17. Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Seventeen
Licia
Two weeks, six days, and a couple of hours. That’s exactly how long it had been since Kevin’s crisis, and I hadn’t gone a single day without seeing him. Some might call it impulsive, but I couldn’t stop myself from being intentional about his care and recovery.
Even though he was stronger now, I still treated him like he might have another crisis if I took my eyes off him. He had become the center of my universe, and I didn’t know how to pull back, even if I wanted to.
I woke up filled with energy, eager to start the day. It was the perfect morning for a jog. I quickly got dressed, pulling on my favorite running shoes and a light jacket.
The early morning air was crisp and invigorating, promising a day full of possibilities. I slid my AirPods into my ears, selected my workout playlist, and hit the pavement with a steady rhythm.
As I ran, I let the music drown out my thoughts, focusing on the steady beat of my feet hitting the ground. The neighborhood was still mostly asleep, the streets quiet except for the occasional car passing by.
It was my favorite time of day—peaceful, with just enough chill in the air to keep me moving at a brisk pace.
When I returned, I was surprised to see Joey leaning against her car in front of my house. She looked slightly out of place, scrolling through her phone with a concentrated frown, her sleek business attire contrasting sharply with the relaxed, early-morning atmosphere.
I hadn’t expected her, but it was a pleasant surprise . She was on a call, so I waited for her to finish.
“Hi, Joey,” I said, taking out my AirPods and wiping the sweat from my brow.
“Hey, you’re up bright and early today.” She pocketed her phone and gave me a tired smile.
“Some days come with a special kind of Zen, so you just have to go with the flow.”
She nodded in agreement, her usual spark dulled by whatever had her so preoccupied. “That’s so true.”
“So, what brings you by? You don’t usually show up this early,” I asked, crossing my arms as I leaned against the wall.
“My love, it’s actually work. That call I just finished? It was a client who was supposed to close on a property this morning, but he just called to say he’s out of town for a business meeting. Can you believe that?”
“Whoa, that’s not cool at all. He didn’t give you a heads up, even though you had an appointment?”
“I won’t lie, Licia, I tried so hard not to lose my cool on him. Had to keep my ‘professional disposition,’” she whined, making air quotes. “But I’ve got a plan to get back at him.” A mischievous smile spread across her lips, a hint of the old Joey shining through.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “What’s the plan?”
“I’m going to sell that property to another bidder, ASAP. Even if it’s not at the same price he was offering.”
“Isn’t that bad business? Won’t that hurt your reputation?”
“Maybe… but at least he’ll be pissed.”
“So you’re going to take a loss just to get back at your client?” I laughed.
“Joey, you’re adorable when you’re angry, but this might not be the best way to handle it.”
“It’s not funny, Licia. It’s not.” She scowled, but I could tell she was rethinking her plan, her frown deepening into one of contemplation.
“Fine, I get it. You’re upset. Let’s go inside and have something nice for breakfast. It might lighten your mood and give you a fresh perspective.”
“You should have said that from the beginning,” Joey smiled as she headed for the door, her mood already lifting at the prospect of food.
“You’re impossible,” I laughed, following her in.
I whipped up some French toast and hot chocolate while Joey watched TV, sprawled comfortably on my couch like she owned the place.
She didn’t lift a finger to help, and I didn’t really mind. This was our routine—me playing chef while she indulged in a little lazy luxury.
“Your majesty, breakfast is served,” I announced sarcastically, setting the plates down on the coffee table.
“That’s wonderful. I’ll be with you in a second.” She replied haughtily, still glued to the TV. “You know what? Just bring it over here.”
“If I ever end up in jail for murder, it’ll be because I killed you,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head as I settled down beside her with my own plate. I had plans for the day, which included checking in on Kevin, but I wasn’t in any rush.
Joey finally tore her eyes away from the screen to join me. “You couldn’t even bring the food over? After all I’ve been through?”
“If by nice, you mean bringing your food to you, then I’d rather not be nice. I was nice enough to make it,” I shot back, taking a big bite of the French toast.
Joey smiled, that mischievous glint back in her eyes. “Fine, you’re the best friend in the world.”
“Don’t patronize me, just eat your food,” I said, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a grin.
“Licia, I know you’ve been all caught up with Kevin’s surgery, but what about Avery?” she asked casually, as if she hadn’t just dropped a bomb in the middle of breakfast.
