Page 71 of Seale the Deal

You got it, Walter says, reaching for the cups.

Watching Audrey order coffee for her and Wrenley is kind of nice. I like that people are learning about her and making space for her in their routines the way they would anyone else in town.

Fuck.

The fact that my mind can so easily place her as a fixture tells me I need to get out of here.

I should get going, I say, patting the counter. Thanks for the coffee. And Audrey? Take care of my wife tonight, yeah? Don’t let her get too drunk. She and Remi have a history.

I wink and offer Audrey a wave as she raises her brow and gives me a confused thumbs-up. Have a good day, Ruger.

I step out of the coffee shop, trying to outrun whatever the hell is happening inside me right now.

Back at the house, it feels emptier than when I left. I toss my keys on the counter and wander aimlessly from room to room, trying to distract myself, but everywhere I look, there’s evidence of her now. I’m a chronic bachelor, and my house is far from pristine, but I do tidy up enough to be presentable. But I find that I don’t care to tidy up the things she leaves around the house for fear that it’ll be the last time I have to do it.

I scrub a hand over my face and wander down my hallway, this time stopping at the closet under the stairs. I open the door, and it’s a disaster. Cleaning it out isn’t something I want to do, but it will kill time.

I set my coffee down, pull out my phone, and put on some random Spotify playlist. A syncopated piano riff plays, my head bobbing to the music as I start digging through the mess of old coats, worn boots, and stuff I don’t even remember keeping. I reach up to the top shelf and pull down a few boxes. A bag tumbles and lands at my feet. I pick it up and run my hands over the smooth fabric of my sleeping bag. I try to remember the last time I used it. Early summer, maybe? A scouting expedition. Maybe that’s what I need. To get away for a night in the outdoors and clear my head.

I pull out my phone and shoot Wrenley a text.

ME: Hey Wren

I’m going to go camping tonight.

I watch the screen, and after a beat, the three dots appear.

WRENLEY: Okay?

Am I supposed to go with you?

God, I wish she would, but it’d be selfish to ask. That’s not what this is.

ME: No.

You have your work and dinner with Remi.

I just feel like getting out before winter sets in.

WRENLEY: Ok.

Be safe.

I stare at the last two words.

Be safe.

I want them to mean something. I want it to be a sign that she feels this pull between us too, but I know better. That’s just me being foolish. And that’s exactly why I need to get away.

Chapter 12

Wrenley

DAYS LEFT ON VISA: 63

I look at my phone and try to push down the ridiculous ache blooming in my chest.

Hey Wren.