Page 55 of Just Wait

I’ll have to do an internet search later to see if it can give me any insight about her personality.

No, fuck.

That’s crossing a line.

It sounds like she’s planning to leave when we make it to Columbia. I was looking forward to having a night off before the three consecutive shows we have there.

That basically gives us twenty-four hours to convince her to hang out for a while longer.

Malcolm would be devastated if she left.

I’m being a good friend.

That’s all.

Jesus.

Those were some mental gymnastics.

“What’s wrong?” Lumen asks.

“Nothing,” I lie. “I just…”

“Have I overstayed my welcome?” she blurts out.

“God no,” I tell her truthfully. “You’ve been through a lot in the last couple days.” Sighing heavily, I just say it. “I went through something similar, and it destroyed me for a while. I just want you to know that I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Someone cheated on you?” she asks with her jaw hanging open.

“Shocking, I know.” An awkward laugh escapes my lips. “But yeah, my first girlfriend. We were together all throughout high school and into her first year in college. She came home to visit. I skipped a party because I had an audition the next day… She hooked up with one of my best friends.”

“Jesus, Riser. That’s brutal,” she says softly. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was an ugly time in my life,” I admit. “But I got the spot in Andrew’s band, which eventually led to Liminal.”

“I’m not sure my breakup will have such a stellar outcome on my future, but it’s nice to be reminded that this isn’t the end of the world.” Little crinkles appear at the edges of her eyes as she reaches over, patting my forearm. “It means a lot that you came to check on me. It’s strange, but it helps knowing that I’m not alone.”

“You’re not.” My words come out weird and raspy, so I clear my throat.

I should tell her all about how I took Callie back. It was a onetime mistake, and she begged until I felt like a monster for not being able to forgive her.

After all, we’re all human.

We were young, and I didn’t want to lose her.

Only, I went to visit her at school a couple months later and learned it was far from a onetime indiscretion.

I’d stayed faithful the entire time she was gone, even after learning she fucked one of my best friends.

“You know you don’t have to leave when we get to Columbia, right?” I blurt out the words before I can get nervous and stop myself. “In case you didn’t know that, I’m saying it now. I’m not sure what you have waiting for you in Florida, but you don’t have to leave. If you want to, that’s one thing. You can also stick around until you have a clear plan for your next steps.”

“I’m sure you’re all ready to have your hookup room back,” she says, laughing.

“Wasn’t it buried until Kincaid cleaned it out for you?” I remind her, quirking an eyebrow.

Randy slept in one of the bunks, and since the room wasn’t being used, it naturally became a dumping ground for all of our shit.

“I forgot about that, but yeah, I guess you’re right.” Her bluish-gray eyes sparkle, and my stomach flutters with a feeling I haven’t experienced in years. “Kincaid had to clear it out for me to use it.”