That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

out at the ocean from the porch like I was doing earlier.

It’s like we’re on different orbits today but still circling the same world.

Trying not to collide with it.

I could stand here all day, just watching her hair blowing in the summer breeze, the blonde highlighted by the sun. Her naturally tanned skin has a glow about it that looks like it’s been kissed by nature, but not too dark that she’s been roasting her body.

Just like so many times before, the silence is broken with Coco barking at me.

“Go get your mama.” As I open the door, Coco takes off out to where Asha is standing. She nudges her head against Asha’s leg, looking for affection. My girl bends down and wraps her arms around Coco, and I’m not actually sure who is comforting whom.

I can’t stand the distance any longer. I walk out and join them, Asha standing as I approach.

The same as I did this morning, no words, I just pull her into my chest and hold her tight. This time there is no resistance. Instead, the total opposite, it feels like Asha is hanging on tight.

Whoever said women are confusing was spot on the money. I can’t keep up today, and I’m not even going to bother to try.

Standing here, I just soak it all up. Kissing the top of her head, I say, “Let me make you some lunch. You barely ate at breakfast.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Her arms squeeze around me that little bit tighter. “I need to keep working this afternoon. You know, deadline and all that,” her voice mumbles into my chest.

“Yeah, baby, I get it. Head into your office and I’ll bring it in. I mean, I wish we could spend today together, but I understand. We’ll make up for it later.”

“Mmhmm.” Her head lies sideways on my chest, right over my heart. Her eyes are closed, and for the first time since this morning, I can see the look of peace that our love brings.

It doesn’t last long, and she is moving away from me already.

Forty-eight hours is too long.

I need to be able to get her away from here and explain everything so we can get back to where we were.

Seeing the back of her disappear inside, her shoulders now slumped forward and head hanging a little, I know Asha needs to leave here too.

A few hours have passed since Asha retreated to her office and left me keeping Coco company. I swear every thirty seconds I’m checking my phone for messages.

Nothing.

I rub my knuckles on the top of Coco’s head like she loves. “My mom always told me I was such an impatient child, but I never understood what she meant. Until today. I mean, seriously, how long will this take?”

Looking at me with her big, puppy eyes, it’s like she agrees with me. I will miss her not being with us.

She stretches her body on the porch and lays her head in my lap, while I sit with my legs out in front and lean against the house, watching the waves to try to keep me calm while I wait.

I’m almost zoning out, so when my phone gives me a buzz in my hand, I struggle not to drop it.

Ghost: Results are in.

Kurt: And?

Ghost: As suspected but not what you want. Laced with poison.

Ghost: Not enough to kill her outright, but to make her sick.

Kurt: Fuck!!!!! Knew it!

Kurt: God dammit!!!!

Ghost: I know. Keep your head in the game.

Ghost: Need you calm.

Ghost: I’m trying to get you out by tomorrow night at the latest.

Kurt: Want it earlier.

Ghost: And I want a million fucking dollars.

Kurt: Fuck off.

Ghost: It will happen when I can make it happen. Sit tight and wait for instructions.

Ghost: You know how this works.

Ghost: I haven’t got agency resources at my fingertips this time.

Ghost: I’m calling in favors from people I can trust.

Kurt: I know, I’m grateful. Just nervous I’m running out of time.

Kurt: You know that feeling we get on a job. It won’t fucking leave me!

Ghost: Roger that.

Ghost: Just be ready to jump when I say so.

Ghost: Get sleep tonight. You’re going to need it.

Kurt: Yes, Dad.

Ghost: Good to see you haven’t completely lost your sense of humor. Later.

Kurt: Sooner than later!

Ghost: *eye roll*

“Don’t worry, girl. I won’t let anyone hurt her,” I say, slowly running my hand down Coco’s back, smoothing her coat. “I promise I’ll bring her home safely to you, so you can continue to piss her off like you do.”

I listen to see that Asha’s music is still playing in her office. I need to talk to Seth.

Disturbing Coco from lying on my lap, I pick up one of her balls and move out onto the grass. She’s already up and looks full of energy. Walking farther into the yard, I throw the ball as I hear Seth answer my call.

“Oh my god, it’s lover boy. Did you call the wrong number? This is your friend—actually best friend, Seth, not your girlfriend Asha, who I’m sure you meant to call.” His voice never ceases to make me grin. He never takes life too seriously. I wish I could be like that at times.

Actually, I was starting to be able to live like that, but how quickly things changed again, and I’m back walking in the same old shoes.

“Are you quite finished?”

Seth’s usual chuckle comes through my phone. “Yeah, but I can carry on if you like.”

“Fuck no. Listen up, I need to talk to you about something.” Something about my voice makes him stay quiet, which is no mean feat, and he waits for me to continue.

“You can’t tell anyone this, but I need to disappear for a while, and I need your help while I’m gone.” Waiting for him to talk, a surprising silence hangs between us.

“Seriously! Not this shit again. Stop trying to be all badass and let someone else deal with it. You’ve done your time, brother!” Anger is in every word he’s speaking. It’s not