My friend’s eyes softened with a frown. I fully expected him to press me for more information since he usually had a way of getting details out of me. But this time, similar to when he woke me up from nightmares, he wanted me to decide to share.
He tossed a handful of chips into his mouth. “What do you want me to make?”
“Fettuccine Alfredo,” I answered.
“Why Alfredo?”
“Because it’s his favorite.” At least, it used to be.
Nodding, he told me, “You’re lucky you’re my brother.”
“The luckiest in the world.”
Carson immediately began searching the cabinets for ingredients. Of the two of us, he was by far the better cook, which is why I asked him to do it. Burnt pasta wouldn’t be the best gift for Alex.
“Also, could you do me a favor and call Loretta back?” Carson shut the cabinet door. “You’ve been dodging her calls so much that she is getting on me for it instead.”
Suddenly feeling tight in the chest, I coughed. “I’m not dodging her calls.”
“When’s the last time you talked to her?”
I thought about it. “I’m not sure.”
Carson’s jaw dropped. “Dude.”
“I know it’s bad. I don’t need you to make me feel worse,” I groaned.
“Look, man. I totally understand why you’re avoiding her, but that is unfair to her.” Putting a comforting hand on my shoulder, he sighed. “Call your momma, River.”
Carson was right. He was always right.
While he got to work on dinner, I sent Alex the address. He replied within five seconds with a thumbs up, which gave me no clue when he was planning on showing up. Awesome.
I passed the time playing FIFA because it was the only game that would distract me. It wasn’t much longer before I heard a knock on the door, completely catching me off guard. I ended the game and rushed to the front door, but not before I took a moment to calm myself.
“Hi,” he almost beamed.
“Hey.” I returned the grin.
And then silence.
Alex wore a gray hoodie—my gray hoodie I lent him days ago—and basketball shorts. It made me smirk. Seeing him in my hoodie that was so big it reached his thighs made something spark inside me.
“Can I come in, or…?”
I took one big step to the left to let him pass me. He waltzed in like he’d been here before, but the way he took in every inch of the room proved he hadn’t.
“Nice place,” he complimented.
“Thanks.”
More silence. Since when was I one to act so awkwardly?
“Sorry, I’m wearing your sweatshirt. I washed it so I could bring it back to you, but it got cold on the way here.” Alex chuckled as he wrapped his arms around his torso. “So, what exactly did you want help with?”
Shit, I already forgot about that.
“Oh, uh,” I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly, “let’s go to my room and get my laptop.”
