I’ve gone out a few times with Ethan, tried to get him back in the swing of things. But his heart isn’t in it. I didn’teven really want to go but I’d do anything to see him back to his usual self.
Last Saturday, we hit up Moe’s, and he barely spoke to the girl trying to flirt with him. Just gave her a soft smile and bought her a drink and then found an excuse to leave early. When I asked him what was up, he just said he was tired.
But I’ve noticed. Every time Alex kisses Freddie, or Alfie sneaks up behind Tara and wraps his arms around her waist, Ethan finds a reason to disappear either saying he needs the bathroom or a drink or some fresh air.
He won’t say it—but being around the happy couples iskilling him.
And I get it. Paige messed him up more than he’ll admit. He’s still trying to pretend like it was just “bad timing” or “miscommunication,” when we all saw the proof with our own eyes. I’m leaning against the counter in our kitchen, sipping a protein shake and watching Freddie dig around in the utensil drawer for a fork when he says it:
“Oh, by the way—Delilah’s bike is finally fixed.”
That gets my attention.
“Yeah?”
He shrugs. “Sorry it took so long. Buddy of mine had to get a part in from Denver. Took forever.”
I reach for my wallet without thinking. “How much was it?”
Freddie waves a hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
I look at him. He holds my gaze for two whole seconds.
Then sighs. “Twenty-five bucks.”
I pull out a crumpled twenty and a five and hand them over. “Thanks for fitting it in.”
He nods. “She rides a lot, huh? It’s freezing now though.”
I just give him a look. A you-have-no-idea kind of look.
Because yeah, I’ve found out. She usually rideseverywhere. Because she doesn’t like asking for help. Because she’s too proud to admit it’s exhausting walking to class from across town in the snow, and she doesn’t trust anyone else to show up consistently.
But I’ve been showing up. Quietly. No questions asked. And now that her bike’s back… I don’t know what that means. I almost don’t want to tell her.
Maybe she’ll ride off into the distance without me. The thought makes me want to pout.
Your noble steed lives.
She doesn’t reply right away, which is fine. I totally don’t check my phone six times in the next two minutes like a loser.
Lilah
My what
Your bike. Freddie finished it. It’s good to go. You’ll be able to cycle through snow and shit again in no time.
Lilah
Oh. Cool.
Thank you.
And Freddie
Seriously, thanks
Np. I’ll come pick you up later so you can collect it?
