“Yeah, I know what you thought,” Kyle nodded, teasing me.
Casey’s expression showed confusion.
“She thought you were my girlfriend.”
They both laughed like it was the stupidest thing they’d ever heard.
“Oh, please, I have better taste than that,” she needled Kyle. “I prefer my guys with less stink.”
“I’m showering, Jesus. What’s with all of you? I really don’t smell that bad,” he said, as he lifted his arm and took a sniff. I saw his eyes squint in response, but he masked it quickly. “See? Nothing.”
“Just go, Kyle. No one can procrastinate like you. I’ll keep Kenzie company.”
“Fine,” he huffed, and disappeared into the bathroom.
Casey motioned to the couch. “Sit. I’ll be right back. I’m going to get my makeup so I don’t scare you off.”
I smiled as she disappeared behind a door. Casey was definitely not the type of girl I’d think would be dating a rock star. There was nothing glamorous or mouth-dropping in her appearance. Certainly she was a pretty woman, but she was also real… just an average, everyday girl, like me. I wondered how long she had been dating Jake. There were so many questions I had swirling around my brain, and so far, not a single answer.
Casey whooshed back in and sat down. She fixed her gaze on me and said with sincerity, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. How is he doing, really?”
“Not good. This is the best I’ve seen him actually. He’s been having a rough time. I mean, we all have, but Kyle…” Casey choked up. “Sorry, it’s been… hell. And Kyle, he’s just struggling. He’s not eating or sleeping or showing emotion. I’m scared for him. How long are you staying?”
“I don’t know. As long as he needs me, I guess.”
“That might be awhile.”
“Then that’s how long I’ll stay.”
Casey smiled, but it was a sad one. “He missed you. He was just too proud to admit it. You being here will help. I really feel that.”
The fact that this girl cared so much for Kyle’s well-being gave us an instant connection. Casey’s face tensed and her forehead wrinkled. Tears filled her eyes. “Sorry.”
“Are you doing okay?
“No. But I’m trying to stay strong. It’s just not that easy.”
“I’m sorry, Casey. I really am.”
She nodded; the tears that had earlier pooled in her eyes were now rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them away. “I can’t control them. I feel like all I do is cry.”
I reached out and touched her shoulder. Not knowing what to say to ease her pain, I simply stayed silent.
Casey shook slightly and sat up straighter. “Anyway, he’s going to wake up,” she said with determination. “I feel it in my bones.”
“He will.”
“And when he does, he’ll be happy to meet you. We watched the first few episodes together with Kyle. Oh, my god, Kenzie, you and Kyle were adorable together. We laughed so hard.”
“I can’t believe we got so much airtime,” I marveled.
“How could they not?”
We chatted about the show until Kyle came out in a towel hanging dangerously low around his midsection. I’m not sure but I think my eyes bulged out more than normal.Wow. Just wow.He’d definitely been working out since the last time I’d seen him. If Carl were here now, he wouldn’t be calling him a runt anymore. I’d seen Kyle half naked plenty of times and had always considered it a treat, but now? Yikes!
“So shaving is asking too much of you, then?” Casey questioned, not seeming nearly as impressed by his nakedness as I was.
