AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I can’t. I want to get a little more done before I head home to Hurricane Sarah and can’t even hear myself think,” he scoffed.
I nodded. My best friend Kieran’s younger sister Sarah was crashing in Elias’s guest room indefinitely and driving him crazy in the process.
“I get it,” I told him.
Alone in the parking lot, I thought about who else I could call. Kieran was out of town for the weekend visiting some friend of his, so he was out. I shot off a quick text to my friends, Steph and Maya, hoping that they’d be down for a few beers and some celebrating. They’d likely say no, but I held out hope. After all, I just officially became a business owner, and I wasn’t going to let this night go without a party.
Carter: You guys want to come to Rook’s and celebrate?
Steph: I wish we could, but Gaby’s been sick all day.
Carter: Sorry to hear that.
Maya: Not as sorry as we are. Covered in baby puke.
I had to agree. Steph and Maya had gotten married last year and recently became adoptive parents to a newborn baby. They were totally happy and I was happy for them, but it meant that they barely got out of the house anymore.
Carter: Maybe I could get some beers and swing by your place?
I can’t say that a night with a sick baby sounded like a good time, but I really,reallydidn’t want to go back to my condo alone. I was too revved up. I owned the business I loved, and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I needed this day to feel bigger and more important.
Maya: Man, that sounds awesome. But you really don’t want to be around a sick kid, do you?
Maya: It’s loud and smelly and not very fun.
Carter: That’s okay. I just want to see you guys.
Carter: I never see you anymore.
I laid on the guilt. So sue me.
Steph: I know. And we’ll make time to celebrate this weekend maybe.
I sighed. I could take a hint.
Carter: Sounds good. Another time, then. Hope Gaby feels better.
I rode back to my condo, ready to watch a game and maybe order a pizza, resigning myself to a night alone. Fuck, when did everyone in my life become so… different.
By the time I pulled up to my place, I’d gotten another text.
Kieran: Congrats, boss man.
Carter: Thanks. When do you get back, again?
Kieran: Tuesday. We’ll go out to celebrate then.
Carter: Thank fuck. Nobody’s around tonight.
Carter: They’re all being boring married people. Or moms. Or Elias.
Kieran: Cut them some slack. At least they’re happy. Except Elias.
I laughed and told him we’d talk later.
I looked around for a place to park my bike, but all the space in front of the building was taken up by a rather large moving truck. I rolled my eyes, realizing that probably meant that someone had finally bought the unit next door.
“Fuck,” I grumbled.
