Chapter 34
Dasher
The Airbnb doesn’t feel like home. It doesn’t feel like the day Poppy and I moved into the house, full of promises and dreams. It doesn’t feel like Raine’s, truths and love. I hate this.
When I brought my bags in, I did laundry since I needed to do it, but I wanted to stay busy. If I’m not busy, I think. And right now, I don’t want to think.
Poppy has called fifty times. I’ve sent her to voicemail.
I listened to two messages that started with anger and ended in pleading.
Every other one after that, I deleted. I did call her parents and explained everything that has happened since we moved here.
They had heard the story about Raine and I on the news, but didn’t believe it.
I didn’t tell them anything about our relationship, just that he was a friend that was helping me out, but Poppy couldn’t see past that.
They are on their way out to get her out of my house. I don’t care where she goes, I just want her gone.
Raine did text me, just to tell me he would give me my space. I didn’t reply, I don’t know what I would say.
The only person I talked to was Tyler and he’s on his way over here. His kids are with their mom, so he’s free. We have practice in the morning which means he will stay the night.
Still trying to keep busy I clean an already clean Airbnb. I ran, did laundry, and now I’m cleaning.
The doorbell rings and I open it to Tyler, Dade, and Jester with pizza. I swing the door open, and they file in. No one says anything at first. We just find plates, turn on the TV for a movie and eat in silence.
Tyler breaks it first, “how are you holding up?”
I shrug, “I went and screamed at Poppy. Told her to get the fuck out of my house. She admitted to being the one that leaked it to the media, even though she doesn’t really know about what Raine and I are—were.”
Dade raises a brow, “were?”
I sigh, run a hand down my face, “I said some pretty shitty things to him and stormed out.”
Jester sets his plate down, “you know you can go back. Raine’s a pretty understanding guy.”
“I know, but right now I just want space.”
“We’re here for whatever you need,” Tyler claps my shoulder, “now pick a movie.”
Thank fuck for these guys. I’m not good at talking about my feelings, especially about Raine. They’re just being here for me and for now that’s enough.
“One big sleep over,” Jester cheers and grabs a blanket, causing me to laugh, a genuine laugh. These guys will never understand how much they’re friendship means to me. Hopefully one day I can give back to them.