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Suddenly, the pothead stood up and looked around, bored and ready to go. "Where's your bathroom?"
Ariel pointed down the hall. "Help yourself. I know this must be uncomfortable for you." Careful not to walk in front of me, Alex stepped out of his way to leave the room.
Ready to end an ugly scene, I leaned over and whispered in Ariel’s ear. "I think I'm going to head out."
Ariel looked at me with pleading eyes. "Please don't go. I really need you here."
I shook my head. "No, I don't think that's a good idea. This is between my sister and me, and I think it's best if we take this conversation elsewhere."
"But..." Ariel trailed off as she looked back at Meagan, who was still glaring at us both.
"We'll talk soon?" I stood up. "Meagan, let's take this convo to my apartment.... I'll meet you there as soon as Alex is ready to go."
Ariel reluctantly nodded. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time I argued with my sister. At least, Ariel and I were on the same page when it came to Meagan. For now, that would have to be enough.
It was well past midnight before I arrived at my apartment, and several minutes later before Meagan showed up. When I opened the door, I sighed, relieved when I noticed Alex wasn't with her.
"Where's your buddy?" I asked, shutting the door behind her.
"He's gone home," Meagan said with a smirk. "And I told him I'd stay here with you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I just felt like it. Plus, I wanted to make sure you were okay after tonight."
My God, I felt like I was back in high school! When would she ever grow up? I tilted my head, smirking, "You wanted to make sure I was okay? Yeah, sure, I'm just fine! Look, Meagan… honestly, I don't feel like I need to give you an explanation for why I was visiting Ariel tonight. But I'll clear the air between us because I love my sister... believe it or not! And I'm not going to lie. I think your friend has grown into a beautiful woman that seems like a person who could use a male friend. Hell, any friend at all! She seems a bit buried in her work, and I just happened along when she was leaving the coffee shop. It was getting late, so I suggested we share some sushi and..." I waved my hand around the space littered with clothes and papers."Does it look like I'm prepared for visitors? She offered her apartment so that's where we ended up."
Meagan clicked her tongue. "And that was it? No promises to see her tomorrow or try to start up a relationship?"
I rubbed the back of my neck and sat in the armchair beside her. "Oh, come on.... relationship? I guess you could say we already have one, right? I mean, she isn't exactly a stranger. But, really, Meagan, what are you worried about? I've dated tons of women, many you have introduced me to, and you were always okay with that."
Meagan rested her back against the couch and sighed. "You got any beer in your fridge? I have concerns... that's it... let's call them concerns. But I need a beer before I can express them without sounding like a bitch.”
"Sure, bring me one while you're at it." She got up, retrieved two beers, handing me a Heineken before sitting back down.
Meagan twisted off the cap and took a long swig before setting the bottle on the coffee table. "Okay," she said, pausing for a deep breath. "I guess I'll just come out and say it."
"Please do," I urged.
"I think you're moving too fast with Ariel."
I frowned. "What do you mean? We just had sushi and talked."
"Exactly!" Meagan exclaimed. "You've only known her for what... a day? Okay, I guess you've known her since you were in college and she was in high school. And that's the last time you saw her, I think."
"Yeah, probably was, but what of it? So, tell me. Why shouldn't I see her if she wants to see me?"
Meagan searched my face before answering. "Because she's not the girl for you, and that's all you need to know." She chugged another few swallows of beer.
"What do you mean she's not the girl for me?"
"Just leave Ariel alone. That's all I'm asking you to do. Besides, you're too old for her, and she's a bit naïve sometimes. So please don't think that she has her life together."
I turned my entire body toward her, demanding she tell me the truth. "What are you talking about? She mentioned she had broken up with someone before she came back here to San Diego but refused to elaborate. And I know she's not that naïve because I spoke with her all evening."
She shot me a nasty look. "Yes, I know you spoke with her all evening! Look, you want the truth? Ariel is a good girl. Yes, I owe her an apology for my behavior, but she's still my best friend, and you are still my playboy brother."
I jokingly put my hand to my heart, pretending as though she had stabbed me. "That comment hurt, Ariel. Are you suggesting I don't have what it takes to be a good boyfriend, partner, or whatever? Because if you are, that's messed up. Just because I've made some mistakes in the past doesn't mean that I haven't changed."
