“I was, but I didn’t wanna weird you out by saying it out loud. Or make people look at you.” I was used to it, and their stares mattered less than my mental status.
“You wouldn’t weird me out. We pretty much know everything about each other, and we’re still here, right?” He shrugged and continued walking to the new bakery I wanted to try.
“That’s true, but I guess I’m still worried how you’ll think of me in person. My mystery is gone.” Well, not completely, but I was ok with that. Vincent didn’t need to know everything.
“I highly doubt the mystery that is you, can ever be gone.”
“That feels like a challenge somehow.” I nudged him with my shoulder, and he didn’t budge. The man was huge.
“Let’s do your thing together. I’m grateful for these comfy shoes.” He lifted them up for show, and I rolled my eyes. Ok, I was doing it anyways, so why not include him? We were near the bakery, so it would only be a few minutes.
“I’m grateful for donuts.” Earlier, I saw a picture online of their donut of the day and drooled on my sleep shirt.
“I’m grateful for the sunny morning.” He glanced up and missed me nodding. That was a good one. It had rained for a few days, so I appreciated the sun’s rays on my face when I stepped out of the apartment.
“This really doesn’t weird you out?”
“That you’re choosing to look at the positive things in life? Those same things that actually make our lives worth it? Not one bit.” He reached the bakery door and held it open with a smile. If he kept up this amazing human behavior shit, I was going to fall for him. And I couldn’t, so we needed to make him less amazing, somehow.
“Oh, wow, ok. Welcome to Shady Shay’s Bakery. What can we get you?” the blonde at the counter stammered as Vincent stepped up first. Couldn’t blame her there. A few eyes from around the little shop darted to him and lingered.
“Coffee, black. And a regular glazed.” He glanced at me to place my order.
“Strawberry chocolate glazed and a French vanilla latte.” I pulled out my wallet, but Vincent whipped his out from his back pocket. I guess the muggers left that behind, which was odd. He paid and I waited at the counter to grab our stuff.
“Go pick a seat. I’ve got these.” Vincent’s hand touched my lower back as he softly nudged me onward.
“I can get it for us. You paid.” I resisted but he nudged with a tiny bit more force. Bleh, fine. I didn’t want to start a fight over who carried the food. I sat in the light pink booth seat, and people watched until Vincent set our drinks and donuts in front of me.
“It’s ok to let others take care of you.” I heard his words, but I didn’t let them settle.
“I know. I’m just used to being the caretaker. I like being useful, ya know.” Not to mention I felt off when I wasn’t doing something for others. Vincent sipped his black coffee in silence, and I reached for the donut first.
“Well, E, what’s been new with you?” he asked, and we both chose to change the conversation to something easier. We talked until we finished our drinks without awkward silences, then headed to the bookstore, where he convinced me to try three romance books I kept looking at and bought them for me. We split before going grocery shopping, with the goofiest grins on our faces. Every word, every simple nudge, was fully in the friend zone. We handled being close with ease, and I finally felt secure in our friendship again.
Which was good because we decided to meet up every Saturday for errands day.
Chapter Nine
Vincent
“What are you staring at?” Emily watched me with a gob of ketchup on her cheek.
“You and your stunning face.” True statements, but we somehow didn’t take any compliments toward each other seriously. I planned on waiting until Saturday to see Emily again, but Chasity had a “friend” over, and I didn’t feel like dealing with that. So naturally, I met up with Emily at the park after she got off work, because I knew she’d be there, and we grabbed dinner.
“Sure, sure. Whatever.” She bit into her loaded burger, and a mixture of ketchup and mayo stuck to her other cheek. She was a disaster, and I couldn’t get enough.
“I needed this. I’ve been too tired to make any great meals,” she stated while taking a sip of her drink.
“You do seem a bit off.” She had little circles under her eyes, and she seemed on the pale side. I held back the smile when she ordered so much food and dug in with glee.
“Yeah. Life’s just a lot. Working nonstop, home is stressful. I’m not getting a lot of sleep.” Her gaze darted around the room, then back to her plate. Nope. I didn’t like that one bit.
“E. You can tell me anything. You know that, right? Nothing you say will get you unfriended.” I reached out and touched the hand on the side of her drink. She finished chewing and swallowed with a big gulp.
“Um…” She retracted her hand, and I ignored the sting of perceived rejection.
“I… Well… Ok… This is probably going to shock you, but I have to tell someone. I know Selene wouldn’t judge me, but I don’t know. Ok. I can do this.” She closed her eyes and breathed deeply once, then three more times before showing those green beauties. She opened her mouth, then closed it and groaned.
