“No. I’m not. There’s no way I’m letting you buy all this stuff for me.”
He places his hands on both my arms. “Liz, what you did for me last night was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. It’s the least I can do. Besides, I’m counting on you this weekend with my parents, if you’re still game?”
I stare at him. I don’t know how to react.
“Liz?” he questions.
“Yeah, of course.”
He smiles. “Alright, good. So I washed your sheets so you don’t get sick. I’d let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before you eat it.” He picks up his briefcase and turns back to me as he walks to the door.
I don’t want him to go.
“Thanks again, Lizzy. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He waves and I wave back, not saying a word. Then he’s gone.
I rush to the door. Did I even say thank you to him? Does he know what he just did for me? I press my forehead to the door. I’m such an idiot.
There’s a knock and I jump. He came back. I open the door a little too excitedly.
“I forgot my keys.”
I feel my smile fade. I nod before picking them up off the kitchen counter and handing them to him.
He takes them and jingles them in his hand. “Goodnight, Liz.”
“Finn, wait!”
He turns and when his eyes meet mine, I struggle with words. What do I want to say to him?
He waits patiently for me. His eyes search mine out of curiosity. I say the first thing I can think of that isn’t risky. “Thanks for all this. Really, it wasn’t necessary.”
He shakes his keys. “You’re very welcome.” He smiles then walks out my door yet again.
I don’t know why, but as soon as he’s gone, I start to cry. I cry as I drain the pasta and make myself a plate. I cry as I eat the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted. And I sniffle as I put the leftovers in my full fridge. Blowing my nose, I try to understand what I’m feeling and why I’m so sad.
Deep down, I know why. Finn and I are just friends. Nothing more. A day ago I didn’t even want him as a friend and now I’m sad he’s not staying with me? I’m a mess. I don’t know what I want. I push him away then expect him to stay? God knows I can’t keep a guy to save my life. Why would someone like Finn want someone like me?
But, I’m happy alone. I was, anyway. Was I happy or is that what I told myself so I wouldn’t let it bother me? I was so excited to come home to him. What does that mean?
Shaking my head at myself, I blow my nose again. I’m an idiot. I need to stop this stinkin’ thinkin’. He’s gone and I’m fine. We’re friends. Let’s just leave it at that and be done.
