Free Aftershock: A Charity McAdams Novella by Elizabeth Storme Page A

anything but I don’t know, I guess I just want to go out alone.”
    “Well it’s only been a week. I’m sure this is just an adjustment period. It will get better.”
    I nod but remain unconvinced. It’s a strange feeling to be in a city with thousands and thousands of people and still feel so incredibly lonely. I know I need to put myself out there and meet new people but the task seems daunting. Living in a small town my whole life did not prepare me to move to a big city and make a whole new group of friends overnight. I’m sure there are people out there who could do that, but unfortunately, I’m finding that I’m not one of them.
    I put on a smile for Ashley’s sake, not wanting her to worry. “I’m sure you’re right. I just have to find my niche. That’s all.”
    “Exactly! Now let me see this closet you’ve been raving about!” She demands with a smile.
     
    ***
     
    “Cherry! I’m back!”
    It’s half past eight when I hear Brandon come in through the garage door that leads to a mud room off the kitchen. I pull myself off the couch and go meet him in the kitchen.
    He smiles when he sees me walk in. “Wow! You look great! Give me ten minutes to change and then we can leave,” he says before pressing a kiss to my lips.
    “Thanks,” I say. I’m wearing the black dress that Ashley helped me pick out when we went shopping. I had even gone to a fancy hair salon and had my first blowout so my hair is actually straight with just the perfect amount of style and body but absolutely no frizz. I haven’t been able to stop myself from running my fingers through it most of the afternoon.
    Brandon looks back at me before rounding the corner, nearly bumping into the wall and I smile to myself.
    A few minutes he rejoins me downstairs and we head outside. Tonight is the first night we are really going out somewhere public. We’ve spent most of the nights this week at the house, keeping things low key.
    Brandon normally drives everywhere himself but tonight he hired Keith to come pick us up in some sort of fancy car that I don’t know the name of.
    “Ms. McAdams,” he greets with a slight nod as he pulls the car door open.
    “Hello,” I answer before ducking into the back seat of the car.
    Brandon slides in next to me and the door shuts. He places his hand on my bare leg, inching his way up. “Did I mention that I really like this dress?” He asks with a grin.
    I laugh softly. “I can tell.”
    “So, listen, I want to apologize,” he says, moving his hand from my leg to grab my hand and lock our fingers together.
    “For what?” I ask, giving him a curious look.
    “For being so busy and not taking you out sooner. I really didn’t think it would be this crazy. I thought we would have more time together. I feel like maybe I’m disappointing you.” He pauses, seeming to gather his thoughts. “Like, maybe you think you made a mistake coming here in the first place.”
    I’m slightly taken aback by his apology. Granted, it has been quite a bit different than I expected but I don’t want him to read that as disappointment.
    “Why would you say that?” I ask. I place my free hand on the side of his face. He turns his face in and kisses my palm. “I knew you wouldn’t be at the house with me twenty four, seven. I never expected that. Sure, I miss Ashley and my other friends, and God help me, sometimes I even miss my family. But I don’t want you to take that and think that I wish I hadn’t come.”
    “Are you sure?” He asks. His eyes are focused as if he is trying to read my mind.
    “Yes, I’m sure. I’m happy here, with you.”
    Brandon looks visibly relieved, as if he had been carrying a burden that just got lifted from his shoulders. He leans close and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. I lay my head against him and close my eyes, breathing him in. The small moments like this are what make this whole transition worth it, moments where it is just him and I soaking it