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“No, I’m good.” I shake my head, knowing I probably shouldn’t. I feel pretty good right now, but one more and I very well may end the night hugging the toilet.
“Water?” he asks.
“Yeah, water would be awesome. Thank you.” I smile, watching him follow Henna toward the bar.
Once I lose them in the crowd, my eyes scan the room. I’m not looking for anything in particular, just people watching. Or at least that’s how I justify looking for Abel, even though I know he’s already gone.
After what Aaron just told me, I have this overwhelming urge to talk to him. To tell him I understand what it’s like to lose someone to cancer. I was only fifteen when I watched it take my mom in a matter of months. It was like one day she was completely healthy and the next she was slipping away. Nothing can prepare you for what that feels like. Nothing can make it better when it’s all said and done. Death is permanent. There’s no bringing back the people we love once they’re gone and we quickly find that we’re different people in their absence.
Not that Abel would care to hear any of that from me. I’m just some silly girl who crowded his space and caused him to spill his drink.
I don’t know why I care so much. I don’t know why he seems to be the only thing I can think about since the first moment he looked at me, or ratherglaredat me. There’s just something about him.
“One water.” I jump when Aaron and Henna reappear seemingly out of nowhere, interrupting my thoughts.
“Thank you.” I take the glass Aaron extends to me, taking a long drink of the cold liquid. It feels incredible on my throat and I immediately take another gulp.
“So, Aaron suggested that maybe we get out of here. Go somewhere a little less crowded.” Henna leans in toward me.
“I thought you were responsible for making sure everyone got home okay?” I question.
“We’re the only ones left. Apparently everyone else left when Sam did.”
“Seriously?” I bark out a laugh. “Some friends they are.”
“What do you say?” she asks, giving me a look I understand all too well.
“Why don’t you two drop me off at home and then go? I’m honestly not feeling all that great.”
“You sure? I don’t want to leave you home alone if you aren’t feeling well.” She pouts. What she’s really saying is she doesn’t want to seem like a bad friend in front of Aaron who she is suddenly interested in spending more time with.
Henna has always been a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl. She lives in the moment—always—and does whatever feels right to her. I’ve always envied that about her.
“Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll probably be asleep within thirty seconds of my head hitting the pillow,” I tell her, forcing out a yawn for show.
“What do you say?” She looks to Aaron with hopeful eyes. “Do you wanna drop her at home and then go have a drink withme?”
“Sounds good to me.” He grins, clearly just as taken by her.
Oh lord... here we go.
