Chapter 2
Maura’s POV
Once I accepted Joe’s offer of helping me with the boxes, Kevin and Nick became involved, too. Amy was a little hesitant at first, but I gave her a knowing look, so she accepted. Once the guys went in with the boxes, Amy pulled me aside.
“Maura, what are you doing? We don’t even know these guys, and you’re just gonna let them into our house?”
I rolled my eyes. “Amy, they seem like nice guys-.”
“That’s exactly what you said about your last three exes!” Amy interrupted.
I gave her an angry look about the subject. She just crossed her arms over her chest. “Amy, they seem different… I don’t know just- It’s not like we were actually gonna go to the mall with them, were we?”
Amy shifted her body and looked at the ground. “Well, I-.”
Before I could interrupt her, Joe ran back out from the house. “Anything else ladies?” He smiled at me, but Amy just rolled her eyes and took out a box to bring inside. “Did I say something?” Joe asked, sounding confused.
“No,” I sighed. “It’s nothing.” I opened up the back door of the Jeep to get my personal belongings. I pulled out my bag and swung it over my shoulder and took the special box marked “Maura’s Room”. Without even waiting for Joe’s offer, I said, “You can get the other box with my name on it.” I heard Joe laugh which made me let out a small chuckle.
As we walked up the steps to the door, Amy came out with Kevin right beside her. “Havin’ fun Joe?” Kevin asked as we walked by. Amy looked up, but I ignored her smile at me and “accidentally” bumped her shoulder. Getting on the subject about my exes, really got to me and I didn’t want to take it from Amy.
Joe didn’t respond once he saw my action. I began heading upstairs and told Joe to follow me into my room. We put the boxes on my bed and I turned back around to head out, but Joe appeared in front of the door. I knocked into him, my face mere inches from his. The scent of his cologne inhaled through my nostrils, making them burn.
“Maura,” Joe began. I felt his breath against my forehead and I took a step back, my nerves overwhelming me for what would happen next.
“Joe, we have to-.”
“Why did you bump into Amy?”
I sighed in relief, all the horrible thoughts released from my brain. Avoiding Joe0s concerned gaze, I began straightening my room in whichever way possible. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Joe take a step forward.
“It’s nothing,” I stated nervously.
“That’s what you told me earlier before you bumped into Amy.” I looked up at Joe, all the hurt coming back to me. I wanted to tell him, but it didn’t feel right. It’s not like I have to.
“Look Joe, this is between Amy and me- not you. So if you could just stay out of it-.”
“But I don’t want to,” Joe whispered. “I want to help you. Maura, I can see the hurt in your eyes and-.”
“Joe, don’t you get it?!” I exclaimed. “This doesn’t involve you! I don’t want your pity! You’re probably just like every other guy I met and I don’t want to go through that again. I should’ve never let you help us! Just leave me alone!” I stormed out of my room, pushing Joe out of the way. I could feel the tears threatening to fall and I didn’t want anyone to see me looking like this. I was going so strong, but now…
I ran out of the house, ignoring Amy’s worried calls. I just had to get away from here
