AllFreeNovel
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I open my eyes, and there he is. He stands by the bedroom door, studying his reflection in the mirror mounted on the wall. With a few quick movements, he knots his tie. A perfect Windsor.
I glance at the clock. It’s not even seven in the morning.
“Max?” I say, barely awake.
He turns and smiles. “Hey.”
I sit up. “Where are you going?”
“Work,” he says as if it were obvious.
“This early?”
“Big deposition prep this morning,” he says. “I told you about it.”
I search my memory. “You did?”
“I thought I did.” He abandons his reflection and approaches the bed. “I should be home early tonight.”
“Yeah?”
He kneels and his smile returns as he nudges my hair back behind one ear. “You should get some more rest,” he whispers, mindful of the third in the room.
“I can stay up,” I say. “Have breakfast with you.”
He shakes his head. “No time. I’ve gotta run.”
“Oh, okay.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you,” I repeat as he stands. “Good luck today.”
“Thanks.”
Max leaves, but he gives Stinky a quick scratch behind her ear as she slumbers on her bed in the corner.
I lie down, exhaling hard. I listen to the sound of his soft steps through the house. Down the stairs. Through the door.
Thad stirs beside me, instantly reaching over to pull me against his chest. “Alone at last,” he says.
I smile. Our little joke. I’m never alone for long under this roof.
“Good morning,” I mutter.
He kisses my neck. “Good morning.” He lifts his head. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say. “Why?”
“That good morning was a flatter than usual.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. What’s up?”
I sigh. “Does Max seem… strange to you lately?”
“Strange how?”