I paused, the fork halfway to my mouth. I hadn’t been expecting that. “What about him?”
“Have you talked to him? How are things going?” She asked, leaning in with that curious look that meant she wasn’t going to let it go easily.
“I haven’t. I’ve been busy, and you know that.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but even to my own ears, it came out forced.
She gave me a long, assessing look, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Too busy to even say hi? I’m sure he’s been blowing up your phone. That’s not fair, Licia.”
I sighed, setting my fork down. “Joey, things aren’t always what they seem.”
“So how are they, really?” She asked, her tone gentle but probing, like she was trying to peel back the layers I’d carefully built up over the past few weeks.
“Kevin is still recuperating, so I need to be there as much as I can.”
I lied, knowing it was only half the truth. The real reason was more complicated, tangled up in emotions I wasn’t ready to confront.
“I thought you said he could stand on crutches now. So…?”
I hesitated, knowing Joey’s sharp instincts were on point. She wasn’t going to let me off the hook that easily.
“It’s just hard to act unaffected around him. I still love him, Joey. A lot.”
“So, is the friendship pact over?” She switched to detective mode, her eyes locking onto mine.
“Not exactly… “
“What if I’m just not ready to take things further yet? What if it’s just concern and pity I’m confusing for love?”
“You’re not confused, Licia. Let’s say Kevin asks you out today. Will you say yes, or will you turn him down?”
I opened my mouth to protest, but the words wouldn’t come. Finally, I sighed, “I think I’d say yes.”
Joey gave a wry smile, the kind that said she’d known the answer all along. “You see? You love him. No confusion there.”
“You’re going to see him today, I suppose?” she asked, though it was more of a statement than a question.
“Yes, I will,” I admitted, feeling a bit like I was surrendering in some unspoken battle.
“That’s fine. I just want you to be happy, Licia. That’s all I care about.”
“I want to be happy too, Joey. I’m just… figuring out what that looks like.”
“Just try to return Avery’s call. Don’t keep him hanging, okay?” She added gently, her concern for me evident in the way her eyes softened.
I smiled, grateful for her understanding. “I will. I promise.”
***
Later at Kevin’s…
When I arrived at Kevin’s house, the familiar sound of video game music blared from the living room, mingled with the competitive banter between Kevin and Lexie.
They were, as usual, deeply engrossed in their game, seated on the footboard bench, eyes glued to the massive 120-inch TV. Kevin had an ottoman in front of him to elevate his leg, his crutches resting nearby.
Despite everything he’d been through, he still managed to look like he was having the time of his life. I’ve never been a fan of video games.
Kevin had tried countless times to win me over, coaxing me into playing with promises of fun and bonding time, but it didn’t work.
I found them frivolous, a waste of time that could be spent doing something more meaningful. But I did enjoy watching Kevin and Lexie’s reactions.
That was the real entertainment —seeing the way their faces lit up with excitement or scrunched in frustration, hearing their playful insults and bursts of laughter.
“Licia, you’re just in time to witness the greatest win of all time,” Lexie bragged, her eyes darting across the screen as she maneuvered her character with quick, practiced moves.
“I don’t see Kevin letting that happen. Or would you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at Kevin, who was concentrating hard on the game.
“Trust me, Licia. This win is mine,” Kevin replied, though the tight set of his jaw hinted at the effort it was taking him to keep up with Lexie.
“Want to grab a seat and join us?” he asked, glancing at me briefly before refocusing on the game.
“No, thank you. You know how I feel about this.” I leaned against the wall, watching them.
“Oh, come on, Licia! Just one round?” Lexie chimed in, giving me her best puppy dog eyes.
“Maybe some other time.” I smiled, shaking my head.
“She’ll never do it,” Kevin said with mock defeat, earning a triumphant grin from Lexie.
“Not today, but don’t lose hope,” I teased.
“You’re going to make me lose focus if you keep distracting me, Licia,” Kevin chuckled, his eyes never leaving the screen.
“Don’t blame me for your poor gaming skills,” I retorted playfully, crossing my arms as I leaned against the back of the couch.
“I never lose to Kevin, and today won’t be any different,” Lexie bragged, making Kevin shake his head.
“Oh, really? We’ll see about that.” Kevin narrowed his eyes, a determined look crossing his face.
