Neighbor Dearest

My statement was a bit risky. It sort of implied that I knew he was hiding something when technically, that conversation with Tyler “never happened,” but I needed to say it.

“I hear you,” he simply said.

“On that note, I should try to get some sleep.” I hopped up from the couch. “Big day tomorrow.”

He followed close behind me as I walked toward the door. It seemed like either he didn’t want me to leave or that he was readying to say something. He never did. He just stood at the doorway with a look in his eyes that seemed to carry the weight of a thousand unsaid words. I didn’t know if he’d ever allow himself to set them free. In the meantime, I needed to move on with my life.

I guess you could say I was throwing in the towel. But in a sense, it felt more like I was giving it to him, hoping he’d hand it back someday.CHAPTER FOURTEENMOVING ONSleep was impossible that night.

Somehow, now that moving day was here, it seemed more and more like leaving was the wrong decision. There was no going back. My belongings were boxed away, and I was trying to mentally pack away my feelings along with my possessions. I had to keep reminding myself that, ultimately, Damien wasn’t fighting for me to stay. A part of him wanted this scenario, too, because it somehow made his life easier if I were gone.

The toaster oven that he had given me sat unplugged on the counter. I decided to take it next door to return it.

With disheveled hair and red eyes, Damien looked like he’d also had a rough night. His muscles were busting through a form-fitting, blue t-shirt. “What are you doing?” he said, his voice raspy from sleep.

“Returning this.”

“Are you kidding?”

“No, it’s yours.”

“Keep it, Chelsea.”

“What if you need to toast something? It won’t be right next door anymore.”

“I’ll live.”

“I really would prefer you take it back.”

“Are we seriously arguing about a fucking toaster right now? Keep it, alright? Kind of like a memento.”

Adjusting my grip on it, I conceded. “Alright. Since you put it that way.”

“Go put it back, then get your ass back here for some breakfast with us.”

We ate quietly, neither of us bringing up the subject of what was happening today. Damien would be dropping the dogs off at Jenna’s after we ate, so that he could spend the day helping me move. We had agreed that I wouldn’t actually say goodbye to the animals, that I would simply treat it like any other day. Well, that was ideal in theory, but when I got up to leave, they followed me to the door, and I could have sworn it was like they knew. They usually didn’t let me leave without a lick fest, but this time it lasted longer. They also let me hug them, whereas normally they were too jumpy for an embrace. The Double Ds definitely sensed something.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I refused to look at Damien as I made my way back to my apartment to wait for my parents. I also refused to look out the window at Damien walking the dogs through the courtyard because it would make me cry all over again. I had to pull myself together before my parents got here.***It was a cloudy day, and that seemed fitting. The fact that it was cooler out also helped justify my wearing a turtleneck to hide my hickey.

My parents had just arrived. Since Damien went to pick up the U-Haul truck, they hadn’t met him yet.

My mother wrapped a vase in some bubble wrap. “You know we love seeing you, but why exactly are we doing all of this today? This apartment is absolutely beautiful. Why would you leave?”

There was no way I was going to get into everything with them, so I lied, “I just needed a change of scenery.”

Dad chuckled. “Seems like a lot of effort for a change of scenery.”

“I realize that. Thank you again for coming to help me.”

My mother examined my face. “Are you okay? You don’t look right.”

“I’m good. I’m just a little tired, didn’t get much sleep last night.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Were you nervous about the move?”

“Maybe a little, yeah.”

“Well, hopefully when your friend gets here, we can get you settled, so you can have it behind you. Dad’s gonna take us out to dinner to celebrate.”

“That sounds nice.” I smiled.

“What is your friend’s name again?” my father asked.

“Damien. He’s actually the landlord, and he lives next door.”

“Oh. That’s interesting,” he said.

My mother smiled. “Damien…where do I know that name?”

Dad laughed. “Reminds me of that movie, The Omen.”

“Speaking of the devil,” Damien said as he entered the room.

“I apologize for my husband’s rudeness.”

“Like father, like daughter. That was exactly what Chelsea said when we first met.” Damien smiled and held out his hand to my mother. “Mrs. Jameson, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He turned to Dad. “Mr. Jameson.”