Chapter 52: Chapter Fifty-Two

Aubrey

I am finally back at work, again. Thank God, I was going stir-crazy. It took some convincing to get Hugo, Erica and Everett to agree. They are more paranoid than I am. There has been no sign of Benji since the time I thought I saw him. Everett is still staying with me. I thought he would have left by now, but nope. Surprisingly, he isn’t getting on my nerves. He’s the opposite. He is taking good care of me. Everett helps with the housework and cooks my dinner nearly every night. He buys the groceries too. He even offered to help me with some bills while he is staying with me, but I refused. He isn’t living with me. He doesn’t have to pay bills. Hugo and Erica don’t know he is still staying at mine. As far as they know, he is back home and only checks in on me. I don’t like lying to them, but it would seem suspicious that he is still staying with me.

“Hey, Aubrey. I am going out for lunch. Do you want to join me?” My colleague, Brooks, asks as he appears at my desk.

“Hey, Brooks. I appreciate the offer, but I have a lot to catch up on since I was off.” I smile.

Brooks is a nice guy. He was one of the first people who spoke to me when I first started. We’ve had coffee a couple of times in the breakroom, never outside of work.

“Are you sure? You are entitled to a lunch break.”

“I can eat while I work. Another time? Next week? I should be caught up by then.”

I don’t want to seem rude. It isn’t that I don’t want to go. I really do have a lot to catch up on.

“Sure, sounds good. Do you want me to bring you anything back?”

I shake my head. “No, but thank you.”

“I will see you when I get back,” he says with a smile before walking away.

I think he is only being friendly. He isn’t asking me because he is interested. He is a nice guy. Well, I hope that is all it is. I don’t want or need it to be anything else. Everett is confusing enough, and we aren’t even together.

I return to what I am doing, taking advantage of the quiet since everyone is away for lunch or working out of the office.

“Who is he?” The irritated voice from behind me causes me to jump.

Turning around, I met with Everett. He has his arms crossed over his chest and his brow raised. How long has he been there? When did he even come in? He wasn’t supposed to be here today.

“Brooks. He works for Hugo as part of his marketing team.”

“What did he want?” he asks through gritted teeth.

“How is that any of your business?”

His jaw tightens, and his fists clench at his side. He is acting jealous. “What did he want? Are you dating him?”

I stand from my seat, taking a few steps closer to him. “If I were, would it matter?”

“Yes, it would matter. You barely even know him.”

He is definitely jealous. If he is trying to act like he isn’t, he isn’t doing a good job of it.

“Why? I am single. Why would it matter?” I’ve known him as long as I have known you, Everett.”

He cranks his neck. “That is not the point. You know me better. You’ve spent more time with me. Answer my question, Aubrey. Are you seeing him or not?” he groans.

“No, I am not seeing him. We are friends. Now, answer my question. Why would it matter? If I didn’t know any better, I would say you are jealous. Are you jealous, Everett?”

He takes a step forward, barely leaving any space between us. His breathing is heavy. If Hugo showed up right now, we would both be screwed. Everett stares down at me.

“I don’t get jealous,” he breathes out.

“You are showing every sign of it.”

I am challenging him. I shouldn’t be, but I can’t help it. I am curious about how he will react.

“Aubrey, don’t push me,” he warns.

“I am not. I want you to be honest with me.”

Everett sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “This is not the time or place to discuss this, Aubrey.”

Everett quickly walks away before I have a chance to say anything. Everett’s avoiding the question is the only answer I needed. He is. He doesn’t want me to date anyone else, yet he doesn’t want to date me. He wants to fuck me. I am not looking for anyone to date, anyway. Though a part of me truly believes if Everett did ask for more, if he wanted more, then I would probably say yes.

It wouldn’t be a good choice, but I would. I refuse to tell him that. Everett can’t be open and honest with me. Why should I be those things with him? I would end up with a broken heart once again. Everett would come out unscathed and be moved onto the next woman within days. I would be left sad and full of regret once again.

I shake my head and take a few deep breaths to pull it together. I return to my desk. It was an intense moment. Is what happened between us going to be the reason he leaves my place? He doesn’t do well with feelings or emotions. It wouldn’t surprise me if he disappears on me again.

Why does everything need to be so hard and confusing? I am curious how he would react if he did see me with another man? Would he try to get in the way? Who knows. I don’t plan to find out, since I am not looking to date anyone. If he is gone when I return home, I don’t know how I would feel. I had gotten used to him being around all the time. I won’t hold it against him if he has left. It would make life easier for both of us. I guess I will find out when I return home later.