“Hey man.”
“What’s up?”
“You busy tonight? I could do with getting a drink.” I didn’t realise how long it had been since I’d last seen my friends until that very moment. The lead up to the wedding we’d all been hanging out a whole lot more than usual but ever since Sam and Gabby left for their honeymoon our social circle has really quieted down. Of course, I can’t lie and say that’s the only reason I haven’t seen much of my friends lately.
The presence of the red-headed love of my life hasn’t exactly enticed me into meeting up with my friends, nor will it anytime soon. I hate that it has to be this way, I hate that I’m missing out. But I don’t really have a choice, the ball is in her court.
“Everything okay? I’m just in with Natasha. Actually… Katie’s just been around.”Speaking of the sinful devil.
“Oh.” I immediately rescind. If she’s there then I won’t steal away her friends. It’s ridiculous but in my mind, it's a first come first serve basis. Tonight, she just happened to get there first and that’s fine. “It’s okay, we’ll go another night.”
I hesitate. I wanna ask, the urge is tearing me apart but I know I shouldn’t. “How is she?”
“She’s… been around a lot lately. She misses you, man.”
She misses me. It’s shallow but that information makes me feel so much better. I hate that we broke up but I’d hate it even more if I knew that she was okay with it. “Thanks, man.”
“So, drinks tomorrow?” he asks after a moment of somber silence.
“Yeah. Tomorrow’s fine. Say ‘hi’ to Tash for me.” He agrees before hanging up. I slide my phone back into my pocket before making my way into the kitchen.
Today was a had a long day at work, I just wanted an easy distraction. Since Luke’s busy and, as usual, Ellie’s out at Michael’s, I don’t know what to do with myself. I start on the dishes but there aren’t many waiting for me. My sister may be smart, but she should know that she can’t fool me. I know that she’s done a Phoebe and secretly moved out. I keep waiting for her to tell me but to no avail.
It can’t be more than half an hour before I’m pulling my phone back out of my pocket, the vibrating starting to grate on my nerves. I’m not one for texting, I think it’s a waste of time. If I have something important to say, I’d much rather ring someone. That’s part of the reason that I’d been ignoring the incessant buzz.
I stare at the string of texts for so long that the rest of the world fades into the background. It feels like hours when really, it’s probably only a few minutes. I register that it’s Tash - oddly enough - but I don’t understand why she’s even messaging me.
What did Luke tell you? - Tash
Katie said not to say anything - Tash
If you tell Katie any of this I will deny it and then murder you - Tash
I’m worried about her. She’s not doing too well and I think maybe you should talk to her - Tash
She does know that Katie and I broke up, right? But it’s the last text message that really gets me. Maybe she’s had a few, Tash can be a real talker once you get a few drinks in her.
Maybe she’s right, maybe I should check in on Katie. I mean, it couldn’t hurt more than our separation already does. I’m sure Tash wouldn’t have said anything if she weren’t seriously concerned. I dial her number but I’m still unsure of what I’m supposed to say to her. Except the ringing doesn’t stop,
“This is Katie, please leave a message after the beep.” Hmm.
Maybe she’s busy. I give it a few minutes before trying her again. When it goes to voicemail once more, I don’t know if I’m more pissed or worried. But, it’s not my place. She could be in trouble, or she could just be ignoring me in particular. Well, screw that.
Tash answers on the first ring, almost like she was waiting for my call. “Evan.”
“Tash, what are you on about? How could you even think that me reaching out to Katie could be a good idea?”
“She misses you.” Her voice is surprisingly clear. So maybe this isn’t so much drunken ramblings but a plan to get us back together. And damn her because she knows it’d work.
“I told her I’d give her space.”
“She doesn’t want space, Evan! She wants you back, but she’s lost, she doesn’t know how to find her way back to you.”
“Well, that’s not what it seems like to me. I’ve just tried calling her, and she wouldn’t pick up.” My temper flares again. I barely hear Tash mutter a quiet, ‘what?’ before I continue to speak. “I think you’re wrong about her, I think she clearly needs her space.”
“I’ll talk to you later.” Tash suddenly hangs up the phone. Should I be worried? I don’t know but I’m sure if it was important she’d tell me.
I settle into the couch and flick on the telly. I need something to take my mind off of this. Maybe I should decorate? My eyes wander around the living room, it’s pretty sparse. Comfy but it’s lacking something. I just don’t know what. Hmm, it’s definitely something to consider, especially now that Ellie spends most of her time with Michael.
