The worst thing he can say is no, but then I would have at least tried to end this misery.
“Do that, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll always have the stairs.”
~
I’ve just gotten back from practice when my phone rings. I instantly feel lighter, hoping it will be my girl on the other end of the line.
I haven’t talked to her today yet, so I look forward to hearing all about her adventures in the warmth.
When I fish out my phone, though, it’s the wrong Hastings on the other end.
I feel bad for the disappointment I feel when I pick up the phone to a smiling Luke and Jessica on the other end.
“Hey, guys.”
I try to force some enthusiasm into my voice.
“Gosh, he’s just as bad,” Jessica says, a look of concern overtaking her face.
“What do you mean?”
Luke and Jessica let out a sigh at the same time; they even breathe in synch now.
“We just talked to my dear sister, and she looked like she’s just witnessed someone kicking a puppy,” Luke says.
Every time I’ve talked to Lily, she seems like her usual self. Our longing for each other is definitely there, but I try to keep our chats light and fun.
I don’t want to bring her mood down when she should be having a good time on her trip.
A sulking boyfriend won’t do any good.
“I miss her a lot,” I mumble.
“Why don’t you just invite her back?” Jessica asks, her frustration shining through.
“I want her to do the things she loves, explore the world. Don’t sit here and wait for me to get back from practice.”
Jessica rolls her eyes and takes the phone from Luke’s hands, ready to give me a lecture.
“How the hell you were the relationship expert whenever this idiot messed up? I have no clue, because seriously, Sebastian, you need to take a page out of your own book.”
Jessica isn’t wrong; I was the one helping Luke find some clarity when he faced struggles in his relationship with Jessica.
It’s very different when you’re the one experiencing the turmoil, though.
Now I understand his perspective of wanting to protect the other person, even if it hurts oneself.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t tell you this, as I hoped you would figure this out yourself, but I guess I don’t have a choice. Lily told me herself that she wanted to stay in London with you.”
At my expression, Jessica gives me a soft smile and a nod, reassuring me that yes, I did hear her correctly.
She wanted to stay?
And I didn’t even ask her.
God, I’m a fucking idiot.
“But her trip? And her plans?” I ask them, feeling at loss.
