Deboned Fish for Her, Left No Room for Me Chapter 07

Deboned Fish for Her, Left No Room for Me Chapter 07

“Let’s go. There’s a Lowcountry seafood place nearby that’s pretty good.”

Keaton tightened his grip around his umbrella handle.

Without a word, he followed me.

When we got to the restaurant, I slid into the seat opposite them on my own before anyone could remind me.

Keaton’s expression darkened even further.

I no longer cared enough to manage his mood.

I ordered a few dishes and clearly told the server everyone’s dietary restrictions.

Cecily suddenly spoke.

“Marlow, you’re so different now. It’s like you grew up overnight.”

I lowered my head and straightened my napkin.

“People change.”

Keaton’s grip tightened around his fork.

Keaton’s face went still and cold.

The server brought out a plate of peel-and-eat shrimp first.

Keaton took it.

His long fingers moved quickly, peeling a shrimp clean.

Just as he was about to place the first one on my plate, I raised my hand and stopped him.

“Peel them for Cissy. I can do my own.”

“Marlowe Quenby, are you done with this attitude?”

Keaton’s voice snapped out.

I looked up, genuinely confused.

What had I done now?

Wasn’t I doing exactly what he wanted?

Being sensible.

Taking care of myself.

Keaton picked up a napkin and wiped his fingers clean one by one.

“Ever since you saw us, you’ve been giving us attitude.”

“Fine. That’s between us. I won’t say anything about that.”

“But Cissy took time off work to come see you, and your coworker embarrassed her. You-”

Oh.

So he was still hung up on that.

I already knew what he was about to say, so I cut him off.

“Then I’m sorry. I apologize to you both on my friend’s behalf.”

The words “make her apologize” died in Keaton’s throat.

For once, he had nothing to say.

Cecily quickly waved her hands.

“It’s okay. Keaton is just making a big deal out of nothing. You know he’s always-”

“Always cared a lot about your feelings. I know.”

I finished the sentence naturally, without looking at the way Cecily froze.

“The food is almost here. Let’s eat.”

They

ir food.

did I put down my fork.

Keaton, who had been watching me for a long time, finally spoke.

“Marlowe, we came to take you back to Hartwick.”

“You should be satisfied now. You’re not mad anymore, are you?”

I did not answer.

I only asked calmly,

“Do I have a room there?”

“No.”

“Do I have a bed?”

Keaton paused.

“No…”

I laughed.

“Keaton Stroud, I’m not going back just to sleep on your living-room floor.”

“I don’t hate myself enough to do that.”

Keaton frowned and hurried to explain.

“I can rent you a place. Why is that such a big deal?”

“So I’m supposed to keep putting up with you living with my best friend?”

For a moment, Keaton had nothing to say.

Just then, Leith texted me.

He was already downstairs at my office.

wiped my mouth, picked up my bag, and stood.

“There’s nothing left to discuss.”

“I’m done here. My boyfriend is downstairs waiting for me.”