Chapter 35: Chapter Thirty-Five

Everett

I’m exhausted by the time I arrive home. I don’t know how Hugo and Erica do it every day. I love my nieces and nephew, but I couldn’t do it all the time. It is a good thing I don’t plan on having any of my own. I would be a shit father. I would worry in case a part of me is like the bastard we called dad. I am happy Hugo is an incredible father and husband, but I honestly don’t know if I would be the same.

I enjoyed my day with Aubrey, the kids, and the dogs. It helped the situation between us. Aubrey doesn’t seem mad at me any longer. She even snapped a few photos of only the two of us, alongside ones with the kids and dogs. I wanted to ask her if she wanted to go for a drink tonight, but I changed my mind. I didn’t want to push since she unexpectedly spent last night and all day with me today.

Tossing myself on the sofa, I sigh. A part of me regrets not asking her. God! Since when do I not just go for what I want? I hate the way Aubrey can get into my head. I should have stayed away. I should have left this morning after my car was fixed, instead of returning. Idiot! Taking my cell from my pocket, I stare at it, deciding on what to do. I open Aubrey’s name in my text messages.

Hey, what are you doing for the rest of the night? Do you want to go out for a drink with me? x

It takes a moment, but I finally hit the send button. The question is, will she reply or ignore me? I set it aside, not wanting to seem desperate by staring at it. Five minutes pass, then ten and fifteen. I will take that as her ignoring me. Groaning, I pull my ass from the sofa to get a drink. A few steps and my cell beeps. I quickly reach for it. It is a reply from Aubrey.

Hey, I can’t be bothered going back out. I am exhausted. I came home, showered and changed into my pjs xx

She didn’t say no, just that she didn’t want to go out. I can make another suggestion.

Same, I am exhausted. Do you fancy some company? I’ll bring wine or ice cream or both, whichever you prefer xx

Aubrey replies quicker this time.

Sure, as long as you aren’t expecting anything more because you won’t be getting it x

I would love to have her naked below me again, but I won’t push. There is no chance she'll let that happen after I ghosted her for over a week.

I promise I am not after anything else xx

Okay, then come over. I want ice cream, oh and some chocolate chip cookies, please. I will give you the cash when you get here xx

You don’t need to give me the cash. I will be there soon xx

I grab my car keys and wallet and head out. I stopped by the store, picking up her cookies and a tub of her favourite chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream. I arrive outside of her place in no time, but I don’t get out of the car. I sit here, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. I am nervous. Why the hell am I nervous? I need to get a grip on myself. Pulling it together, I climb out and cross the road to her building. I press her intercom, and Aubrey lets me in straightaway. I will need to fight the urge to pull her close and kiss her. She’ll slap me before slamming the door in my face.

Aubrey waits by the entrance of her front door for me. A cute set of pjs covers her body, ones with Groot on them. Thankfully, they are trousers and not shorts. Her bare legs would have been a distraction for me. Mostly everything about her distracts me. Her hair is in braids, not a bit of make-up in sight, yet she still looks beautiful.

She greets me with a sweet smile. One I return automatically. Aubrey steps aside, inviting me in. She closes it and locks it up behind her. I notice she usually always locks her front door, no matter what time of day. There must be a reason behind it. I won’t pry into her secrets. She has them. I know that for sure, but she isn’t the only one with secrets.

I hand her the items I'm holding.

“Thank you for the sweet treats. I don’t want a drink, but help yourself to a beer in the fridge if you like.” She says.

I shake my head. “No, it is fine, but I will have a cookie.” I chuckle.

Aubrey’s lips turn into a pout. “Who said I want to share those?”

I stroll over to her. “That isn’t nice if you don’t share.”

Aubrey rolls her eyes, handing me the packet and laughs. Chuckling, I take them from her before I settle on the sofa as she puts her ice cream away. Aubrey returns, and I notice she has two bowls in her hand, passing me one. There are a couple of scoops of ice cream with chocolate sprinkles and M&M’s on top. Is she trying to get a sugar high? I laugh, shaking my head.

“Don’t judge, it is good. I get sweet cravings with my medication sometimes.”

“You are on medication?” I ask, surprised. I had no idea.

“Yes, a few different ones, some for my anxiety, amongst other things.” She shrugs, sitting next to me and hits play on the movie, eating her ice cream.

I will take that as the end of that conversation—another secret she doesn’t want to discuss. I am not here to hear her story or take care of her, but the fact that she doesn’t want to tell me shows me she doesn’t trust me. I can’t blame her. I haven’t given her many reasons to trust me.

“Am I forgiven yet?” I ask, taking a spoonful of my ice cream.

“Mostly, but you aren’t forgiven enough for anything to happen between us. I don’t trust you enough anymore. Not with the way you used me and disposed of me once you got what you wanted. I refuse to let another make take advantage of me again. You can do what you want with that. You want to be friends and hang out, I can do that. If you can’t and want only the sexual side of things, you can leave now.”

Aubrey doesn’t look at me as she speaks. Her words were emotionless. Did what I do, really hurt her that much? It is the same thing I’ve done to many women. The difference with Aubrey is that I can’t forget she exists and not care what I did since she is always going to be around.

With a loud sigh, I run my fingers through my hair. It would be best for both of us if I up and left, but something is stopping me. The next words I am about to say are ones that I will probably come to regret.

“Aubrey, I am sorry I made you feel that way. It was a dick move. One you didn’t deserve. I am willing to be friends if that is what you want.” I reply.

Aubrey looks at me, smiling. “I would like for us to try.”

I smile and nod. Aubrey turns back to the movie. What have I done? I don’t do just friendships with women unless there are benefits involved. There is no going back now. Well, I could disappear again, but it won’t solve anything.