“It’s not really a surprise since you were supposed to come over anyway.” We had this planned since we won’t be able to see each other until his show on Friday when that band will be here to scope out new acts.
“You’ve got me there.” He closes the door behind him as I rush to the living room to turn down the music on the TV. He sets the box on the counter next to the open liquor bottles. I probably should have invited more people over today so they can taste test, but right now I’m only trying to get the measurements right since that’s what I have the hardest time with. Devin looks around the room. “Where’s Eric? I didn’t see his car in the driveway.”
I toss the remote on the sofa, soft sounds of alternative rock fill the room. “He’ll be back later. Apparently, he goes to see his mom on Sundays and comes back with a ton of food.” Shrugging my shoulders I make me way over to the kitchen, ignoring the pang in my heart that I don’t have a mom I even want to see after the way she left me to my own devices as a kid. “What’s in the box?”
“Oh.” He opens it up and pulls out a small box. “Donuts.” He hands them to me and I waste no time digging in. “And the rest is different cups and measuring things Eric gave me last night.”
“For what?”
“To help you with making drinks.” At me confused stare, he adds, “he said it’s too hard to teach you at the bar when you have customers. So, he gave me these when he went on break so you could use them to practice.”
“He could have given them to me himself.” Especially after his comments yesterday.
“I know, but he thought you’d be less frustrated taking them from me.” He’s not wrong. “Want to work on your first drinks?”
This is why I fell for this man in the first place, and why I’m pretty sure I love him. Despite all my fears surrounding his music and what that means for us, he truly is my biggest supporter.
“Sure, but be prepared to order in food because I think by the time we’ve taste tested them, we’ll be buzzed.”
“I can get down with that.” He grins and wraps an arm around my waste before kissing me on the temple. As much as I’d rather curl into bed with him. I know I need to get this down. “What’s first?”
18
Devin
Even though Lisaand I have just gotten back together, I can feel her pulling away. It could be because we’re both stressed, but I don’t think it’s the main cause of it. She seemed so happy to be back together until I mentioned Crooked Halo coming to scope out talent. Since then, conversations about my band and what we hope to accomplish have be stilted.
It’s odd because before that she was one of my biggest supporters with my music aside from my parents. She wanted to hear everything and look over my lyrics. Now she doesn’t even ask. I have to bring it up.
It may be the middle of the week, but I’m off work today. Rain tends to delay construction work, and it’s coming down too heavily for us to do anything. Normally, I’d stay home and let the dreary mood inspire words, but I can’t today. I need to see Lisa before she goes to work.
Her favorite donuts are sitting in the seat next to me. Coffee is in the cupholder, and I hope like hell she’s actually awake.
Pulling up to the curb in front of her house, I take a few moments to gather my thoughts. A part of me wonders if I should bring up what’s on my mind with her. Things could go one of two ways. She’ll open up, or she’ll skip town again. The last one is unlikely, but after last time it’s something I can’t discount.
Rain drops hit the windshield in rapid succession. The sky is full of dark, ominous clouds. The perfect weather for cuddling. Or, blowing up all the progress Lisa and I have made. It could go either way.
Turning off the truck, I gather the donuts and coffee in my hands. Hopefully I don’t drop either. With the rain coming down, it’s not a time to dawdle. I open the door, and climb out of the truck, shutting the door with my foot before running up the walkway to the porch.
I don’t have time to adjust the items and knock because the door is already opening in front of me. Instead of Lisa on the other side, it’s Eric. “Ah, how nice you brought me coffee?”
“You wish.” I roll my eyes and walk inside. “Where’s Lisa?”
“Her room.” He closes the door. “I think she’s awake, but I’m not sure. I’ve learned not to mess with her in the mornings.”
“She can be grumpy that’s for sure.”
“Which is weird because outside of that she’s happy as can be.” Eric shrugs his shoulders as if that small motion explains Lisa’s feelings toward mornings. “Good luck if she’s not awake.”
“Thanks.” I make my way down the hall. In just a few short weeks, I’ve gotten over any insecurities I had about Eric being her roommate. He’s proven time and again, he only wants to be her friend. I also know Lisa would never give him a chance in hell. He’s not her type.
I knock lightly on the door, but don’t get a response. Turning the knob, I enter slowly, doing my best not to wake her if she’s still asleep. To my surprise she’s sitting up in her bed, a book opened on her lap and a pen in her hand.
“Good morning.” Since she didn’t respond to the knock, I’m hoping my voice will pull her out of her thoughts. But there’s nothing.
My steps are slow as I walk toward her bed. I don’t want to scare her. Setting the donuts and coffee on the table beside her bed. Whatever she’s doing, she’s completely focused because she still hasn’t noticed my presence.
I climb onto the bed beside her and she finally realizes she isn’t alone. Her eyes meet mine and widen. She pulls her earbuds out, and faint music can be heard playing through them. That explains why she couldn’t hear me. “When did you get here?”
