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Her face closes off and I wish I hadn’t asked.
“No. I’ll go alone.”
“That doesn’t seem like the best course of action here, sunshine. You shouldn't drive two and a half hours alone, not like this.”
“I’m not going to right now, obviously. I’ll leave in a few days, maybe Thursday or Friday, and take a long weekend.”
“That sounds more sensible. But I still don’t think you should go alone.”
She raises her eyebrows. “Are you offering to go with me?”
“I am now.”
This is a bad idea. I know this is a bad idea even as I say it, but the words are out and I can’t shove them back in. I know this trip will bring up a lot for her. And I know, seeing her grieve like that, will also bring up a lot for me. But there’s no going back now, even if I suddenly feel like I’m going to throw up.
“Wait, seriously?”
I could back out. I could tell her I don’t think I can do it. But I see the hope in her eyes, and I don’t want to let her down. I can’t let her down.
“Yeah, seriously.”
“Um, wow, okay. I’ll call the rental company and let them know I’m coming down Thursday then. If Thursday works for you?”
“Thursday’s fine.” I smile tightly.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” She leans back, her hands on my shoulders and searches my face.
I give her my best smile, and I hope to God it reaches my eyes and I take her face in my hands again, bringing my forehead to hers.
“I’m sure, Lucille. I’m going with you.”
I think there are moments in a man’s life he looks back on and knows he should’ve made a different decision. Moments he points back and thinksthat was it, that was when I screwed up. And I already know this is going to be one of those moments. I know because I feel myself slipping and sliding right into a disaster.
Chapter Nineteen
Lucy
Icalltherentalcompany when I get home, then I call Allie.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Allie. I wasn’t sure if you would pick up.”
“Of course, I picked up. That’s what best friends do, stupid.”
I smile and lean back against my bed. I haven’t talked to Allie in a while, things have just felt tense and weird. But I missed her, even if she did still look at me like I was made of glass.
“What are you doing today?” I ask.
“Not much, I thought about getting some coffee and maybe getting my nails done or something. Wanna join me?”
“Where are you getting coffee?”
“Well, before this lovely chat I had planned on going to Starbucks,butI know your thoughts on them, so how about that place up on Main Street?”
“Sounds good, I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes?”
Allie scoffs, “And I will meet you there in twenty minutes–ish.”
