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Deciding to put some physical distance between us, I walk around my bed to the opposite side, studying Sutton with an assessing look, hoping to mask my own embarrassment. "Are you okay?" I grunt out.
Our eyes lock, and she stumbles over her words, revealing her nerves. "I've, ugh, never hung out with a guy alone before, so, uh, I don't really know. I'm nervous."
Sutton squirms, burying her face behind her arms. "That was embarrassing. Don't look at me!"
Strangely, her candid confession offers a glimmer of relief. Neither of us is in familiar territory right now, and my own embarrassment begins to dissipate. I pull back the grey comforter and sheet, then slide under, positioning myself with my back against the pillows and the wall.
In response to her revelation, I admit, "Me neither."
Sutton blinks in surprise, but before she can further exacerbate our mutual awkwardness, I pull back the covers beside me, silently inviting her to join. She offers a genuine smile, revealing a dimple on her left cheek, and tentatively gets settled beside me.
Once she's comfortable, she turns her head towards me and lets out a small giggle. "New Jersey is my favorite."
Her unexpected comment leaves me gaping, caught off guard by her boldness. It was the last thing I anticipated her saying.
I turn towards her, feeling the need to explain myself to break the awkward silence. "I watched it with my mom growing up. When she calls, I like to be caught up, so I know what she's talking about when she goes on about it." I can't help but think I'm oversharing, and the words tumble out like an uncontrolled torrent.
Sutton, once more, hides her reaction behind her hand, but a sweet smile slowly spreads across her face as she watches me. "That's sweet. Your mom is lucky you care about her so much." She absentmindedly picks at my comforter, seemingly unfazed by the heartfelt compliment she just bestowed upon me.
I squirm under the spotlight. "I guess. I bet you do nicer things for your mom." Her smile fades in response to my comment, and I immediately regret my words. "Or not. I don't know."
Sutton takes a shaky breath and dismisses my concerns with a wave of her hand. "No, it's okay. My parents aren't really involved in my life. I have Leia's family, so it's all good."
I'm left pondering her words. "Not involved in her life." It's a cryptic statement, but I hesitate to pry, considering how new our friendship is. I'm not ready to delve into deep, dark secrets from her.
This situation highlights my shortcomings in dealing with people's emotions. I'm not adept at being considerate.
Unsure of how to respond, I'm saved by Sutton's pitying smile. "Sorry for making it weird. I never know what to say when anyone brings the topic of parents up," she explains.
The pieces start falling into place, painting a clearer picture of Sutton's life, one that tugs at my heartstrings. I couldn't fathom not having my family's support.
Realizing I've been silent for too long, I muster a weak response. "I'm sorry."
I cringe internally at my response, berating myself for the inadequacy of my words. Apologies rarely make things better.
Sutton scoots closer to me, her hand gently finding its place on my forearm, her brows furrowing in concern. "I promise it's okay." Her thumb moves back and forth on my arm, soothingly. "I'm sorry too."
At her unexpected response, I let out a genuine laugh. We're both awkward, and somehow, that makes it easier to connect.
Sutton takes my laughter as a cue to steer the conversation in a new direction, and I'm grateful for it. She wiggles in her spot and asks, "Teresa or Melissa?"
I chuckle and give her an amused grin. "Definitely Teresa. The day she flipped that table was when I knew I would always take her side."
Sutton bursts into laughter, surprising me. I never thought I'd share this sort of thing, but with her, it just feels natural. I can't help but laugh along, my laughter growing uncontrollable, and my stomach aching from it.
I find myself truly enjoying how this night has unfolded. Maybe Ronan was right, and being friends with Sutton will be a good thing. As long as we remain friends and no complications arise.
Sutton reaches over, taking the remote from me, and scrolls through the TV guide to select a movie I've never heard of.
"Is this okay?" she asks.
"Yeah, sure. Is it new? I haven't heard of it."
"Not that new, but it's super good! I promise you'll like it."
"That good, huh?"
"You'll see."
