“It was you at my door?” 

If I had known, I would have run after her. 

“Yes, but I didn’t want to disturb your night," she says quietly, keeping her head lowered as she speaks to me. 

I reach for her hand, and she lifts her head slightly. "Florence is just a friend. She has a girlfriend. She came to the family dinner with me to help make things easier.” 

“Oh, okay.” 

"Please come inside; it’s cold out here.” 

She nods. I still have no idea why she is here. Kaitlyn and Anthony didn’t mention she would be visiting, but we can talk about that inside. I keep hold of her hand and lead her inside and up to my apartment. Peyton must be here for a reason. It isn’t just because she missed me; if she had, she could have reached out. 

The walk up to my apartment is in silence. Something seems off with Peyton. I could always sense when something was wrong. I let her into my apartment, dropped her hand, and closed and locked the door behind me. By the time I turn back around, Peyton is walking away towards my bedroom. Something is wrong. If she tells me what is going on, I need to wait and see. 

I head to the kitchen to get the tub of cookie dough ice cream and a spoon, then go to my room to join her. She’s already sitting up under the covers, knees to her chest, lost in her thoughts. The only light is from the bedside lamp. Seeing her sad hurts me deeply. 

“Peyton, what's wrong? Why do you look so upset?" I ask, sitting at the edge of the bed and offering her a tub of ice cream. 

She offers a gentle smile as she takes it from me. “You remembered.” 

“I told you; I remember everything. What has made you so sad?” 

“I had a really bad night, and strangely, I jumped into my car and ended up outside your apartment.” 

I refrain from smiling, knowing I still seem to be her safe space, but now isn’t the right time. 

“I am sorry you had a bad night. Is there anything you want to talk about? You can come here any time, Peyton.” 

She takes a spoonful of ice cream. “Even after I’ve ignored you for months?” 

“Even if you ignore me for years.” 

It wouldn’t matter if Peyton ignored me for three years and then turned up; I would welcome her with open arms. 

“Thank you. May I stay here tonight?” She chews her lip nervously. 

“Yes. Would you prefer to sleep here or in the spare room?” 

“In here with you if that is okay.” 

“Sure. Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?” 

Peyton shakes her head. “No, I don’t want to discuss it right now. I just want to enjoy some ice cream and go to bed.” 

I sigh and nod. I would rather she talk to me, but she doesn’t want to or isn’t ready. I can’t help wondering whether it has something to do with Max. He seems to be the root of any issues she has. Hopefully, when tomorrow comes around, she will be willing to talk. 

“Whatever you need, beautiful. Do you want something to sleep in?” 

“Yes, please.” 

I leave her to eat the ice cream and grab one of my tees, the biggest I have, along with some joggers, and set them next to her on the bed. Peyton hands me the ice cream once she has finished. 

“I will take this back to the freezer and give you privacy to change.” 

I leave the bedroom and put it back in the freezer. I pause briefly because I wasn’t expecting to be sleeping next to Peyton, but I wouldn’t want anyone else there. It’s better than all the random women who have recently been in my bed. 

Taking a deep breath, I re-enter the bedroom to find Peyton already under the covers. I strip down to my boxers, and as soon as I do, she snuggles against me and rests her head on my chest. She remains silent, letting out a loud sigh. 

“Everything will be okay, Peyton,” I softly whisper as I gently kiss the top of her head. 

“I hope so…” 

I reach over and switch the light off. “Get some sleep, beautiful.” 

Peyton presses her face into my neck. “I feel safe with you.” 

It is the last thing she says before her breathing shallows, and she falls asleep. I hold her tightly and caress the small of her back. I swear, if that bastard hurts her again, I will hunt him down and make sure he doesn’t have another chance.