Hayes: He’s saying that he doesn’t just want to get into her pants. He wants more.
Oliver: As your friend, I’m willing to take a step back and let you shoot your shot.
Me: Ever the gentleman.
Oliver: You should kiss her again—best outta three.
Austin: Na. I don’t think he can improve that shit. If you’re a lousy kisser, you’re a lousy kisser. Plain and simple.
Me: And once again, you are liked the least.
Austin: Pretty sure Erin likes you the least right now—and your lips.
Hayes: So, what exactly happened when you kissed her?
Me: I’m not sure. It was like a switch went off in her head. One minute she was there with me, and the next she seemed like a light-year away. She was afraid.
Rudy: Of you?
Me: No. It almost seemed like she was afraid of herself. I don’t know. I didn’t want to leave her, but it just seemed like she needed space and time to process whatever freaked her out.
Oliver: I think you did the right thing.
Me: Then why do I feel so awful?
Hayes: I think you know why, Pretty Boy.
Oliver: I’ll be damned.
Austin: Always thought Hayes would be the first.
Rudy: ???
Me: I’m in love with Erin.
Rudy: You’re in love with Goose?
Me: I have been for a while now. And not knowing what’s going on with her is killing me.
Hayes: All you can do is give her time and be patient. Whatever’s going on with her, it sounds like she needs to figure it out on her own. So let her do that. Let her come to you when she’s ready.
Me: I know. I’m trying. I just hate that she’s hurting but don’t know why.
Rudy: Guy’s night? My place.
Oliver: I’m in.
Austin: I’ll bring donuts.
Hayes: Be there soon.
Me: Yeah, that sounds great.
I pocketmy phone and get dressed. Maybe a guy’s night is what I need to take my mind off things.
I grab my keys for my truck. Once I’m inside Byrdie, I hesitate just for a moment when I picture Erin alone.
Vulnerable. Fragile.
