Chapter 18 - A grain of sand (1/2)

The next day, I got up early, it was still dark outside. Sleeping next to me over the bed cover was a serene Grant, our fingers intertwined. I couldn't help smiling.

”Good morning,” I let go of Grant and rolled to my side. Demos sat in his usual spot; he reached and lightly brushed my cheek with his thumb. I hid a giggle in my pillow.

”Do you want to take a walk before going to work?” I nodded eagerly and hid my mouth with my hand. I had bad breath I didn't want to disgust him with the smell. I jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Once I've brushed my teeth and got to the toilet I was human again.

”Morning,” said Grant as I entered the room. He sat with crossed legs in bed.

”Morning guys. You're coming too?” I pulled the closet open, got my training legging and a sweater. He turned to Demos with a puzzled look. Demos nodded at him. There they go again with their mute conversation.

”Could you not do that in front of me? It's annoying,” they both looked up.

”We are using the mate's link. It's natural for us to communicate like that. If you feel left out its normal cause we haven't sync… yet,” explained Grant but I stepped back with one hand on my hip.

”Cut it out already!” I glared at him. He instantly shut his mouth. ”You said I could take my time, just let me get my footing, ok,” I slammed the bathroom door behind me and got dressed; I'll shower when I come back, I thought. Demos haven't moved from his spot when I came back, staring out the window. Grant was gone. Maybe I was a bit too harsh.

”He's not coming,” he announced without looking at me.

”Is he pissed? I'm sorry, it's just a big leap for me,” I pulled on my socks and shoes.

”You shouldn't apologize to me,” he got up and went to the door. ”I'll be waiting at the entrance,” he silently closed the door behind him. I groaned in frustration. If I sync with them… I won't be able to go back. It will be official. 'WE' will be a thing. I like them; I don't think I can survive without them. But, for god sake, it has been only a week. It was going too fast. I placed both hands over my head in despair.

I tiptoed to the living room. Grant stood in the kitchen making tea; I could smell the sweet aroma from here. He was wearing the pink apron I got him. How can I possibly be angry with him? I stood behind him as he stirred the tea and pressed my forehead between his shoulder blades.

”I'm sorry… I hurt your feelings,” I murmured against his back.

”My feelings for you remain constant. I'm just lonely and maybe a little annoyed that you still don't trust us enough to sync with us,” he turned around with a weak smile.

”The apron suits you, honey,” I grinned and he chuckled. I was able to evade the whole subject. There he was... My little sunshine. ”You're coming?” I tipped my head towards Demos expecting him to follow.

”It's ok. You can go. I'll get your lunch ready,” he lowered his eyes. I admit I was a little disappointed. I nodded and joined Demos. We walked in silence to the elevator. In the hall, Jil greeted us with a surprised look.

”You were able to drag Miss Kerry out of bed for jogging,” she clapped her hand at Demos with pride.

”Congratulations De, you're taming her,” my lips twisted in annoyance. Somehow, I didn't like her at all.

”Bye,” tossed Demos before pulling the door for me. I pursed my lips at him.

”What?”

”Nothing,” I quickly exited the building. Demos wore his black short, white flip-flops and a blue shirt. Those didn't fit for training. I didn't mention it. We walked down the block for ten minutes in silence, went pass the thrift shop and turned to the right on a road I was unfamiliar with.

”Where are we going?” I gave him a secretive peek. His face was blank. It didn't help ease my racing heart.