“Hey. Is everything ok?”
We didn’t talk about her nightmare, and she was quiet this morning. I wonder if this is part of the aftershock.
“I’m fine.”
Fine, my ass.
I almost laugh. I may not have much experience with women, but I know with certainty that absolutely nothing is fine.
She stops at a red light but keeps her focus on the mirror, ensuring no one is following us.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Her tone is set, and her response is tight.
If she’s not willing to budge, then I’ll risk it, push buttons, and see what happens.
“Ok. Well, let me add to the nothing. I forgot my best friend asked to stay with me. He’s attending theSportsEliteevent and texted me a few weeks ago.”
Her head slowly rotates in my direction, and I suddenly wonder if my brain has developed the ability to convert things into instant replay.
“He’s. . .staying at your apartment.” Her tone is softer now, but there’s still an edge to it.
“I know the timing isn’t great. But with everything going on, I forgot.”
It’s as if I can feel her body lock up. “Annnndddd. . .you’re not going to tell him he can’t.”
I actually contemplated it, but I’d feel like a real jerk. “He’s my best friend. I can’t—”
“Whatareyou going to tell him?”
I run a hand over my face. “I’m not sure yet. Thought maybe I’d go with the truth,” I say confidently.
We are back to silence.
Fuuuucckkk.
“Look, I know we talked about no overnights, but he’s my best friend. The timing is terrible, and I screwed up. I should have told him when he messaged me. I can’t tell him he can’t stay with me and give him no reason. I won’t lie to him.”
“So, you’ll tell him about me?”
I let my head fall to the headrest. “Yeah. I trust him. He’ll understand and won’t blow it out of proportion like my sister would.”
She stares at me as we sit at the light in front of my apartment building, and I’d give a million dollars to know what she’s thinking.
“I’m here to protect you, not him.”
“Fine.” I use her word.
There’s a long moment of silence before her voice breaks through.
“Can I be there when you explain to him that you’re being protected by a woman?”
Ok. There we go. A bit of the tension melts as she de-escalates with sarcasm.
“Hold on.” I raise a hand. “Do I sense a little bit of smartass in that question?” I tease because she and I need to get over whatever all thisnothingis floating in the air, threatening to suffocate us.
She makes some kind of throaty-snorting noise. “Matthews, you and I won’t survive this without my smart mouth.”
