I see Ash talking to some of our friends from the city, so I approach him next. “Have you seen John?”
“He left. He told me to make sure you made it home safe, though. Are you good?”
He didwhat? He fucking left? He kissed me like that and then left without a word? No, no, no. That’s so typical John. Iknow I got a house really quickly, but I can’t believe he’s gone already. But it’s fine. It’s all fine. I just need to pivot.
“Okay, so are you my ride then?” I ask expectantly. “I need to go.”
“Yeah, I guess. John was really scary when he made me promise to bring you somewhere safe tonight because you were drinking,” Ash explains, shaking his head apologetically.
“I only had one beer! I had to; I needed to make the donkeys feel appreciated for doing their job, and that was hours ago! But anyway, are you ready?” I flash my most innocent smile, and he eyes me skeptically as he finally nods.
As annoyed as I am that John isn’t still here for me to tell him the amazing news, knowing he’s protective of me even when I wasn’t there lights me up from the inside. My grumpy man is so thoughtful.
But I need to talk to him. “Yay! Thank you. You can bring me to John’s,” I exclaim, and Ash looks at me curiously.
“Really?”
“Yes, please. Can we go, right now?”
“What’s the rush, dude?” our friend Smitty says, and I want to knock the beer right out of his hand. Doesn’t he get that I’ve got to go get my man?
“You wouldn’t understand,” I dismiss him, turning back to Ash. “Please? It’s, like, three minutes away. You can come right back. I’ll walk if I have to.”
“No, don’t be ridiculous,” Ash says with a laugh. “Come on. I’ll drive you.”
It’s happening! I shout a general “bye” in our other friends’ direction and drag Ash with me to the parking area.
He keeps up, but sounds concerned as he asks, “Is everything okay, Chad?”
“Yeah, great. Something big happened, and I need to tell John.”
“Okay?” Ash says like a question, but I can’t give more details than that.
“It can’t wait! But if you’re looking for something to talk about, you can tell me why you were asking about Jace’s uncles earlier.”
“Nope, that’s fine. No more questions works for me.”
I’m eager to know what’s going on there, but since I’m keeping my secrets, it’s only fair Ash can keep his.
The second we pull up to John’s, I thank Ash and sprint to the house. The door is locked, and I think Ash is still waiting in the driveway, but I don’t care if he sees me pound my fist against it.
“John!” I shout, and after an agonizingly long wait, he finally opens the door.
“Jesus, Chad. What are you doing here?” he demands.
“Don’t worry, Ash brought me,” I explain, storming into the house.
John grunts and shuts the door behind us. “That isn’t what I?—”
“I’ve done everything you asked,” I cut him off. “I’m moving out; someone from the wedding is selling me their house.”
His jaw drops open. “Wait. You did what?” he asks, obviously astonished. He clearly didn’t think I’d make it happen that quickly.
“I told you, I’m serious, and this is me showing you.”
“Chad, I can’t?—”
“I know. You can’t date me. You weren’t looking for a husband. But I want you, John, and I’m fine with it only being physical.”
