When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 64

“If you’re thirsty, go home and get your own water.”

Nelly reached for the glass, then caught herself just in time. They were done talking. Was Brody really planning to stick around any longer?

“I’ve been drinking,” Brody said quietly, pressing his fingers to his forehead. He looked tired, but Nelly knew he hadn’t touched a drop. He just wanted a reason to stay.

“You drove here?” Nelly blinked. “Brody, are you seriously admitting to drunk driving?”

Brody didn’t answer. He set the glass down, leaned back on the couch, and closed his eyes.

Nelly tried to ignore him, but she couldn’t help herself. She went to the kitchen and poured him some water. When she came back, he was already fast asleep.

He slept so quietly, still managing to look elegant even on her old sofa. The night wrapped around them, the whole apartment silent.

Nelly gently nudged his shoulder. He didn’t move. She leaned closer, noticing how his long lashes cast shadows across his cheekbones. He really was stupidly good-looking.

She pressed her lips together, thinking about all those nights she’d found herself staring at his face. He only ever stayed by her side when the world was quiet, when everyone else was asleep. She’d memorized every detail of him just like this.

She called his name a few more times, but he didn’t wake up. Whatever. She tossed a blanket over him and left him there.

It's just for eighty million dollars, she told herself.

The next morning, Nelly woke up late. She’d locked her bedroom door, and the apartment was still and quiet. She figured Brody would be gone by now. When they lived together, he was always out the door before sunrise and home after dark. They’d shared a roof, but saw each other most at work.

But as soon as she stepped out of her room, she heard water running in the bathroom.

She peeked in and nearly dropped her phone. Brody was there, wrapped in a towel, clearly fresh out of the shower.

“You… why are you still here?” Nelly stared at him, completely at a loss.

The towels were disposable, but still. They weren’t for him.

Brody just shrugged. “I got sweaty. Didn’t sleep well.”

She gave him a look. Nobody asked for the details.

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