52. Lolly
fifty-two
Lolly
I smile as the scent of freshly brewed tea and cookies hits me. Warmth simmers in my chest. Mom’s friends had been over earlier for a late brunch. Seeing her eyes bright with joy as they cackled at the table, catching up on the latest gossip was truly a gift.
I complete the final touches on a freelance project and shut down my computer, ready to figure out our plans for the weekend. Where will my green eyes be? I laugh at the absurdity, knowing good and damn well that he’ll be with his girlfriend.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Green Eyes: Got any plans this weekend?
My breath hitches as I stare at the phone, certain I’m hallucinating. I close the messaging app and reopen it, surprised to see the message still in its original form.
Is he lonely? Is she out of town? Maybe they’re fighting.
I scoff at the idea of him using me as a fill-in. Anger coursing through my veins as I consider replying accordingly.
No. Sit with it first, Lolly. Has Bailey ever been vindictive?
No.
Was he driven by fear?
Absolutely.
Memories of his lips on mine, the vulnerable touches he allowed. The look in his eyes when he let me see all of him. When he let me in. That was real. That was him.
Me: Yeah, our friend Jinx is in town and wants Jay and me to meet them at Disco Saturday night for the drag show.
I wait, watch the three dots appear then stop. Appear again then stop.
Me: Do you want to meet us there?
There. An olive branch. An olive tree, honestly. This is dangerous territory, but surely it’s safe with Jay and Jinx around to keep my head on straight. I unwrap a sucker and pop it in my mouth, shaking my head with a small laugh.
Green Eyes: Maybe. What time is the show? I’ve never been to one before.
I roll my eyes but can’t help myself as the corners of my mouth turn up.
Me: The show starts at 9. We’ll be there around 8:45.
Green Eyes: k
My stomach flips with uncertainty. I can’t tell if he’s planning on coming, but I know it’s going to take an act of providence to stop me from looking for him all damn night. I sigh and run my hands over my face, shaking my head in disbelief. Fucking hell, Lolly. Here we go again.