Indigo and I are nothing, and at the same time, we’re everything. We’re complicated and we still haven’t named whatever we are, because in theory, we’re a fake couple that enjoys each other’s company.

I must admit that until recently, I’ve never thought of her as more than a friend. I’ve always seen her as a beautiful woman, and I still do, but the past couple of weeks have changed something.

My mind has no clarity, but I know that if she tried to kiss me, I’d let her. I know that if she asked me to do something for her, I’d do it without hesitation. I can’t decide if that freaks me out or not.

She shifts and half opens her eyes. Eyes that I can’t stop staring at. Normally, I’d feel awkward and excuse myself, but nothing in her expression tells me to leave.

So I stay.

And Indigo watches me.

“I told my mom I’m not attending the party this Sunday. Or ever,” she whispers.

My heart warms at her confiding in me. I don’t know what pushes me to do it, but I brush her hair behind her ear. She shivers at my touch, but says nothing.

“How did that go?” I ask.

“It sucked. She emptied all my bank accounts.” She shrugs, trying to act like she doesn’t care, but I can tell she does.

“I’m sure you have some money set aside.” Encouraging her seems like the best thing to do, as this is such a big change in her life. I know how it felt for me to leave my parents’ protection — it wasn’t pretty. Worked two jobs all my university years, slept, and studied.

“I do, but it’s more complicated than that,” she says, shifting slightly. I realize I’ve been unconsciously playing with her hair. I pull my hand away.

“Is this house in your name?” I don’t know why I ask this. I regret it with my whole heart when her face drops.

“No,” she says, turning her back to me.

My mind is empty. I don’t know what to say to make it better. “I’m sure she isn’t going to throw her daughter out on the streets,” I mumble. The urge to slap myself is unbearable.

Indigo sniffles, “Yeah.” By the way she says it, something makes me think her mom would throw her out in an instant.

By the time I think to tell her that my place is free whenever she needs it, her breath has evened and I realize she’s fallen into a deep sleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY

INDIGO