He also spent the time teaching me to fish and then played video games with me simply because he knew I wanted to.
They're things that I appreciate.
“And secondly,” I continue. “He has had everything, everything,taken away from him. And still, things are being taken away. Like his truck.” I place my hand on my chest. “I have so much to give, willingly. And I have no problem giving him my time and energy. My love. Because if anyone deserves it, it's him. And then thirdly, I know that he didn't even mean what he said.”
“Shit, you're right,” she says, leaning back into her chair. “God, I'm a bitch sometimes. If anyone deserves to have you, it's him.” She picks up a fry and points it at me. “But you did call him an asshole and stuff.”
“I know.” I deflate a little lower into my own seat. “I feel bad about that. But emotions were running high between us both, and I just lashed out after what he said to me.”
Taking her glass in her hand, she shakes her head, her red hair swishing over her shoulders. “I just can't believe they actually set his truck on fire.”
“Oh, Tahnee, you should have seen the look on his face. He was devastated. And I'm sure I saw tears in his eyes at one point. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me tear up.” I swipe under my eyes again and pick up my drink. “Let's talk about something else for a bit. What's happening with you and Justin?”
She gives me a look of sympathy and contemplates whether she wants to change the subject or not. Eventually, she gives in, realizing it really is what I want, and with a small smile tugging at her lips, she starts.
“Things are . . . good.”
I give her a skeptical look, because that is not the typical answer from Tahnee that I've come to expect. “Just good?”
Her smile grows. “Okay, well, do you want the toned-down version or the Tahnee version?”
“Is there a middle option?”
She runs a finger over her top lip and idly plays with a piece of her hair, contemplating. “Alright, well, he fucked me with his giant dick, and now I'm ruined for other men, and I can't stop thinking about him. He and his python left my place this morning, actually.”
“Oh my goodness.” I cover my eyes and let out a chuckle. “Do I even want to know what the 'Tahnee version' would have been?”
“Hmm, probably something like–”
“No!” I cut her off, holding my hand out and laughing some more. “That's quite alright.” Then, after another beat, I sigh. “Thanks for making me laugh. I needed that.”
“I know.” She places her hand on top of mine. “But seriously, I think things will work out with you guys. He probably just needs a little time.”
I look down, fiddling with the bracelet on my wrist. “I don't know. I guess we'll see.”Then, looking back to her, I add,"Do you think I'm a coward for not confronting anyone about it yet?"
"Hell, no. It's not an easy situation, and there is a lot to factor in."
She's right. There's definitely nothing easy about this situation, that's for sure.
After swallowing down the last of my wine, I hold my hand up and signal the waitress walking past for another one.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
A couple of hours later, Tahnee and I walk arm and arm down the streets back toward my home.
This feeling right here, the feeling of being comfortable and being free to be me, spending time with a true friend, it's what I always dreamed of having while growing up.
She takes the lead in talking about whatever the hell comes to her mind, being mostly successful in keeping me distracted.
“Are you sure you don't want me to stay the night?” she asks when we reach my place.
“I am, but thank you. I might just take a bath and then go to bed.”
“Okay. Hey, it looks like someone left you something.” I look to where she's indicating and see a bottle of wine by my front door. My favoritewine. “Who would have left that?”
“I'm not sure.”
“Is there a note or anything?”
