I nodded, almost agreeing in silence, but it felt like a rejection. “Yeah, you really shouldn’t have.” My words didn’t match what I was really feeling, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I stood to leave the kitchen, wanting the safe haven of my room, wanting to curl up into a ball. That was it for me and oranges.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

I hadn’t heard from Kael at all the next day, and by the time I got home from work I was so exhausted that I barely wanted to undress, let alone shower. Dad and Estelle were still in Atlanta, so thankfully, no Tuesday-night dinner. Elodie wasn’t home, and she hadn’t told me where she was going. The whole day at work I tried to avoid her, because I didn’t want her to sense that something was off with me. I felt like she would know that Kael had kissed me when she looked at me. I didn’t plan on telling her. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust her, I just didn’t want anyone to know. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to protect whatever this was with Kael from anyone’s judgment or questions.

No matter how much I adored Elodie, managing her curiosity and keeping her entertained were more than I could handle today. I was emotionally drained and, after having two no-shows and a very high-strung walk-in who didn’t tip, I really wanted the house to myself. I collapsed into the cushions of my couch and closed my eyes. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this way.

After a quiet nap, and realizing how badly I needed to relax, I decided on a pampering shower, using nearly every product in the bathroom. I shaved, twice, and even double-shampooed my hair, just to feel more lavish. After the long, hot shower, I combed out my hair, braided it the best I could, and put on the only matching pajama set I owned. They were soft, a silky rose fabric that clung to my body—a gift, of course, from Estelle. Hardly my comfort zone, but I had to admit they looked pretty flattering; if only I had someone to appreciate me wearing them.