Page 19 of Under My Skin

Chapter Nineteen

LUCY

Everett’s dark eyebrows pull together. “You want to help me pick a paint color?”

I shrug. The truth is, I’d rather do a lot of things before I deal with anyone in my family again.

After leaving my parents’ house, I wandered.

Simon and Everett were both at work, and the friends I had before going away to college feel like people from another lifetime.

I’d happily catch up with them over coffee, but not like this.

Not when the question, “So, what brings you home?” looms around every corner.

So instead, I spent the day exploring the many ways my small town has gotten marginally bigger over the years.

Traffic is worse than I remember, but even though the streets are crowded with new booming businesses, most look family-owned.

There’s nothing worse than seeing a Starbucks take over every corner, so I’m glad the city has held onto the small business feel.

Everett waits for a response, and I backpedal. He’s been a great buffer between everything going on with my family right now, but I’m not trying to overstay my welcome. “Or I can go,” I say, pointing at the exit over my shoulder.

Everett shakes his head, waving off my concern. “No, I could use the help. I’ve been staring at these colors for so long, I’m sick of trying to narrow it down on my own.”

He gestures for me to follow him up the tiny staircase, and I can’t help wondering how old this building is. The stairs creak with every step, and the multicolor wood is filled with imperfections and knots.

Once we reach the top of the stairs, I’m amazed the vintage flooring stretches across every square foot of space. It’s covered in clear plastic, probably to protect it during the renovation, but even in its muted state, I can’t believe how beautiful it is.

“What are these floors?” I don’t bother hiding the wonder in my voice.

Everett perks. “Pretty cool, right? There used to be dirty carpet, and when they ripped it up, that was underneath. My contractor called it tobacco pine.” He scuffs his shoe against the plastic covering.

“I’m tempted to see if it’s under the old vinyl in the shop, but that’s a project for a different day. ”

My eyes widen. “Oh, I hope so.” Taking in the rest of the space, I ask, “So, this is why you’re living with my brother?”

“Yeah. Hopefully not for much longer.” When I look over at him, he adds, “Not that there’s anything wrong with living with Simon.”

I huff a laugh as I continue my slow walk around the tiny space. “I’m sure there are plenty of things wrong with living with Simon.” With a shrug, I add, “But it’s only natural to want your own space.”

When my eyes meet his again, I realize he’s still standing where I left him, watching me explore.

I wonder if us being this alone is weird for him.

I mean, technically there’s a shop full of people downstairs, but he’s keeping his distance like he suddenly regrets letting me come up here.

With his arms crossed and his thumb lightly tapping his bicep in a rhythmic pattern, he looks guarded and maybe a little anxious.

Why would I make him anxious, though? For me, he’s felt like a pillar these past twenty-four hours. Something solid I can lean on. There’s something about being around him that feels calming— easy. But by the looks of him, I clearly don’t have the same effect.

Trying to ease the one-sided tension, I walk over to the paint swatches taped on the wall. “I take it these are the options?”

He nods before taking one careful step in my direction and gesturing toward the wall. “Those were the ones that stood out to me.”

“Perfect,” I say with a smile and turn back to the colors. None of them are similar which makes it fun. He has a beige, a cool white, a muted green, and a blueish gray by the name of Hale Navy. “This one,” I say, pointing to the dark, dusty blue.

His lips lift. “I should have known.” Taking another step toward the wall, he glances my way. “Just like that? You didn’t even think about it.”

“I don’t need to think about it. That’s the one I like.”

He blinks before taking one final step that lands us side by side.

“Yeah, sure. Okay,” he says, still looking at the colors.

He scratches some of the stubble on his cheek, and I take the opportunity to appreciate the sharp angle of his jaw.

He really is something to look at. No wonder that girl gave him her number.

He’s staring at the wall so intently it pulls a light laugh from my lips. The sound earns me a sideways glance, and I say, “You don’t have to listen to me. I was just telling you which color I like. It’s your apartment. Pick whatever you want.”

