Chapter Twenty-Nine
Tayler: New Year’s Even
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one… Happy New Year!”
My friends are all celebrating the New Year at Cooke and Quinn’s place. Well, Quinn still technically lives with me, but she spends almost every night at this fancy condo. I don’t blame her. This place is swanky.
As for me, I’m back and forth between Luke’s place and my apartment. We take turns meaning I haven’t spent a night alone since the last scare with Dylan. Luke won’t let me out of his sight, especially since the semester ended. I’ve been working most days at the bar; part of that time is helping with the plans for the courtyard. We can’t do any construction until spring, but the permits are in order, and I’ve lined up a crew to do the work. I’ve even figured out ways to save him a little money. What I haven’t been able to do is talk him into any of the other work. He’s done a good job not snapping at me about it. And even though I know for a fact that the new plan would generate more money for him, he said he’d rather finish up his house “sometime this century.”
I get it.
I need to be happy with the courtyard design. It’ll be a feather in my cap when I’m looking for jobs after I graduate in the Spring, so I need to embrace that.
I’m shaken from my thoughts by Quinn. “Happy New Year, love.”
She’s taken to using Cooke’s terms of endearments on me. I don’t mind. “Same to you.”
“Sad that Luke couldn’t make it?”
“Nah, I knew he had to work.” I should be there too, but he told me to have fun with my friends and then come to the bar afterward so he can keep an eye on me. “I think I’ll take off in a bit, though. They’ll probably need help cleaning up.” And the faster Cy’s gets cleaned up, the quicker we can get home to celebrate New Year’s Eve together. “Great party, though, Q. Good work.”
“Thanks,” Quinn says, beaming.
I reach out and squeeze her hand. “I’m happy for you.”
“Same to you. As long as Luke doesn’t fuck it up.”
“Right?” I smile.
“I’m sorry to ask you this right now, but we haven’t talked in forever. Have you seen Dylan lately?”
“No. I know he’s still in Ames, but he’s staying away from me. I think spending three nights in jail was a wake-up call. I also heard he’s seeing someone new.” And there’s the fact that he’s awaiting the hearing. I did press charges. His parents weren’t happy about it, so much so that they’re no longer speaking to my parents, which is sad, but my folks are on my side. My dad threatened to kick Dylan’s ass, but I assured him that Luke was all over it.
Luke finally agreed to meet them, so they drove down and took us out to dinner. I think they liked him, Mom especially. Dad’s still wary. I get it. This stuff with Dylan really threw him for a loop.
“Really? Who is he seeing?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve asked around, but nobody knows.”
“I hope it sticks and he leaves you alone.”
“Me too.”
I suppose you want to know if Luke kept his word about finally opening up to me. The answer is yes, mostly. I still sense he’s holding back, but he’s trying, which I appreciate. I met his mom and sister at Christmas. His parents are divorced—his mom lives here in Iowa and his dad in California, so he doesn’t see much of him. Anyway, I liked his family, and they seemed to like me. I only heard the name Shanna mentioned once or twice. I hope it’s because I’m nothing like her. I’ve seen pictures of her, though. Wedding pictures. To say the two of them were gorgeous together was an understatement. Swear to you, they could have modeled bridal fashions, they were that stunning.
“You okay to drive?” Quinn asks.
Shit. My mind is all over the place tonight. “I’ll catch a ride with the others. I hear one of the rugby freshmen is picking us up. He can drop me at Cy’s.”
“Okay. Text me when you’re home safe.”
“I will.”
“Love you, Quinn.”
“Love you back.”
I turn to Bull and Robbi. “You guys ready to take off?” I lean in closer and whisper, “I think Cooke wants time alone with his girlfriend.” Actually, I know he does. He told me to help him get everyone out. Maybe tonight’s the night for my bestie.
It only takes a matter of minutes to get people ready to go. The fact that Quinn was handing out leftovers only sped up the process. Rugby guys are hungry guys.
“Happy New Year, everyone!”
I’m not sure who said it, but we all say it back. I hope they’re right. I sure could use a happy New Year.
