29. Chapter Twenty-Nine
As we arrived at the restaurant, my stomach churned with nerves and anticipation. We still needed to tell the rest of the group we were leaving early, and I knew Grey wasn’t going to like it. But I couldn’t bring myself to stay another day, falling in love with Grey and knowing it would just end in heartbreak. I couldn’t take the risk.
We settled at our table, everyone commenting on the rustic décor that made the burger joint feel like an old-time saloon waiting for a cowboy to step in, spurs jangling like in an old western film. I glanced at the menu. Nothing sounded appetizing, but I needed to eat.
“Have you ever had bison before?” Grey asked, leaning over and pointing to one of the menu items. “Do you think it tastes different enough from cow to justify the additional five dollars?”
“Only one way to find out,” Brad said, quirking an eyebrow at Grey. “I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to try bison at least once in their life, if for no other reason than being able to answer that exact question.”
Our waitress arrived, carrying a tray of waters. Everyone else was ready to order, so I quickly selected something, landing on a cheeseburger topped with barbeque sauce and onion rings. I also ordered a Pepsi, needing the caffeine kick to make it through dinner and the rest of the evening.
Conversation tapered off as we waited for our food, the first awkward silence of the trip descending over our group and making me wonder if somehow they already knew what Brad, Tory, and I had discussed.
“What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Another float down the river? Campfire and stargazing? It’s our last full day at the cabin. We’ve got to make it count!” Kylie said, grinning at Tory with clear excitement.
“Yes, to all of the above! Also, I’d love to do another hike, maybe drive up to Sawtelle for the sunset,” Tory rambled.
I fidgeted with my straw wrapper, tying it into a knot and then tearing it into little pieces as I waited for the right time to share our news with the group.
“That sounds fun. Anything else people want to do?” Grey asked, trying to draw the rest of us into the conversation.
Brad took this as his opening.
“It’s really up to the four of you.” He gestured to Trent, Tory, Kylie, and Grey. “Alex, Audrey, and I are heading back tomorrow. That is, if you’re okay riding home with either Grey or Tory, Kylie.”
Alex gave an encouraging nod, having clearly talked to Brad about the decision before now. I bit my lip, waiting for everyone’s reaction.
“Of course. I’m flexible,” Kylie rushed to reassure.
Grey seemed the only one truly bothered by the pronouncement. Trent didn’t react, and Kylie looked excited at the prospect of a change of rides. A look of shocked hurt filled Grey’s face, and I forced myself to ignore it. He’d move on from me soon enough. I bet he’d find his unicorn in Oregon, probably someone who enjoyed long walks on the beach while getting caught in the rain.
“What do you mean you’re heading back tomorrow? We’re supposed to be here a couple more days,” Grey protested, looking back and forth between the three of us, his eyes snagging on mine and holding until I finally broke his gaze, choosing to stare at the straw wrappers littering the table in front of me instead.
Brad gave a noncommittal shrug. “Some stuff has come up at home, and Audrey mentioned needing to get back too.”
“Tory, you’re okay with this?” Grey turned to look at her, and Tory gave a small shrug.
“I’ll miss them, but if they need to head back a bit early, I understand. Life happens.” I could hear the words she didn’t say about how I needed space. Though I guessed having Trent and Brad in separate states wouldn’t hurt things for Tory either.
I bit my lip, waiting for someone to question Brad further, to dig into his vague excuse for cutting our trip short, but they seemed to accept his reasons, though Grey appeared less than satisfied with the answer, trying to read something on my face from his position across the table from me.
Our waitress arrived with our food, and the table descended into silence, the only noise the sound of cutlery on plates. I barely tasted my food. Instead, I stared at my plate, doing my best to avoid Grey’s probing gaze.
Finally, Grey broke the silence. “I can officially say bison burgers are not worth an extra five dollars.”
A stilted laugh escaped from the group, breaking the tension. Soon everyone dove into conversation. It was quieter than before but served to distract everyone from our pending departure and the holes it would leave in the group.