Wendy explains in more detail what transpired last night, and Lexi sits back in her chair with her eyes fixed on Connor. “Well aren’t you a knight and shining armor? Running in here, ready to protect Demi.”
Her words have so much more meaning. Well, it’s not even the words, it’s the way she says them that causes everyone in the room to feel uncomfortable. Or makes me feel uncomfortable, I’m pretty sure no one else is paying attention to her.
“I heard her scream,” Connor mumbles, after sipping his coffee. “I think anyone would’ve come running to help.”
“Okay,” I interrupt, desperate to change the subject as I lay a plate of scrambled eggs on the table. “Breakfast is ready.” We all sit and enjoy the meal together. Of course, Lexi leaves immediately afterward, feigning a headache, and Wendy and Jeff leave claiming his mother has already called his cell four times wondering when they’ll be home. None of them help with the dishes.
I walk Wendy to the car and hug her goodbye. When I return to the kitchen, Connor is standing at the sink washing dishes.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say.
His mouth curves as he rinses a dish, “It’s the least I can do.”
I start clearing the table, and when I finish, I dry the dishes he’s washed. “Does it feel weird to be out?”
His mouth quirks to the side before he answers, “It feels . . . a little overwhelming. But I’m happy to be out.”
“Would you like to go into town and visit Grams today? I know she’s dying to see you.” Grams is Blake and Connor’s grandmother. She lives in an assisted living facility in town.
“You don’t have work today?” he asks, surprised.
“Summer break, so my days are way shorter. I took a few days off to help you settle in.”
He doesn’t respond to that, just keeps washing the plate in his hands, before handing it to me. “Actually, could we go in a few days?” he finally asks. “I’d like to get myself . . . get things a little more situated before I see her.”
“Sure.” I shrug.
He lets out a breath and releases. “This is embarrassing, but my parole officer has to come by here and validate t?” his as my place of residence. Plus, my place of employment is here, I guess. He’ll probably need to validate that, too. I’m sorry, Demi,” he apologizes, not looking to me. His expression reads shame.
“There’s no need to be sorry, Connor,” I assure him. “I want to help you. If you want to start a new life, live free and happy, I’m happy to help you start that life.”
“That’s all I want,” he admits. “So . . . we’ll see Grams in a few days?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” I smile. “She’s going to be thrilled to see you.”
“I can’t wait either.” The softest of smiles lights up his face. It’s obvious he loves his grandmother when the mere thought of her puts a grin like that on his face.
When we finish the dishes, he wipes the counters down and before he leaves, says, “I’m going to work on the bike for a bit, and then I’ll go into town to get the parts I need to fix your car.”
“I’ll pay you, Connor,” I tell him.
“No, you won’t,” he adds. “I know I probably seem like a worthless mooch right now. I mean, I know you only welcomed me here because it’s what Blake wanted,” he corrects himself.
“No—”
“But I fully intend to pull my weight, Demi,” he interrupts. “I will repay you for all of this. And I’ll get my own place as soon as I can.”