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16
Elizabeth
An odd pinging sound comes from my laptop, pulling me out of my dark thoughts. My day was completely shot after my little breakdown this morning. Even after a quick over-the-phone session with Dr. Gentry, I couldn’t manage my sorrow enough to function normally. I walked around like a zombie, all my co-workers avoiding me as if I actually was one.
My laptop makes the same sound a second time, and I set my wine glass down on my nightstand to reach for it. My stomach flutters as I open it up and see a Facebook message from Brenden. We haven’t spoken since I offered him my friendship in lieu of something more, and I’m not entirely sure how things should go from here.
It’s not like I’ve ever had male friends before. Not really. I mean, not unless you count grade school or being friends with someone’s spouse.
The truth is, I only suggested friendship to Brenden because I didn’t want him to simply walk away. I may not be ready or able to date anyone right now, but I’ve felt more like myself the few short times I’ve been around Brenden than I have since I lost Xander.
I couldn’t let that go. The truth is…I want to know him, on some level.
TUE 10:12 PM
Brenden Scott:Hi there, friend.
What are you up to this late at night?
I smile for the first time today, staring at his message. It’s innocent and friendly, as we agreed upon. This I can do. It’ll be nice having someone to talk to who isn’t invested in my healing process. Someone who’ll treat me like Lizzy, and not a widower.
Lizzy Shea: I’m drowning my sorrows
in a rather large glass of wine.
I scoff at my blatant honesty, feeling unsettled yet again by his ability to knock down my walls until there’s nothing left for me to hide behind.
Brenden Scott:Want to talk about it?
The last thing I want to do is talk about my day. It was the worst one I’ve had in a while, and it has me feeling a little like a failure.
Lizzy Shea: Nope. Just a shit day is all.
What about you?
Brenden Scott:My day was also shit.
I was hoping for something to
distract me, and here you are.
Lizzy Shea: Not sure what I can do
to be a distraction.
Brenden Scott:You could tell me something
about my new friend Lizzy.
I’d much rather talk to you
on the phone though.
Can I call you?
I stare at his question, my mind reeling as I consider how to answer. It seems odd and a little wrong to have a man call me at this time of night. Or at all. But our conversation has already put me in a better state of mind.
I’m not ready for it to end.
