Page 41 of When We Were More (Aron Falls #1)

T illie

Five days. It’s been five days since I told Henry I can’t give him what he wants. Since I asked for some space. Told him I needed some time, and that our friends with benefits situation needed to end.

He’s given me the space. I hate it. God, do I miss him. Physically, of course, but I also miss his companionship and his smile. I miss the way he gets nervous and holds a fist to his mouth when he’s watching a true crime show with me. The way he is with his kids. The way he was with me.

When he messaged today stating that he needed me to sign off on the order for the bathroom supplies, I didn’t hesitate to agree.

He asked if he could drop by to complete it, but mentioned he’d have to bring Layla since she had a day off from school today.

I jumped at the chance to see her. I miss the girls so much my chest aches.

When they arrive, Layla gives me a huge hug and tells me about what she’s done so far on her day off.

“We’re going for ice cream next. You should come with us, Tillie.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I have a few things I have to do after this. But I’m happy for you that you’re getting ice cream. That sounds yummy.”

Henry is quiet the entire time. He won’t make eye contact with me. When Layla asks me if she can go ‘exploring’ inside the house, I give her permission. There’s nothing here that I haven’t childproofed.

A few minutes later, Henry and I sit at my kitchen table and review the final plans for my master bath renovation. Once I’ve signed everything, I watch as Henry neatens the stack of papers and places them in a file folder.

“I’ll get the permits filed first thing Monday morning, and I’m thinking we can start construction in about two weeks, unless we hit any snags with the paperwork.”

“Sounds good. This bathroom is going to be beautiful, Henry. Thanks for taking the time to show me so many options.”

I’m not ready for him to go yet. I know we aren’t doing our ‘thing’ anymore, and even our friendship is struggling, but I don’t want him to leave.

“I’m getting another cup of coffee. Will you stay and have one with me?”

He hesitates for a few seconds, and my heart hurts. I long for the easy comfort we had.

“Sure.” He offers me a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

Another round of coffee means it’s not time for them to go yet. I nod and rise to prepare us each a cup.

Right as I return with our mugs, Layla takes a seat at the table and folds her hands on the hardwood top.

“We have to talk.” Her tone is serious, and her facial expression neutral.

I glance between her and Henry.

“I should give you two a minute.” I move to stand.

“No, Tillie. I have to talk to both of you.” I hold back a grin and stay seated.

“What’s up, ladybug?”

“It’s about my birthday party. Daddy, you gave me ideas where we could have it, and they were good.” She pats his hand patronizingly. “But I’ve got a better one.”

Henry fights a smile at her matter-of-fact tone.

“Okay. Tell us.”

She gives us a huge smile, and her eyes brighten.

“I want to have it at our farm. In our farmhouse, where Tillie lives.”

Henry’s eyes narrow, and his forehead wrinkles in confusion.

“You mean Tillie’s farmhouse, right?”

“Where Tillie lives. Our farmhouse.”

I’m as confused as Henry, but I stay quiet.

“Ladybug, the cabin is our home. The farmhouse is Tillie’s. Since we’re her friends, sometimes she comes to our house, and other times, we go to hers.”

A sigh escapes Layla, and she rolls her eyes. Henry’s widen when she does it, and he glances over at me. Hey, I didn’t teach her to do that. It’s not my fault if she’s super observant and mimics me.

“Dad, let me splain, ‘kay?” Henry nods. “Tillie is in our family now. And since it’s bigger here and has room for animals, when it’s time to live together, we’ll all live here.”

My eyes pop wide, and my jaw drops. Henry doesn’t even glance at me. He runs his hand through his hair. I feel like I should leave the conversation, but I’m not sure. I don’t want to make it more uncomfortable.

“Why do you think that, ladybug?”

Layla shrugs. “When you know, you know.”

I’ve just taken a drink of my coffee, and start to choke on it, but I quickly recover.

Henry glances over at me. I don’t know what to make of his pinched expression.

“Sorry.”

He turns back to Layla.

“Layla, honey, that’s not how it works. Tillie and I are only friends. Friends don’t live together.”

An irritated sigh escapes Layla, and I have to hold back a laugh. It strikes me that this is the happiest I’ve felt since things ended.

“Dad, listen, please. Right now, you and Tillie are friends that don’t live together.

But you loves her, and,” Henry sputters on his coffee now, but much worse than I did, and Layla pauses to pat him on the back a few times, “she loves you. So, one day, we’ll all live here.

I just picked out my bedroom and one for Lena. You guys wanna see?”

My jaw drops open again.

“Layla, that’s enough.” Henry’s tone is scolding, and Layla’s lower lip sticks out right before she starts to cry.

“Fuuuudge,” Henry whispers as he pulls her into his arms. “I didn’t mean to snap at you, ladybug. I’m sorry. I promise we’ll come and visit Tillie here sometimes, but we live in the cabin. Okay?”

Henry peers up at me, pleading in his eyes.

“Layla, sweetie?” She turns and looks at me, and I hold my arms open. She doesn’t hesitate to come to me. I pull her up onto my lap and tuck a tear-soaked piece of hair behind her ear.

“You and I are friends, too. Remember? We’ll see each other, and you can come visit here. Then, when I get my goats and chickens?—”

“Goats?” She perks up immediately, and the tears stop.

“Chickens?” Henry asks.

“Yep, to both. When I get them, you can come over and help me feed them sometimes. What do you say?”

“Yes! Oh, I can brush their hair, too.”

“Maybe. We’ll have to read about it and see if goats like having their hair brushed. I know chickens don’t like their feathers brushed, so we definitely won’t do theirs.”

She wears the brightest smile now, and it’s as if the crying episode never happened.

“All right, Layla. Now that you’ve settled that, can you please get your boots and coat on? We’ve got to get going so I can do some things for the party tonight.”

Now buzzing with energy, Layla hugs me goodbye and takes off for the foyer. Henry and I both stand. An uneasy tension fills the air. He runs a hand through his hair, studying the floor.

“Sorry about that.”

“Henry, please. Don’t be sorry. Would you please look at me?”

When he does, his eyes are flat, and I hate it. Henry’s eyes are always full of light and energy. Not now, though.

“How have you been?” I ask.

He casts his gaze downward and shakes his head.

“Could we make some time to talk?” I try again.

He lifts his head and frowns. “Sure, Matilda. Whenever works for you.”

“Dad!” Layla calls from the foyer.

“I gotta go. Bye.” It’s abrupt, and he walks toward the foyer. I want to stop him, but that’s not fair of me.

“I’ll see you tonight.” My words make him halt, though that’s not my intent.

“You’re still coming?” He turns and studies me. His shoulders tense up.

“Of course. It’s the one-year anniversary of Aron Family Builders & Restoration moving to town.” Then it strikes me. “D-do you not want me to come?”

He hesitates.

What does that mean?

“You were invited. You should come, if you want.”

Then he’s gone.