A small smile made its way onto my face. After a childhood like mine, I was grateful for how much Joey wanted to be around me.
“It’s an adjustment, but I like it here.”
“It’s been two days. One of which you didn’t call me for.”
I bit my lip. After going to the coffee shop, I knew I needed a night to myself. If Joey caught one hint of how anxious I’d been, he wouldn’t hesitate to come here.
“You know I just needed time. We can’t talk every day.”
“But I miss you,” he said.
“You have Mitch,” I reminded gently. “You know, the man you love?”
“Yes, I know. It’s not that. You’re just like a sister to me. Hell, you’re the one who introduced me to Mitch. I’m used to having you here.”
Joey loved talking to me so much.
I hated that I needed to leave.
“We’ll try to talk more,” I offered. “How about that?”
“Okay. Wanna tell me what you got up to yesterday? That therapist?—”
“Scarlett,” I said.
“Right, Scarlett. She wanted you to try new things. Did you try anything?”
“I went to a coffee shop.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it was ... fine. I got coffee that wasreally good.”
“Oh.” Joey’s voice was quiet. “I guess that place is really good for you then.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Y-yeah. Of course it is.”
Another pang hit me at his quiet voice. I hated that he was hurting.
“I should sleep,” I said. “It’s been a long day.”
“Yeah. Get some rest. Maybe I’ll come visit soon.”
“Yes, please. Maybe we’ll find that spring together.”
“Or maybe they’re lying and have no springs at all.” He laughed. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
I said my goodbyes, but I couldn’t help but think about Joey’s sullen tone. I needed to do this, but this was hard. He missed me, and I simply couldn’t be in the town he lived in.
With a sigh, I sank deep into my bed. The night before, I’d fallen asleep almost immediately because I was so tired.
Tonight, I knew I had time to think.
During the day, I could distract myself from my loneliness. I either kept my nose buried in a book or I was too busy writing to think about it. But now, there was nothing but the present.
And where I was at mentally sucked.
