On one hand, I’d give anything to date Devin again. He made me feel important and loved. Two things I never felt before coming to Asheville. Before, finding what it means to have family that will go to bat for you. On the other hand, I don’t want to disrespect Delilah. Not after all she’s done for me.
My whole body is shaking. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m nervous about being around my best friend after this morning and the kiss I shared with her brother last night. Or, if it’s because the heat in my car still hasn’t warmed it up. It’s probably a mixture of both. I didn’t even tell her where I was going this morning. She was still asleep and I didn’t want to bother her. She also would have asked what I was doing. That wasn’t something I wanted to get into. Not until I had a chance to talk to Devin.
Finally, my heater decides to work at full capacity ten minutes from Asheville. A part of me doesn’t want to go home yet. The need to put off any questions Delilah is going to throw at me. Should I have made Devin the sole person who needs to talk to her? Probably not. But I can’t be the first person who talks to her about it. Not while I’m still living there.
Pulling into the driveway, I notice her car is gone. Bryce’s car is there, though. That’s weird. Unless of course they took her car. I don’t know Bryce well. I saw him come in the bar a few times with his sister, but never talked to him. Even when he’s been here with Delilah, I don’t talk much. They have their own inside jokes and I feel like an outsider because I’ve been away for so long. I wasn’t here when their relationship sparked.
The door is unlocked when I turn the knob and that can only mean one thing. Someone is home. Opening the door, I walk in to Bryce on the couch watching a movie. “Hey,” I wave awkwardly. “Where’s Delilah?”
He jumps up and pauses the movie. “Oh, hi.” Setting the remote on the table he comes over to me. “Her brother called and said he needed her help with something.”
“Just her?”
“Yeah. She’s been gone about ten minutes. I’m not sure when she’ll be back, but she has her phone on her if you need her for something.”
“No, I was curious, that’s all.” Shit. He’s doing it now? I thought he’d wait a day. Or a week, for that matter. He wasn’t playing when he said he wanted another chance. I guess I should be happy he isn’t putting it off, but a little warning would have been nice. Now I’m worried for when she comes home.
“I can, uh, head home if you want. We weren’t sure when you’d be back.”
“No,” I wave him away. “You’re fine. I’ll probably see if Eric is awake so I can start moving stuff over there.” Plus, it’s the perfect way to avoid Delilah until I know what kind of mood, she’s going to be in.
“Yeah, she mentioned you were moving out,” he lifts a hand and rubs the back of his neck, “I hope it’s not because of me. I never meant to make you uncomfortable if I did.”
He really is a good guy, and I’m beyond happy my friend found someone that cares so much for not only her, but her friends. He’s definitely a keeper.
“Not at all.” Well, not entirely. “So much has happened since I was gone. I didn’t want to be an intrusion on the two of you. I’m actually shocked you haven’t moved in yet. You’re here more than you’re not.”
“We’ve talked about it. But she didn’t want to throw too many changes at you.” That’s a punch to the gut. Not because she’s caring, but because she’s putting off living her life to make sure I’m oaky. She really is the best, and I feel like shit because of the way I left with zero explanation. Who knows…after today she may not want to talk to me for a while.
“Y’all shouldn’t base your decisions on me. Do what makes both of you happy.” I mean that with every fiber of my soul. They both deserve happiness, and I won’t be the one who stands in the way of that.
“Thanks.” He grins and I wish I could have been here to see the two of them fall in love. “If you start moving today and need any help, just ask. It’s not like I have anything better to do.”
“I will.” Pointing toward my room down the hallway, “I’m just gonna go.”
“Okay. Please let me know if you need any help. Even if it’s not at Eric’s, I can help you load stuff in the car.”
He really is very kind, and I feel bad for not trying to get to know him better. My steps are rushed as I make my way to my room. I need to shower, but I feel weird taking one with him here. I don’t know why since I’ll be in the same situation with Eric. But I’ve placed him firmly in the friend zone. There’s no way anything is going to happen in regard to him. Even if Devin wasn’t the one who has my heart.
I wasn’t lying to Del last night when I told her corny pickup lines weren’t my thing. If I had a nickel for every time some guy has tried the same shit as Eric when I worked at various bars, I’d be rich. Who told these guys that is the correct way to pick up ladies? It’s something they need to change for sure.
Closing the door firmly behind me, I throw my keys on the dresser and my bag on the bed. I grab my phone from my leggings pocket and search through the contacts for Eric’s number. Pressing his name, I wait for the phone to ring. I was going to text him, but I need the quick response from a phone call.
“Hello?” Great. He sounds like he was still asleep. Not that I blame him. It’s rough getting enough sleep when you close the bar. I’m just happy we all get the day off. That’s a new and welcome change Angie and Carlos have made. Back when I was here the first time, we worked seven days a week with a small staff. I guess that’s the perk of having enough people to rotate.
“Hey, are you up?”
“I guess I am now. What’s up?”
Studying my room, I try to figure out how much stuff I have. “Are you ready for me to be your roomie?”
“Sure. Though, it’s kind of quick after our discussion the other night. Did something happen?” The concern in his voice is admirable.
“No.” It’s a lie. I’m running because I’m scared of the reaction Delilah will have after talking to Devin, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I just figured since we’re off today, it’s probably best to do it now.”
“Oh,” he laughs, “that makes sense. Do you need me to come over and help pack your things?”
The way his tone switched when he realized I wasn’t in trouble is amazing. He’ll be a good friend to have at my side. In the short amount of time I’ve known him, I’ve come to realize he’s the brother figure most girls have. He reminds me of a younger Carlos.
