Love Under Quarantine

He chuckles. “You won’t need it. We’ve already proven our proficiency at phone and FaceTime sex. Besides, you could always travel with me. Think about it.”

“I’ll do that. In the meantime, let me make you some food.”

A look passes across his face. Fear, possibly. “You don’t want some help with that? What were you thinking of?”

“Oh my God. You don’t think I can cook either.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“I feel so betrayed.” All dramatic like, I clutch at my chest. Honestly, I could have been an actress.

“Baby—”

I give him a wink. “Relax, Sparky. The kitchen is not my natural habitat and I’m well aware of this. I was going to order in carryout. We need to support small businesses.”

“Nice idea. Be a good opportunity to tip their kitchen workers and all. Want to help me give away some of my money?”

“I’d love to.” I pick up my cell and get to my feet. Watching him stretch has got me wanting to move around some too. Not that I didn’t get my steps up recently with all of the stress-pacing. This time I do more of a relaxed leisurely stroll around the living room. “Let me see. Are you in the mood for Chinese, Thai, Indian, or pizza?”

“Surprise me.”

“What? No fat content stipulations? No grilled meat and salad on the side requirements? Who are you and what have you done with pro athlete and all around super healthy guy Evan Sparks?”

He just gives me an amused glance.

“My mom is making cookies for you, by the way.”

“Yeah? You going to let me have any?”

I draw my lips up on one side. “Look, I’m not saying it’s out of the question. But let’s not commit to anything just yet. My mom is a mad good baker. Let’s go with pizza for dinner. I’m so ready for a serving of carbs covered in melted cheese.”

“Sure, baby.”

“Garlic bread? Hells to the yes.” I dance where I stand flipping through the coupons to see if there are any good ones.

“Sadie?” His voice is sharp and on edge. “What the fuck is this?”

“Huh?” I look up to find him sitting in front of my laptop, reading my work. “Oh. It’s the blurb for my new book. Like I told you.”

His gaze narrows on the screen. “Oh no, darling. You did not tell me about this. The girl falls for the pro athlete living next door during a quarantine? And that athlete is going through a scandal having been falsely accused? What the hell else did you borrow from my life?”

“It’s not about doping. I told you about some of that.”

“It’s fucking close enough.” His tone is direct and drop-dead serious. What gives?

“Evan, you’re overreacting.” I wave my hand in the air. “These people are not us. They’re just characters on the page. So I was a little inspired by our situation. Even the press compared us to a fairy tale. Doesn’t change the fact that the book is fiction.”

“You didn’t base any other parts of this story on things that happened between me and you?”

“Well…I mean…”

“I don’t believe this shit.” He slams the laptop shut and tosses it to the couch. “You really think after weeks of being torn apart online I’m interested in having any more of my private life up for public consumption?” His face takes on a mottled shade of red. “I trusted you, Sadie!”

“Please don’t yell at me. I can explain.” I hold up my hands in surrender.

His face turns to absolute stone right before my eyes. “Save it.” He bites out. “I’ve heard enough bullshit lately to last me a lifetime. Never expected to get used and betrayed by you, though. The one person in this entire world I fall in love with screws me over.” He shakes his head.

I just gape. “You-you don’t mean that. Evan, I would never—”

“You already did,” he sneers.

“Baby, no. You’re not getting it. You’re seeing this all wrong!” My eyes fill with tears and I can’t help but let them fall. My heart pounds out a staccato rhythm against my chest and I feel like I’m at the start of a panic attack.

“Keys!” He holds out his hand.

I frown. “Keys?”

“Your keys. Where the fuck are they?” he growls through his teeth.

“Um, in my purse. Did you,” I choke out the words, “w-want me to leave?” I wipe my now runny nose against my sleeve.

I watch as he pilfers through my purse and pulls out my keys. Without a word, he goes to the front door and slams it shut. I follow and stop at the closed door until I hear him cursing in the hall, opening my apartment door, and then slamming that one shut too.

He escaped me, and went to my house.

What the hell just happened?CHAPTER 18

QUARANTINE: DAY 18

SADIEIT’S WELL AFTER MIDNIGHT AND I can’t sleep. The memories of pain and betrayal on Evan’s face run circles in my mind. And he hasn’t come back home. Well, technically he’s at my home, likely sleeping in my bed. I sit up in Jake’s bed and pull my knees against my chest.