“I would be thrilled if you came for a visit. But fair warning, I live in a one-bedroom, so we’ll have to share a bed again, cause I’m not letting you sleep on the couch. And this time, I expect you won’t sneak out of bed when you wake up with your body wrapped around mine.”
I choke on air and instantly think back to that morning. About how good it felt to wake up with Sam’s arm around me, my head on his chest. About that night over Thanksgiving and how much more I want him.
“Only if you buy me dinner first.” It comes out sounding braver than I feel.
“I’ll buy you every damn dinner in existence if you visit me.”
I don’t hold back the laugh that bubbles out at his enthusiastic response. “Deal.”
Ispent my first night back in Charleston at my parents’ house. We were all too tired to unload things, and I wasn’t exactly ready to sleep at Ethan’s—myplace yet.
I wake early the next morning, drive over to Mom’s bakery to pick up an assortment of muffins—blueberry, chocolate, and an almond-poppyseed for Dad. Once I have the muffins, I head next door to grab coffee for the three of us.
I’m lost in my thoughts, waiting in line to order coffee, when a familiar voice cuts in, “Kat?”
Shaking my head to clear the fog, I say, “Chris. Hey!”
“You ok?” His brow is furrowed.
“Were you talking to me for a while?”
“Not a while,” he chuckles. “But long enough, I could tell you were in your own bubble.”
“Sorry about that. A lot is going on, and my head is a bit messy right now.”
“Want to talk about it?”
I laugh uncomfortably. “I’m moving back to Charleston. Well,movedback. Last night, actually. I’m picking up breakfast for my parents and me before we head over to my new place to unload some stuff from my dad’s truck.”
“Kat, that’s amazing!” Chris’s face beams in excitement. “Do you want any help? I’m free all day.”
“Um,” I rub my neck, “there isn’t much to move.” His face drops as I’m speaking, so I hurry and add, “we weresupposed to meet up for lunch or something over Christmas, and I know things got busy. I won’t have things settled enough to cook dinner tonight. Do you want to get pizza?”
“Definitely,” he perks back up. “Do you want to come to my place? Or I can pick you up, and we can go out.”
“How about we go out. You choose where?”
“Perfect. Text me the address, and I’ll pick you up around 6?”
“Sounds great. See you then!”
We part ways, and I head back to my parents’ house. I’m excited to hang out with Chris. He was always fun to be around, and he treated Sophie very well.
Sophie and Chris were never a great match, and when they broke up, they stayed friends for a long time. I make a mental note to text Sophie and talk to her about going out with Chris.
Shit, this isn’t a date, is it?
That’s something I should have cleared up with him before he walked out.I’m sure he knows.I hope.
The thought that Chris might think this is a date causes a gut-wrenching feeling of guilt.
Sam and I have been getting closer, especially after what happened over Thanksgiving, and then our call yesterday. We live so far apart, and it's not like we’ve made any commitments to each other.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t have feelings for Sam.
I’vealwayshad feelings for Sam.
I can’t dwell on what might be or could be. So, I shove my conflicted feelings down and vow to try to make the most out of whatever tonight is with Chris.
