“Well, I know I have two of the bestest friends right here,” Sawyer said, seeming to pop out of nowhere. She laid an arm across both of our shoulders and smiled way too brightly for my current mood. “Now, how about we go get some dinner around the corner. I’m starving. And don’t you dare try to talk your way out of it. You need a good helping of food before the wind blows you away, Scarlett.”
“Fine,” I sighed, but gave out a small smile. I didn’t want to go back to an empty apartment and get lost in my thoughts again. Having one panic attack was more than enough to last me the rest of the month. And eating food did sound like a good idea.
“Before you three head off,” Dr. Mayes said, “can I talk to you for a moment, Scarlett?”
“We’ll wait for you by the doors,” Sawyer said, dropping her arm and proceeding to lead Miles away.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re doing okay. You seemed a bit anxious when you arrived.” Her voice was low as she stepped in front of me, seeming to block the view of everyone else who may look this way.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
She said, giving me a concerned look. “Everything okay at home?”
“Yeah,” I said, dropping my eyes.
Dr. Mayes didn’t look like she believed me one bit, but she didn’t push.
“You can always call me if you need someone to talk you down from anything, all right?”
“I know,” I said, lifting my eyes. I ignored the vibrating phone in my back pocket.
I gave a tight smile and wrapped my arms around myself before making my way to the two people who were indeed waiting for me.
Ifollowed Sawyer, as she seemed to know this town as well as the back of her hand, down the street. Miles kept pace with me quietly. He seemed like he had a lot on his mind. I did too, but I had no clue where to even begin with what went through my brain at times.
Sawyer was happy enough to lead us, chatting about every little thing on the way. I don’t think she noticed that we weren’t much into the conversation, or if she did, she didn’t care.
Once in the small restaurant that was fairly busy, we were seated quickly by the hostess and asked what we wanted to drink. Waters all around.
“I’m tired,” Miles yawed. “D-d-d-don’t make us st-st-st-stay out too late.”
“Do I ever?” Sawyer asked with a raised brow. Turning to me, she explained, “Group always tires him out. But I always make sure he eats something. It seems to help boost his sleepy mood.”
“She al-al-always tells me to c-c-c-c-come.”
“Well, I’m tired too,” I said.
“You look it. No offense, chica.”
I shrugged. I hadn’t slept much since I got to this town—and then the panic attack, on top of it all.
“How long have you two known each other?”
“A few months now,” Sawyer answered. “I arrived shortly after Miles, and we just clicked. It was fate.”
“Hopefully by not running into him like you did me,” I laughed, letting the waiter set down our drinks.
“Goodness, no,” Sawyer replied. “We met in group.”
“N-no one l-l-liked me.”
“They do; they’re just scared to talk to you,” Sawyer said.
“You kn-kn-know that’s no-no-not true.”
“I don’t make friends all that well either,” I said, seeing how Miles was getting frustrated.
“You haven’t been here for a week,” Sawyer stated. “How can you say you don’t make friends well?”
