Ruin by C.J. Scott

the harnesses hanging in bags on hooks. "Thanks," he said quietly.
    He didn't move, just kept looking at the harnesses. I tried to see his eyes, but his lashes were lowered and his head bowed. He cleared his throat twice.
    "Are you going to take one?" I asked.
    He picked one off its hook and read the instructions on the bag.
    "Did Jane give you enough cash for it?"
    He nodded. "Do you think she can afford it?"
    I sighed. "I don't know, but the roof needs fixing before the storm, and you're not going up there without one of those on." I shrugged. "I'll get Mom to pack some food for the next week or so. That'll help them out a bit."
    "You don't have to do that. You've done enough already."
    I frowned. "I've done nothing! I'd be a terrible friend if I didn't do something to help her out. Besides, I'm not doing it, Mom is. I'm a terrible cook, so I'm not even going to offer to make something."
    He smiled. "You're a great friend to Jane. And me. Thanks."
    I bit my lip. Friend. Great. I was his friend , nothing more. Not even a one night stand. I liked it better when he thought I was perfect.
    We stood in awkward silence again. He should have taken the harness up to Mr. Barrett at the counter, but he didn't. I wondered what he was waiting for, or maybe he was waiting for me to do something. I should leave. Should say goodbye in a cheerful voice. I felt anything but cheerful. I felt hollow inside.
    Tell me you want me. Tell me you need to spend the night with me again.
    "I should go," was all he said. "Before the storm comes." His gaze finally lifted to mine and I was shocked by what I saw in his eyes. He looked...haunted.
    I started shaking. I hugged my arms and tried to give him a reassuring smile, but I couldn't.
    He walked off toward the counter and handed Mr. Barrett the harness bag. He paid then waved at me. I nodded back and watched him leave.
    "Kate," Mr. Barrett said. "You okay?"
    I nodded. "Yeah. Thanks. I better go."
    "Say hi to your mom and dad for me."
    I left the store and walked home. Dark clouds gathered in the south, a smudge in the sky.
    The sun still shone over Winter, however, and I lifted my face to it.
    I wouldn't cry. Not this time. It took several deep breaths before I had my heart under control and could be sure my tears wouldn't spill.
    Well. It would seem I wasn't over him. It was laughable that I thought a few days away would be enough. I'd never felt like this with anyone else. Never felt such soreness in my heart, and happiness too. Never been so eager to see someone again and to take his hurts away. Never wanted someone else's arms around me as much as I wanted Ben's. Never believed in love at first sight.
    Guess I'd been wrong.
    I walked home and interrupted Mom's vacuuming. "Doing anything today?"
    "Vacuuming," she said with a well-duh look on her face.
    "I mean after that."
    "There's a storm coming. It's best to stay inside. I'll check on the Goodmans beforehand, make sure they have everything they need." Mr. and Mrs. Goodman were our elderly neighbors.
    Nice people but difficult to talk to because they were both deaf as posts. "We could play a game of Monopoly when I get back if you like."
    Monopoly? Really? "That's okay. I think I'll visit Jane."
    She inspected the vacuum head and pulled out a clump of fluff that hadn't been sucked up.
    "Visit Jane or visit her lodger?"
    "Does it matter?"
    She sighed. "Honey, you hardly know him. Nobody knows anything about him. Your father said—"
    "I don't care what Dad said!"
    "Your father said that this Ben character is hiding something. I don't think you should associate with him until we know what it is."
    "And how are you going to find out what he's hiding? Interrogate him? How about you put him on the rack? You could probably find one in town, this place is ancient enough."
    She sighed again. "Kate, don't be like that. We're just worried about you."
    "I don't want you to worry about me."
    "Then just stay home."
    "Home is boring."
    The front door opened and