AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course not.”
I yawned, watching as he loaded the last of the equipment into the back of the van. He swung the doors closed, and gave the bumper a tap. Ben, the drummer, stuck his hand out the window and waved before pulling away. We waited for Brody to pull the car around.
“You’re really talented, Chase. You guys were great tonight.”
He smiled, giving me a sideways glance. “Thanks.”
“You looked so happy up there. How did you feel?”
He ran his fingers through his hair, which was damp from sweat. “It felt great. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I wish I could have it all. I wish I could do what I love while staying here taking care of my family at the same time.”
“I wish you could, too. You deserve to have it all. I’m sorry you had to leave California.”
He looked down as Brody pulled up in front of us. “Everything happens for a reason, right?”
“If you say so.”
6
New Apartment
“Come on, get up. You need to get dressed.”
“For what?” I rubbed my eyes sleepily.
Shelly put her hands on her hips. “We’re going shopping for my party. Please tell me you haven’t forgotten?”
“You’re throwing a party?”
“Don’t make jokes! This is an important event!”
I hoisted myself out of the recliner. “How could I forget the national holiday that is your birthday?”
I quickly threw on a t-shirt and yoga pants, and brushed my teeth as Shelly helped sweep my hair up in a bun. Her birthday was the day before Halloween. Every year, Brody’s fraternity hosted a Halloween party at their house, and Shelly pretended it was her very own birthday extravaganza. The last thing I wanted to do was dress up in an uncomfortable costume, but for my best friend’s birthday – I would have to put my own issues aside. She deserved an entire night of fun, and I refused to let my downward spiral ruin any of it for her. I just hoped my sling would be off by then.
“So, when do you move into Chase’s apartment?” she asked as we navigated through the crowded mall.
“His parents’ apartment,” I corrected. “And they said it would be ready the end of this week.” I wasn’t sure what they needed to do in order to get it ready. According to Chase, the apartment was furnished and vacant.
“It’s really great of them to let you stay, free of charge.”
“I know. I’m not crazy about the idea. I’ve been racking my brain for ways to repay them, but I’m not coming up with much.”
“It’s too bad you’re in the sling. You loved working on cars with your dad. You could have offered to help out at their shop.”
My eyes lit up and the wheels in my mind started spinning. “That’s not a bad idea.” I began making a mental list of the things I could manage with one hand, for now.
“When will you be able to take the sling off for good?”
“They don’t have a definite date, yet. Soon, I’m hoping. I guess it depends on how therapy goes.”
“I hope you have it off in time for my party. I want your costume to look flawless!”
“Everything will be perfect for your party, just like always.”
“Okay,” she began when we stepped inside the costume store. “We need something cute, but not overdone. It can be funny, but not cliché.”
“I know the drill,” I reassured her.
