I gestured him back to the door for the rest of the bags, “It’s the same as yours, just opposite, I assume.”
“It is, but it feels homier here.”
I tried not to show it, but his comment warmed my heart. For years, I’d wanted nothing more than to give Jamie a home. Hearing that someone else thought I’d succeeded made me feel like the sun itself was rising inside of me. “Thank you.”
He tipped his head at the basket of yarn and half-finished blanket by the couch, “You knit?”
“Crochet, but yes. Not as much now as I used to though.”
He grunted in acknowledgment, and I swore the corner of his lips twitched. “Why don’t you go ahead and wake him up, I’ll start unloading.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay—”
“I know, Madison. I know you can do it on your own, but I’m here and have nothing else to do. Let me finish helping, and then I’m out of your hair.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. I needed to chill. He was being a friend, probably trying to make up for his asshole behavior before. I needed to stop being so pessimistic and assuming the worst out of everyone. He knew I had a roommate, and my son was right outside. He wasn’t going to do anything.
“All right, thank you.”
He looked at me over a box of pasta, “Was that so hard?”
I gave him a flat look. He had no idea. I hated admitting when I needed or wanted help. “I’ll be right back.”
Jamie slid out of the Jeep like a slug, dragging his feet next to me while we walked. He wasn’t a morning person, and that general description held true post-nap as well. “What has you feeling so drained, bud? Tough day?”
“Not really. Just didn’t sleep well last night.”
I frowned. He hadn’t mentioned anything this morning. He used to suffer from nightmares right after everything happened with Aaron, but I didn’t think he’d had one in a long time. I glanced at him wanting to ask, but knowing he’d deny and deflect. He was a lot like me that way.
So instead, I opted to perk him up. “Layla will be home any minute. We’ll throw together some dinner and then have the ultimate game night. Sound good?”
We stepped onto the porch, and I could feel his eyes on me, “How long will you be able to play?”
I winked, holding the door open, “As long as you want, bud. I don’t have to study tonight.”
He dropped his backpack to the floor, swinging in front of me, eyes bright. “Really?”
“Pinkie promise.” I looked over his head to Garrett, who had just about finished emptying all the bags. He’d been watching us from the second we walked in and met my eyes.
“Hey, bud, you remember our neighbor, Garrett?”
Jamie whipped around, frantically looking where I’d indicated and, spotting the large bulk of a man in our kitchen, plastered his small back to my front.
“Why are you in our house?” It was phrased as a question, but the way he demanded it, it sounded more like a hidden order for Garrett to leave.
“He saw me struggling with the groceries and offered to help.” I stepped around him so I could see his face. He looked furious, but underneath it was alarm.
“That’s what I’m for.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry. Next time, I’ll wake you up.” I pressed a loud, smacking kiss to his forehead, “But just know I’ll make you carry all the bags.”
I walked into the kitchen, Jamie hot on my heels, and tilted my head to look up at Garrett. I wouldn’t embarrass Jamie by apologizing for his rude question, but I hoped Garrett would understand he meant no harm.