Putting his arms up in surrender, he takes a step back. “Nope. That’s the color. I’m done trying to figure this shit out.”

My eyes take in the space again, my lips pulling upward. “It will be great.”

Everett rubs a hand over his forehead. “I can’t handle making all these decisions. You should have seen me today when he asked me what type of countertop I wanted for the kitchen.”

My mouth twitches with amusement. “What did you pick? ”

“Butcher block?” he says like he’s still not sure it’s the right answer.

“Love it,” I answer with a definitive nod.

His shoulders relax a little. “Cool.” A beat of silence passes between us, and he rocks back on his heels. “So, you saw your parents today.”

My body tenses, and the ease of being here with him disappears. “Yeah.”

When I don’t say anything else, I expect him to fire off questions. Instead, he just says, “I’m here if you want to talk about it.”

I wring my fingers and nod. The conversation with my parents flashes in my mind.

How can they be so kind and so deceptive?

I loved seeing them, but I hated it just as much.

Everything about their situation has my head spinning.

I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I’m still no closer to understanding.

“Do you know why they’re getting a divorce?” I blurt.

Everett’s eyes widen. “Uh, no. Not really. Why are they getting a divorce?”

“I don’t know!” I throw my arms up in exasperation.

“They just keep saying these vague things about starting a new chapter, but it makes no sense. There has to be a reason, and whatever it is, it’s something they don’t want me to know.

” I cross my arms. “You know, today I flat out asked if one of them cheated.”

He frowns. “And I’m assuming they said no?”

“Yup.” My eyes narrow. “But why else would they split up? They’d both probably be open to marriage counseling or some type of help. None of this makes sense.”

“Yeah. I was surprised when Simon told me, but you never know what someone’s relationship is like unless you’re in it.

” I glare at him, and he lets out a light chuckle.

“It’s true. Maybe they’ve already tried therapy.

Maybe they’ve exhausted all efforts, but they didn’t want to worry you. It’s possible.”

Something inside me softens and sinks at the same time.

I guess he’s right. My parents could have already done all those things, but it doesn’t feel like they have.

It feels like this is a snap decision. I rub my face, letting out a groan behind my hands.

“I hate this.” When I don’t hear him say anything after a moment, I form a crack with my fingers to peek at him. “Are you judging me?”

He grins. “No, I’m not judging you.” His smile is so disarming I believe him.

Blowing out a breath, I let my arms fall by my sides. “Good.”

“Come on.” He nods toward the staircase. “I’ll take you back to your brother’s.”

And just like that, I’m tense again. I already survived one motorcycle ride today. I’m not trying to push my luck.

Everett appraises me, amusement shining behind his eyes. “Aw, come on. Don’t tell me you’re still scared? You were a pro this morning.”

I beg to differ, but instead of arguing, I glance out the far window surrounded by unfinished drywall. “But it’s dark outside.”

He follows my gaze. “Yeah, that happens at night.”

Turning my attention back to him, I cross my arms. “Your bike is black.”

“I know it is,” he says slowly, his brow furrowing.

“And you wear a lot of black clothes.”

He looks down at himself before his eyes flick up to meet mine. “Is that a problem?”

It takes everything in me not to let my eyes scope down the length of his body the same way his just did.

His dark jeans and black T-shirt hug his hips, chest, and biceps in a way that has no business drawing so much of my attention.

“Cars won’t even see you right now.” It feels like a lie.

Even with the helmet on and his face hidden, I’m sure most drivers on the road would notice him.

I don’t even like motorcycles, but I like the way Everett looks on one .

He lifts his head, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “That’s what the headlight is for.”

I frown. “White is the safest color, you know.” When he smirks and takes a step toward me, I take a step back. “I’m serious! Bright colors are safer. It’s common sense. You’re basically asking me to blend into the night with you on a death trap. That’s ridiculous.”

Everett shakes his head with a laugh before pointing a finger at me. “ You’re ridiculous.”

I bite back my smile, but the moment gets cut short by the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs.