“Just thought I’d check in.” We haven’t talked since his text the other week about living with Grant.
He laughs and calls me out. “Bullshit. You don’t just check in, Taylor. What’s going on?”
“I hate you sometimes,” I grumble.
“Good, then I’m doing my job as a big brother.”
I smile at Josh’s teasing. “You are good at that. How’re mom and dad?”
“Missing you. You should come visit them sometime, Tay,” he says with the sternness only an older sibling can muster.
“I know, I know.” I sigh.
It’s been ages since I’ve been back home, and I’m not the best at keeping in touch with my family unless they call me, which they haven’t in a few weeks.
“I’ll give them a call soon and see when I can visit,” I assure him.
“That’s all I can ask.” He hesitates for a second before continuing, “Maybe I’ll surprise you and be there too.”
I sit up from my reclined position, surprised that he’s considering going back home. “What are you saying?”
He chuckles and I can picture him holding his hand up to temper my excitement. “Not saying anything yet. I don’t want to jinx it. What about you?”
“What about me?” Deciding I need another cup of coffee, I rise from the couch and make my way back to the kitchen, fumbling the coffee cup when he speaks again.
“Figured you’d be back in New York or Los Angeles already.” He keeps his tone even, but I can’t help but feel the accusation in his statement, especially after our texts.
Josh and I have always been close, which is why I find myself finally telling someone what’s been playing on my mind. “Normally I would be, but being in one place for a while has settled me. I love being able to see my friends every day and not having to bounce from place to place all the time. Setting a true home base has been a game changer. I feel more productive and less like an outsider in my own circle.”
“You could never be an outsider. You’re too much of an attention whore for that.”
“You’re too much of an asshole for serious conversations,” I huff.
“You love me.”
“Whatever.”
“Are you ready to stop running then?” he asks seriously.
“I think I am.” I finally admit the words out loud. It feels . . . freeing.
“Does that mean you’re moving in with Grant permanently?”
“We haven’t talked about it. He’s in New York right now, that’s actually why I called. I was wondering if you’ve heard from him in the last few days or if he’s said anything. We kind of left things a little unsaid. I mean we’re potentially back together, but I don’t know, we have a lot to talk about when he gets home, but something feels off.”
“No, I haven’t talked to him. We were going to meet for a drink earlier this week, but I got called away for work and then when I tried to reschedule he got cagey.”
“It was his mother’s birthday.”
“Oh, shit. There’s nothing good to come from a Constance Davenport birthday bash.”
“That’s what I was worried about.”
“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t let it get to you. Things haven’t been as bad between them over the past few years. He knows how to manage his parents.”
“But what if they found out about us?”
“Just don’t jump to conclusions before you talk to him, okay?” Someone yells in the background from Josh’s end. “Shit, I’ve gotta go.”
