59
Both Abi and Gaia are still sleeping despite it being almost noon.
I’m sitting on my window seat, nursing a hot cup of coffee as I look out over the courtyard that last night’s rain left flooded with large puddles.
It’s chilly and grey out there. The perfect excuse to stay inside and watch movies.
Lately, Abi and I have been digging deep into the classics.
I’m going through the list of movies in my head that we are yet to watch when a flash of someone running down the stairs on the far side of the courtyard catches my attention.
It’s Sam. He jogs over to our apartment, but doesn’t come to the door.
I decide to call him, taking my phone from the pocket of my dressing gown.
I dial his number, then watch as he digs into his pocket, pulls his phone out and puts it to his ear.
“What are you doing, loser? Stop being a peeping Tom and come in,” I tease.
“Can you come out here? I have something I need to tell you,” he whispers as if he’s trying not to wake anyone, even though he’s outside. I pull my dressing gown closed, tie it shut and walk out into the courtyard.
“It’s freezing. Why are we outside?”
“Is Abi awake?” He suspiciously looks around as if we’re swapping top-secret government information.
“No, she’s asleep. Everyone is asleep beside us. Do you know why? Because it’s cold as fuck and they’re smart.” I bounce up and down on the balls of my feet, trying to keep warm. I swear it was a nice autumn day yesterday, and now, bam, winter is here and it’s trying to freeze me to death.
“Harper is up in my apartment,” Sam begins, bringing his hands to my sides and pulling me closer. “Brooks called her.”
“That’s great. He can call Harper, but not the girlfriend he abandoned?” I am so angry at him, but Sam doesn’t know how deep my hatred for Brooks runs because he doesn’t know the reason he left. And unless Abi tells him, he never will.
“He’s coming back,” he cuts my internal rant short.
“He what? Why? When?”
“Tomorrow,” he replies, taking a step backwards, obviously finished sharing his intel.
“Thanks. I’ll let her know.” So much for my lazy movie day. Fuck. But there’s something more to Sam’s expression, more than concern over Brooks’ return. I eye him. “Did something happen between you two last night?”
“No.”
I raise my eyebrow at him.
“Fine. I tried to kiss her. She’s not ready. That’s it.”
I raise my eyebrow further, trying to coax more information.
“Really, that’s it. I promise. I should have known it was too soon.”
“Are you ok?” I ask, dropping my eyebrows and softening my face.
“I’m fine. I’m a big boy. Not the first time I’ve been rejected, and it won’t be the last.” He shrugs. I want to ask more, but he lifts his hand in a quick wave and turns to jog back up to his apartment.
I dodge the puddles on my way back inside, wondering how I’m going to break the news to Abi. I tap on her door and push it open before she’s had a chance to answer. She’s still in bed, but she’s awake.
“Morning,” she greets me, a sleepy smile on her face.
“Sleep well?” I ask, happy to see my friend so relaxed. If only I hadn’t come here to ruin her day.
“Really well.” She stretches her arms above her head and lets out a wide yawn. “What’s up?”
“Sam came to see me.” She bolts up in bed.
“I know he tried to kiss you. That’s not why I’m here.
” Her body relaxes, but only a little. “Harper told him that Brooks called her. He’s coming back tomorrow.
” I watch as her face sinks and the sadness appears in her eyes.
I haven’t missed that look. “What do you want to do?”
“Umm. I, umm. I don’t know.” She looks around her room in a panic as if the answer is somewhere hidden in the walls. There’s a soft knock on the already open door.
“You can come stay with me if you want,” Gaia offers softly, entering the room. “My apartment isn’t big or anything, but I have a pull-out couch you can crash on for as long as you need. And when I’m here, you can have the bed.”
Abi’s eyes soften, and relief washes over her body. Her shoulders relax, and she lets out a deep breath. “Thank you.”
She jumps out of bed, and we spring into action with no further discussion.