I watched them for a few more minutes, chuckling at their playful banter before deciding to leave them to it. I headed into the kitchen to grab some water, but as I passed the hallway, I noticed Kevin’s crutches leaning against the wall, his physical therapist’s notes stacked neatly on the counter.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. He was doing so well, but I knew how much he hated being limited by his injury, how much it ate at him to be sidelined from his usual activities.
When I returned to the living room, Lexie was beaming with pride, clearly having won the match, while Kevin looked defeated but good-naturedly so.
“Told you I’d win,” Lexie said, nudging him playfully.
“Yeah, yeah. Enjoy it while it lasts,” Kevin replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
“You guys are too much,” I said, shaking my head with a grin.
Kevin shifted slightly, wincing as he moved his injured leg. I immediately went into caregiver mode, my eyes narrowing in concern.
“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I asked, moving closer to him.
“I’m fine, Licia. It’s just a bit sore. No big deal,” he said, trying to wave off my concern.
“I’m going to get you some ice,” I insisted, already heading towards the kitchen.
“Licia, you don’t have to—”
“I want to,” I interrupted gently, giving him a soft smile before disappearing into the kitchen.
As I prepared the ice pack, I couldn’t help but think about what Joey had said earlier. She was right—Kevin was more than capable of taking care of himself now.
But that didn’t mean I was ready to step back, to let go of the intense need to be there for him.
I wasn’t sure what that meant for us, for our friendship or whatever else might be brewing beneath the surface, but I knew I wasn’t ready to walk away.
When I returned to the living room, Kevin was leaning back against the couch, his eyes closed, while Lexie was scrolling through her phone.
“Here,” I said softly, handing him the ice pack.
“Thanks, Licia. You’re a lifesaver,” he said, giving me a tired but grateful smile.
“Just doing what I can,” I replied, settling down beside him on the couch.
For a while, we sat in comfortable silence, the only sounds coming from the TV and the occasional clicking of Lexie’s phone. I could feel the weight of Kevin’s gaze on me, and when I turned to look at him, his eyes were filled with something I couldn’t quite place.
“What?” I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious under his scrutiny.
“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head with a small smile. “Just… thanks for being here, Licia. It means a lot to me.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that, Kevin,” I replied softly. “I’m always here for you.”
“I know,” he said, his voice filled with something deeper, something that made my heart skip a beat.
Lexie, oblivious to the tension between us, suddenly looked up from her phone. “Hey, Kevin, are you up for another round, or should I let you off the hook?”
“I think I’ll sit this one out,” Kevin replied, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Okay, your loss!” Lexie chirped, jumping up from the couch and heading to the kitchen for a snack.
As she disappeared, Kevin shifted closer to me, his expression serious. “Licia, can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” I said, my heart beginning to race.
“What’s going on with us?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I know we said we’d stay friends, but… it feels like there’s something more, doesn’t it?”
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. I’d been avoiding this conversation, but now that it was here, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to hurt him, didn’t want to ruin what we had, but I also couldn’t deny that there was something more between us—something I was terrified of losing.
“I don’t know, Kevin,” I said honestly, my voice trembling. “I care about you. A lot. But I’m scared. Scared of what might happen if we take that next step.”
“I’m scared too,” he admitted, his eyes searching mine. “But I don’t want to lose you, Licia. Not now, not ever. I’d rather stay in the friend zone forever if it means I get to keep you in my life.”
My heart ached at his words, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “I don’t want to lose you either, Kevin. But I’m not sure what the right thing to do is.”
“Maybe we don’t have to figure it all out right now,” he said gently, taking my hand in his. “Maybe we just take it one day at a time. See where it leads.”
I nodded, unable to trust my voice to speak. His hand was warm and comforting, and for a moment, all the fear and uncertainty melted away, leaving only the simple, undeniable truth that I wanted to be with him—no matter what.
“Just promise me one thing,” Kevin said softly, his eyes locked onto mine.
“Anything,” I whispered.
“Promise me you’ll be honest with me. About how you feel, about everything. No more hiding.”
I nodded again, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. “I promise, Kevin.”
He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made my heart swell with emotion. “ That’s all I need.”
We sat there in silence, our hands still clasped together, as the weight of everything unsaid hung between us.
But for the first time in weeks, I felt a glimmer of hope—a fragile, tentative hope that maybe, just maybe, we could figure this out together.