“Okay, this week, my favorite thing was planning our vacation for this summer,” Ledger says.
“Rude. Way to steal it.” Ainsley rolls her eyes. “My favorite thing was seeing the forest behind the house start to change colors.”
“My favorite thing this week was Oakley and me agreeing to move in together,” Willow says with the biggest smile on her face.
“Oh my god! Congrats, you guys!” I clap my hands with sheer excitement for them.
The rounds of congratulations last a couple of minutes before we all settle back down.
“Mine’s that too. I don’t care if it’s supposed to be different.” Oakley chuckles, and we all join him in laughter.
“I think we can let it slide this time,” Ledger says.
“My favorite thing this week is this family dinner. Sorry I’ve been absent for a hot minute,” Lennox cuts in and attempts to joke.
We all sit frozen, not sure how to respond, when Oakley steps in. God bless Oakley. He seems to be the only one who understands how Lennox is feeling at the moment.
“We’re just glad you’re feeling up to it. No need to apologize.”
Lennox bows his head in thanks before all eyes turn to me.
“Umm, my favorite thing about this week is…” I draw out the last word because the first thing that popped into my head was fucking Arlo and lord knows I can’t say that. “Finishing up some projects and actually being ahead for a change,” I throw out once I push all thoughts of Arlo down.
“Kicking ass as always, Rina,” Ledger says.
I smile at him, but I know it doesn’t reach my eyes. That’s all I seem to do: work, kick ass, repeat. It’s more prevalent after my self-reflection earlier than ever before.
The rest of dinner is the usual combination of talking over each other, learning what new gossip is floating around town, and just spending time with each other.
Before I know it, dinner is done and I’m in my truck, driving to Arlo’s house.
Parking on the street a little further down where Sal’s is, I climb out of my truck and walk up to his front door. My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and I pull it out before knocking on his door.
Unknown:
You looked gorgeous the other night, in that maroon top. Maybe you can wear it with a skirt sometime.
What the fuck?I’m staring at my phone, both confused and creeped out.
“Rina?” Arlo’s voice scares the hell out of me. I startle with my hand on my chest and almost drop my phone.
“Arlo. Hey. Hi.” My racing heart is having a hard time catching up with seeing Arlo, even though it’s why I came over here. The cryptic text is completely throwing me off.
“Umm, do you want to come in?” he asks, clearly confused, and why wouldn’t he be? The last time we talked, I screamed at him, yet again, and left things worse off than before.
“Yes, please.” I step in as he ushers me in, and I take a minute to look around his house. I’ve never been here, obviously, and I’m suddenly desperate for insight into who he is now.
I guess I was expecting something more, but his house—although nice—is barren. Only the basics of a couch and a television fill the living room.
“Take a seat. Can I get you something to drink? Water? That’s all I really have,” he says shyly. It would be adorable if I weren’t here to crack my heart open.
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Okay. So, what brings you here?” he asks out of pure curiosity, and I would feel the same. I’ve yelled at him more than I’ve talked, so what expectation does he have that it’s changed?
“I wanted to clear the air.” I hold my breath and wait for his response.
His brows furrow, and he looks torn. “Okay.”
