Bacon, Egg, and CheeseDie
EIGHT
Dahlia
The consequences of my carefree fun last night have arrived.
The small sliver of sun breaking through my bedroom curtains feels like being stuck by lightning as I attempt to pull the blanket over my head.
I recall bits and pieces of my chaos and my every day anxiety transforms into special edition hangover anxiety.
I decide to face the world and slink into the living room.
Jasper’s sprawling figure is taking up one half of the futon, while Wesley’s shirtless back is on display, his arms hanging towards the floor.
I decide it’s harmless to ogle him right now since he’s sleeping.
The expanse of his shoulders and torso are adorned with tattoos.
My eyes trace the traditional style tigers on either shoulder blade, to the black and gray script wrapping around his biceps—beautiful in a dark way.
Something hits me in the head and I turn to find Daphne hiding from where she must have launched the ball of tin foil at me. I turn ready to deny my staring contest with Wes’ back, when he clears his throat and moves to stretch.
“Mornin’ ladies. The futon was surprisingly welcoming. The same can’t be said for Jasper’s hairy ass though.” Jasper huffs and turns to face the wall.
“Anytime we’ve come to the city, we always grab a bacon, egg, and cheese. Any chance you’ve got a spot you like nearby? I can pick up, I’m ready to grub.”
Daphne agrees to go along with Wes, in case “the country bumpkin” gets lost. I decide to clear up some of the coffee table space for us to eat when Jasper speaks.
“What’s the deal with you and Wes?” I’m honestly surprised he’s said so many words in a row.
“What do you mean? We’re friends, he’s fun to hang out with.”
“I’m just saying…He’s all heart eyes for you. Wes’ got a whole life and responsibilities on the farm. I don’t want him slacking off because of you.”
Crossing my arms, I face him. “I’m not too sure how any of that is my problem.
We’re friends and I’ve got my own life and responsibilities too, so I’d appreciate it if you minded your own business.
If you have a problem, you can take it up with Wes.
” I’ve had enough of this conversation and decide to head back to my room.
Jasper looks like he’s going to say something, opening and closing his mouth like a fucking fish, before ultimately keeping quiet.
Fernando accompanies me in my self-loathing as I burrow in my blankets until Daphne shouts they’re back.
I head to grab my sandwich and sit on the farthest side of the tiny living room from Wesley.
For my sanity and Jasper’s deep concern for Wes’ well-being, we need to nip this little crush situation in the bud.
After eating, Wesley’s eyes catch mine and he nods to the kitchenette area, grabbing some of our takeout trash. I snag the empty coffee cups and follow.
“I had a lot of fun last night. You’re a hell of a dancer. I can see why the crowd loves you so much,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck.
I’m playing with the hem of my shirt and regretting making eye contact with him, as his brown eyes feel like they’re searing every inch of me.
“I’d definitely come to another. Dancing isn’t something I ever do.
I’m not really at the club shaking ass these days.
” He laughs. “You were…it was”—he takes a breath to collect himself—“it was hot. But I’d hate to make you uncomfortable if I overstepped at all.
” His worried look pins me in place, I feel the heat rising on my cheeks, and I’m willing my mouth to literally make any single sound.
He leans back against my shitty, peeling formica countertop, his white tank top stretching against his hard chest—arousal and panic take equal hold in me.
Wes fumbles for words. “Sorry, um, what I’m trying to say…I would love to take you out sometime, you and I.”
The nerves in my stomach are a maelstrom as I think of a casual way to say my untreated anxiety is ruining my life and I’m fully convinced you’ll see beyond the facade and not like what you find.
“Totally. Totally…” I look away trailing off, because I’m about to lie through my teeth.
“I love to dance and we were just being silly right? I think you’re great, truly.
I have a lot to balance with school and working.
I don’t know if I can offer anyone anything more than sub-par friendship.
” I hope he can hear the apology in my voice, because I really do want more, with him specifically.
“I respect that. I’ll be in your life, in whatever way you allow. Plus, who knows maybe you can use me as a case study for emotionally stunted bearded men?” This easy joking and sense of comfort is what makes Wes so great and this friendship so dangerous.
I lean in to shove him and he grabs me for a side hug. “You’re hot, I’m hot. It only makes sense for us to be hot friends. I need someone to go to shows with, since Jasper hates crowds ninety-nine percent of the time. You’re the perfect concert buddy.” Fuck my life.
After a day of loafing about and watching corny slasher movies, Wes and Jasper pack up to head out.
Jasper is seemingly kinder to me than he was during his I gotta protect the farm and Wesley tirade for the rest of the day.
He nods his thanks and for a brief moment, he stares down Daphne.
She blows him a kiss and immediately follows it up with a middle finger, to which he turns on his heel and immediately heads downstairs.
“Let me know about the show next week. The tickets aren’t bad and I heard their sets are killer.” Wes reminds me of our earlier conversation about heading to a show in Jersey.
“Definitely. As long as I can get some sort of direction on where my thesis is headed, I’m down.” Wes shrugs his duffle over his shoulder to leave.
Though I seemingly drew a line in the sand regarding our relationship, I throw my arms around him anyway. His surprised grunt quickly morphs into a soft laugh as he wraps me in a tight hug. “Bye,” I say, far too breathy for a platonic goodbye.
I shut the door and turn to find Daphne nearly up my ass. “Friends. Friends!” She grabs my shoulders and guides me to the futon.
I’m irritated, but I also saw this coming because Daphne is like an evil, all-seeing owl.
Perhaps an evil rooster, because while she does impart wisdom upon you, she does so in a really obnoxious way.
“I fully support you being more than friends, and it seems he does too. So why did I overhear you shutting it down?”
“Is there anything you don’t know, nosy bitch? You know why. Our judgment was clouded with too many Cowboy Cocksuckers. It happens. All is well now and we’re back on even footing.”
“For now.” She stands dusting her hands of my nonsense.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it, since it seems you’ve got it all sorted out.
I’m meeting up with Jade for drinks tonight, since she’s back in town.
I’d invite you, but I’m low-key hoping it is, or will be, a date.
” She wiggles her eyebrows before planting a loud, wet kiss on my forehead.
Damn, well at least one of us may have some romance after all. “Ugh, well at least if you date Jade, I’ll be the best friend of a rock star’s girlfriend.” I smash my face into the unsuspecting pillow and enjoy a pity party of one for the rest of the night.