I silently make it to the guest suite and go to the bathroom. The large claw foot tub is inviting, but I adjust the shower and get in it instead. I have plans for today and taking my time soaking my sore body isn’t one of them.
My thoughts drift back to Killian. I'm glad he's being careful, but I'm a bit irritated that I've barely seen him the whole time he's been out. Ryan insists that he would get him out, but what happens then? Will I just be alone when he's home? Is this just a preview of the years to come? I love him, so naturally I want to be with him. That doesn’t mean he feels the same, though. The last thing I want is to be in a marriage where I die of loneliness. I can't pretend that I'm happy about any of this because I’m not. I’m mostly miserable. It has me feeling down. Killian's here, and I should be happy, but this isn't what I want.
I go through the motions of putting on light makeup, finally not having to hide ugly bruises as they've mostly healed up. I only towel dry my hair. I'm anxious to get out of the house. I feel cooped up with my thoughts. Instead of sinking into my depression, I’m going to work and get out of my head for a while. Maybe that will help give me some perspective.
I make my way to the kitchen to find E-Z sitting at the counter drinking coffee. He looks bone tired or maybe like he’s been on a three day bender.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" I murmur, knowing he was with Killian last night. He’s completely disheveled, his hair barely brushed. He's usually so well put together that it’s a little shocking.
"I have shit to do," he grumbles, taking another swig of coffee. He's going to need the whole pot to get rid of the dark circles under his eyes.
"What time did you and Killian get in?" I ask. I watch him as he looks up at me with a frown on his face.
"Five," E-Z mumbles. I just nod, going to the fridge and getting some orange juice. There's just something about juice that makes any breakfast better.
I grab the bread and put two slices into the toaster. I lean on the counter, waiting and trying to ignore E-Z.
"Mavis will have your ass if that's all you have for breakfast."
"It's a good thing she's running personal errands today then," I mumble.
"What do you have planned today?" he asks. Apparently, he’s not so sleepy that he can’t tell that I’m dressed in one of my better outfits and wearing makeup. That’s definitely not my normal these days.
"I'm going into work." I cross my arms at my chest, knowing there's about to be a discussion.
"Are you up to that?" His frown deepens as he starts to think it over.
"I'm feeling better. I have to go in sometime. It's my business, and I can't keep pushing my shifts onto the other girls."
"I assumed you would stay home, at least while Killian’s home."
"What's the point? He's never home either," I mutter back, not hiding the fact that I’m irritated.
"He kind of had to get things done while he had the opportunity," E-Z points out, but I don’t want to hear that right now.
"I know."
I grab the toast and set it on two small plates, slathering both slices with butter before setting one in front of E-Z.
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" he asks, taking a bite and letting his question sink in.
"Nothing. Everything is just hunky dory." I grumble, the tone of my voice at odds with what I’m saying.
"What the hell does that even mean?" he asks, clearly confused. I take another bite and roll my eyes. "I can tell you have a bee in your bonnet today."
"That's impossible because I don't wear a bonnet," I quip sarcastically as he continues to frown at me. "I better get going." I put my empty plate in the sink and cast a look towards the hallway. E-Z interrupts my wayward thoughts of feeling torn about waking Killian.
"You can't go there without security."
"The men that were here last night guarding me are already in the garage waiting."
"Killian won't be happy about this."
"There seems to be a lot for everyone to be unhappy about," I reply pointedly.
My answers only add to his frown as he mutters a curse under his breath.
"This is why I don't want a woman," he gulps down his coffee and finishes the last bit of toast in one big bite. "I guess I will be coming along until Killian wakes up to find you gone." Only then does he crack a smile, and I feel like I've missed the inside joke.
“What’s that mean?”
“Nothing. I just happen to think there will be quite a show when Killian finds out you’re gone.