"So, you're really moving in with Eric?" A flash hurt crosses his eyes. This isn't something I want to get into with him. Not right now, anyway.
"Yes." I nod to cement the point. "You won't be able to talk me out of it, either."
He runs a hand through his hair. "I just don't think it's a good idea. He has a reputation for hitting on lots of women. I don't want you to fall for his flirting."
"And what?" I throw my hands up. "I'm not capable of handling things myself? I've done pretty well for the past eight years."
The truck is silent aside from the heater, and I take a few calming breaths. I've never lost my temper with him. Not even close. But tonight...I couldn't contain it. I appreciate everyone's help, but when will they realize I'm strong enough to handle myself?
"I think you should take me back to my car." I turn toward the front of the truck to curb any desire he has to argue. And here I thought we were going to find a way to be friendly. I guess that was too much to hope for.
6
Devin
Well,that didn't go how I planned. I was trying to soften her up. Hoping like hell she would give us another chance. All I managed to do is piss her off. Then the stuff she said about my sister. That can't be true. Delilah would tell me if that's how she felt, wouldn't she?
Lisa is staring out the passenger window as I drive us back into town. The silence is heavy and I don't know how to fix it. This isn't something that's happened before. We've never had a problem talking. There was never a dull moment. It seems I've ruined that now.
“I’m sorry.” It’s the only thing I know to say to lessen the tension. And I really am sorry. My intention has never been to hurt her.
She continues staring out the window. “It’s fine.”
I can tell by her tone it’s not. She doesn’t want to get into another argument with me. “I’m serious, Lisa. I’ll leave any sort of relationship talk about us alone. I won’t even approach the subject until you’re ready.”
A spare a quick glance in her direction to see to her reaction. Her focus is on me now. “What if I’m never ready?”
I flinch at the question. That’s definitely not what I want to hear, but all I can do is accept what she wants. For now, at least. “Then that will have to be okay.” Doesn’t mean I won’t try to get her to fall head over heels for me again, but she doesn’t need to know that.
“And what about our interaction in front of groups? We’re going to have to get along if we’re going to be around each other a lot.” Her arms are crossed over her chest, and I can see her knee bobbing up and down. A sign that she’s nervous. My answer has to be spot on.
“We’re getting along now. I don’t know why that will be any different around other people.” Forget the way my eyes follow her around a room. If other people notice, that isn’t my fault. I’ll try though.
She takes a deep breath and lets it out. “Good.” She nods and adjusts her jacket. “Then we should be good to go.”
The lights along the street of Asheville are welcoming our arrival into town. The night is ending far sooner than I hoped but it’s probably for the best. At least until we both get a hold of our emotions. Tomorrow night when I see her at the bar, things will be better. I plan on talking to my sister tomorrow. Not to seek her permission to date Lisa, but to feel around about what she would think about the possibility. Also, to see if she does feel like she comes second to me in everything. I’ve never wanted her to feel that way, and I need my sister to know that.
Moments after crossing the line into town, Lisa starts cleaning up her food mess. She has the bag in one hand and slides her purse into her lap with the other. I must have really pissed her off if she’s going to bail as soon as I pull into the lot.
Out of the Ashes comes into view, and I slow down to enter the lot. Lisa’s car is the only one on the side of the building. Carlos must have already gone home. Pulling to a stop next to it, Lisa reaches for the door handle.
“Hey, hold on.” I grab her arm before she can get out. She faces me with an eyebrow raised. “Are we good?”
“Yes, Devin. We’re fine.” She pulls the handle and pushes the door open. “I guess I’ll see you when you come play tomorrow night.”
“Yeah.” She has her hand on the edge of the truck door, pausing before she pushes it close. “I know I don’t have the right to ask, but can you text me when you get home? Just to make sure you made it okay.”
“Yeah.” She holds the food trash up. “Thank you for the food.”
“You’re welcome,” I nod at her, and the door closes with a thud. I really wish this wasn’t the end of the night. Or, that things weren’t so tense between us. I guess that’s my fault, though. Dad’s right about one thing…I tend to stick my foot in my mouth more often than not.
I’m not sure what that says about me. I don’t remember that being an issue the last time we dated, but it only happens around Lisa. She’s my weak spot and no matter what I do, I can’t get her out of my head.
After a few minutes, Lisa is pulling out of the parking lot. I may not be able to handle things very well with her, but I can make sure she is on her way. Now that she’s gone, I can head home. If I’m lucky tonight will give me some inspiration on music to write. The band is going to want new stuff to play if we’ll be performing at the bar regularly.
My bandmates are warming up in the garage when I walk in. We really need to come up with a name for us. Right now, we’re announced as my name. It’s not fair to the rest of the guys. While I’d like to be a solo act, I’ll have a band backing me up as well. If I can progress with my original guys, even better.
“I heard you killed it last night on your own,” Cash calls out over the drums. How the hell did he know that?
