"Welcome home, Miss Amelia," Ambrose warmly greets me as he helps me climb out of the car. I grin over at him as my feet land on the ground. I suppose I have to get used to this place being my home on top of living with Rhodes.
"Thank you, Ambrose," I reply as Rhodes walks around to my side of the car where Ambrose and I stand.
"How are the movers going?" he asks Ambrose, standing a foot away from me and making no attempt to touch me. It feels so deliberate, like he's making a choice not to put his arm around me or hold my hand; it breaks my heart just a little.
"They just finished up, the boxes are in your apartment whilst all of her storage is in the locker unit downstairs. Would you like me to get someone to help unpack?" Ambrose responds, addressing Rhodes in such a formal manner, his hands clasped in front of him.
"No, we can manage. Thank you, Ambrose," Rhodes replies curtly before moving quickly into the hotel and heading for the elevators. I trail behind after giving Ambrose one last smile. At least he's started thanking Ambrose for all of his hard work.
The elevator doors are opening as I arrive at Rhodes's side, and we step in together. Alone. More uncomfortable silence. I wish some hotel guests would join us, but no such luck. Rhodes stares straight ahead of him, keeping his hands stuffed into his pockets in case I get any crazy ideas like holding his hand.
Mercifully, the elevator lets out a ring, and Rhodes quickly steps out of the box, heading straight towards the kitchen. I trail behind like a lost puppy trying to find its way home. I place my hands on the back of one of the island seats as Rhodes opens the fridge and takes out a beer. I suppose it is nearly six o'clock now; man, it's been a long day. He twists off the lid and takes a large sip before finally placing the bottle down and looking at me for the first time since the car. My heart suddenly begins to race. I have no idea what to say. Should I start talking? Or wait for him to talk? This is a nightmare; I just want it to stop.
"Rhodes, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell yo-" I'm cut off as the words start to tumble out of my mouth.