Sean scrubs a hand over his face. “I know. I just... I’ve never seen him like this before. This break-up’s really done a number on him.”
I want to ask. The words are on the tip of my tongue. Sean gave me a rough idea of what happened with Reed and his ex, but he didn’t go into detail.
Curiosity burns inside me, but I keep my mouth shut.
I doubt Sean would tell me the whole story even if I asked, but the only person I want to hear that from is Reed. If he ever decides he wants to share it. “I don’t know him like you do, butI spent pretty much all night with him, and he was okay.” I hope he can read the sincerity in my voice because I don’t want him to be stressing over this. Reed’s not the only one who’s struggled after a bad break-up. Sean did too. It might’ve been a few years ago now, but it had a big effect on him, and he deserves the happiness he and Vic have found.
Sean stares back at me, my words finally sinking in. I watch him accept what I’m telling him as the truth. But then his eyes narrow, and I wince, knowing what’s coming next. “So, you and Reed...?” He raises an eyebrow, and even Vic leans into the frame.
He deserves the eye roll I send him. They both do. “We’re friends. He’s a good guy, but we both know nothing was going to happen there.”
“Yeah. Sorry.” Sean has the grace to look sheepish at even suggesting it after what he just told me, but I’m not sure I like the way Vic is studying me.
I ignore him and focus on Sean. “We swapped numbers, though. I think we could be good friends, but we’ll see how it goes.”
We end the call, and I collapse back onto the pillow.
Lucky noses at my fingers, and I run a hand through his fur. Talking to Sean made me think about Reed. I’m still holding my phone, and the urge to contact him makes my fingers twitch.
We made no plans to see each other after last night. I don’t even know when he’s heading back home. Fuck, for all I know he could’ve already left. I should’ve asked him. Should’ve asked if he wanted to do something today, even if it was only walking the dogs or coming round for breakfast.
You know why you didn’t.
I do.
I like Reed.
I could like him a whole lot more if I let myself. But he’s not interested in that, and I need a little time and distance to firmly put him in thatfriendbox, because that kiss last night...?
Let’s just say if I see him today, I’ll be wanting a repeat, because I haven’t been kissed like that in a long while. My dick stirs just thinking about it.
Yep. It’s best for everyone if I don’t talk to Reed today.
Besides, I’m the one who suggested swapping numbers, and I gave him an open invitation to come back here any time he likes. The next move is his.
“Heard from Reed lately?”I try to sound casual, like I’m not bothered by the answer one way or another, but I’m not sure I succeed because Iambothered.
Sean eyes me over his pint, then deliberately takes a drink before setting his glass carefully on the bar. “I have.”
Oh.
“You?”
“No.” I shrug. “Apart from that one text letting me know he’d got back home safely.” And that was only after I caved and asked him when he was heading back home. He was already on his way when I sent it.
I’m not sure why it stings so much.
That Sean has heard from him and I haven’t.
They’re friends, I remind myself.You met him for one night.It felt like we had a connection. Something worth nurturing. I’ve learnt over the years that good friends are worth hanging on to, whether they live in the same village or further afield. I hoped me and Reed could be that, but maybe that was all alcohol and wishful thinking.
“Have you contacted him?” Sean asks, slouching back in his stool.
“No. Not after that last message.”
Today is Friday, February twenty-third.
One month and twenty-three days since our last text exchange.
