Chapter 8
Eli
“Wait,youtoldherthat you love her?” Nolan jumps into the private conversation I’m trying to have with Finn at the bar. I know, not the best place, but it’s the first time I’ve been able to snag him.
“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth.
“That’s ballsy, man. Not sure I could ever do that,” Graham says, shaking his head.
“I mean, she’s hot and all, but haven’t you only known each other for a few weeks,” Nolan’s still ragging on me.
“When you know, you know.” Finn cuffs Nolan in the shoulder. “But of course, you being you, you wouldn’t know.”
Nolan laughs. “I’m good not knowing. I’m perfectly content with the women in my life.”
“You mean,notin your life.” Finn eggs him on.
“Exactly. Worrying about Poppy is enough for me. No wife. No kids. No worries.”
“Your sister is hardly someone to worry about. Especially now that she’s got Ryder,” I say. Poppy’s lucky to have someone, even though he did move her to the big city.
Nolan guffaws, like an actual booming laugh slash scoff. “Now that she’s got Ryder, I’mmoreconcerned.”
“That’ll pass,” Finn reassures him.
“Right. And how do you know that?” Nolan’s trying to ask tough by crossing his arms over his chest, but I can tell he’s curious about Finn’s answer. Too bad he doesn’t realize it’s a setup.
“That level of idiocy can’t be healthy. It’s got to have an expiration date. Right, Eli?” Finn laughs.
“My idiocy can’t be worse than Eli confessing his undying love in the middle of sex.”
“Thanks, bro.” I slap Nolan on the back. Hard. “I need some air.”
***
Summer
It must have been my subconscious, but I’m rolling past Hoppy’s on my way out of town when I see Eli step outside the front door.
Shit. He sees me and gives a little wave. Almost like he’s embarrassed. But not quite.
Slowly, he saunters over and motions for me to roll down the window.
“Hey—” he stops when his eyes scan the inside of my car. There is obvious luggage in here with me. “Where are you going?”
I could lie:Oh nowhere. Just out for a drive with my bags. These old things? I take ‘em everywhere.
I could tell the truth:I’m scared shitless of where this is going, and I just need space to clear my head, but full disclosure, I don’t know if I’ll be back because I’d rather run than get trampled on.
I could feign ignorance:Me going somewhere? You must be dreaming. I’m just a figment of your imagination. You don’t actually see me.
Instead, I go with some variation of the truth. I simply say, “Home.” It’s intentionally vague, but he’s not an idiot. He figures it out. And he’s nodding his head to tell me he gets it.
I brace myself for him to yell at me. Curse at me. Insult me. Throw me some sarcastic comments. I’m waiting for him to be passive aggressive at the very least. Or maybe his style is to be manipulative. Shit. Now my butt cheeks are clenched in anticipation of all the guilt he’s about to heap on me.
But nope.
He only says, “Okay. See you when you get back.” No trace of anger or irritation on his face.
