The Co-op

Chapter Forty-Five

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

DEACON

I hear the front door open and sit back on my heels excitedly. She’s been gone for over four hours, so in my anxiety I turned on Solomon Burke and distracted myself by touching up some baseboards. Turned the volume on full blast, ready for her to come home to.

When I sit up to greet her, my smile falters because she walks in, tearstained and skittish-looking… but the surprising part is that she’s not alone.

A woman who is unmistakably her mother trails in at her side. Sharp eyes start cataloging the space, lips rolled together in a line. I immediately feel self-conscious.

I’ve got one of LaRynn’s athletic-wear headbands on my head to keep my hair out of my eyes, for fuck’s sake. Which probably means that it’s time for a trim, but I’ve been a little preoccupied with other matters lately. I try to brush at a peanut butter stain on my shirt when I clamber to my feet.

LaRynn’s gaze meets mine and my hands twitch at my sides helplessly.

I would’ve changed if I’d known, I try to convey through my eyes.

Her head tilts in a sweet smirk, something like pride shining in her expression.

I dust off my hands and cross the room to turn down the music before I meet them.

“Hi,” I say, reaching out a hand. I look down and see the paint stains and calluses and almost take it back. Fuck it. I refused to let my insecurities get in the way when LaRynn didn’t want me to come with her before, but the fact that she was proud enough to bring her mother here…

It might not be for me—she might not have even told her we’re married or any of it—but even if it’s just to show her this chunk of life we’ve carved out… it feels like something expands in my chest. “I’m Deacon.”

Her mother smiles back, even though it looks like it takes some effort. “I’m Allison. It’s nice to meet you.”

LaRynn tucks herself against my side, wraps both of her arms around one of mine. It’s oddly protective. “This is my husband,” she says to her mom.

There’s no hint of surprise on her face, but Allison’s shoulders lift with the returning smile, like she’s gathering her whole strength for it.

“The place looks lovely, LaRynn.” She nods to me. “And Deacon. Everything looks wonderful.”

I can feel LaRynn’s heart pounding against my bicep and her smile against my shoulder.

During the visit the women start out orbiting each other a bit awkwardly, but after a time, Allison’s personality starts to come through. LaRynn asks her about her husband, about New York. Allison shows her photos of their dog and her husband’s kids. LaRynn’s responses are reserved and polite, but it’s clear that both women are trying. They hug tightly when she leaves.

When we shuffle together after, I turn the music back on before I pull her head to my chest and fold her fingers with mine. I smile into her hair while we dance in the kitchen.

“You called me your husband,” I say.

She laughs quietly. “Like that, did you?”

“I fucking loved it.”