“Well, if she doesn’t, I’ll keep in mind your brilliant words of following life’s plans.” I hope I’m right about that. I don’t even know where I heard that life has a plan for everyone, but it’s something I feel like everyone says. Maybe it’s wrong. Maybe we’re supposed to create our own plans and make things happen the way we want them to happen. Why is everything so confusing?
“Or, tell her all the good things she’ll be missing out on. Maybe that could work too,” I tell him. I’m worried enough about screwing up my own life, never mind someone else’s. “Actually, don’t listen to a word I said. I really know nothing and shouldn’t be giving out advice. You seem like a good guy, so yeah, do what your heart tells you.”
He laughs. “Give yourself some credit, kid. You’re doing okay.” He grabs his bag and heads down the aisle.
This is why I should just keep my thoughts to myself.
I exit the plane and follow the signs down to baggage claim because after living in this area my entire life, I still can’t remember how to get out of the airport. I swear they change the terminals around once a year just to screw with people.
Brendan is waiting for me at the bottom of the escalator in front of the arrival doors. “You didn’t have to come inside, silly. I could have found you.”
“I figured you needed a bear hug,” he says.
“I do.” Brendan wraps his arms around me and squeezes the air out of my lungs. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” I try to tell him through my flattened lungs. He releases me and wraps his arm around my shoulders.
“Let’s get your bag.”
“Are you sure Kalvin doesn’t mind me staying with you guys?”
“He insisted,” Brendan says.
“How are things with you two?” I honestly thought things were completely over with the two of them when he left for South Carolina with me, but I guess he’s had a change of heart.
“Better after a month break. He seems more committable now.”
Oh geez. “What does that mean, exactly?”
“I told him I want a serious relationship and that includes certain things.”
“And?” I ask.
“He said he had been thinking the same thing.”
“So?” I push for more information.
“That’s it,” Brendan says.
“Well, I guess that’s a good thing then.”
“How’s Austy-poo?”
“No, that’s not a nickname.”
“Well, that’s what Kalvin and I have been calling him.”
“Yeah, still, a no,” I tell him.
“Okay, just tell me what’s going on with Austin. Is that better?”
“I don’t really know,” I huff. “I shared my feelings with him.”
“Holy crap. You did not.”
“I did.”
“What do you feel?” he asks, with way too much excitement.
