60
The apartment feels weird without Abi, and it’s only been a day.
I had gotten used to feeling like I lived alone when she was spending all of her time at Brooks’, but I have enjoyed having her around lately.
I’m sitting on the window seat, peering out into the courtyard like a nosy neighbour, on the lookout for any Brooks sightings to report back on.
Sam walks towards my apartment. Thank God, someone to help me snoop.
I jump up, rush over to the door and swing it open just as Sam is raising his hand to knock.
“Thank God,” I say, this time out loud. I reach forward, grab the bottom of his t-shirt and pull him inside before closing the door. He laughs at me but doesn’t question why I’m acting like I’m sneaking him into a secret clubhouse.
“Have you seen him?” I ask, taking my seat back next to the window.
“No, I haven’t seen him, but I’ve been at the gym all day. His car was in the parking lot, though. For all I know, he’s up in my apartment now. I came straight here.” He takes a seat on the couch, kicks off his shoes and swings his long legs up onto the cushions.
“Sure, make yourself at home.”
“I will,” he says with a laugh, then picks the remote up from the couch. “Did you want to get Thai?”
“Yeah, sure. You know what I like. You call, I’ll pay,” I reply, moving my head to try and see around the bushes in front of Brooks’ apartment.
Are the lights on in there? It’s hard enough to see through the courtyard during the day, and now my eyes are straining through the darkness to see something I know I have no hope of seeing.
Not having to be told twice, Sam pulls out his phone and orders fried rice, Pad Thai and a couple of salads.
I can’t help but smile at the way he’s always trying to make me eat healthier.
He chooses a show he wants to watch–something I have no interest in–and lies back on the couch.
I think he likes being here more than his apartment.
Whenever I’ve gone up there, Jeremy is glued to the couch, playing some annoying video game.
Mai is usually sitting beside him, scrolling through videos on her phone, and because Mai is there, Harper comes and goes whenever she pleases.
At least here, he can spread out on the couch and watch TV.
I give up watching Brooks’ apartment and join Sam in the living room, taking a seat on the floor in front of the couch so he can stay lying out.
“How’s Abi doing at Gaia’s?” he asks.
I was wondering when he was going to bring her up. “Good, it’s like a regular old slumber party over there.”
“Did she talk to you about what happened the other night?”
I look up at him, but his eyes are still fixed on the TV screen. I stand and take a seat on the edge of the couch beside him. He refuses to make eye contact.
“No, but you did. Give it a rest, man. She’s not over Brooks, and she’s been through more than you realise.
Hey.” I place my hand on his chest to get him to look at me, and he does.
“Don’t waste your shot when you know she’s not ready.
Wait a while, then try again. If she hooks up with you now, you’ll never know if she really likes you or if she’s doing it because she’s lonely.
” His soft eyes linger on mine as he wraps his fingers around my hand.
There’s a knock on the door. I am so ready for food. I jump up from the couch, grabbing my purse on the way to the door, only to swing it open to find Brooks.
“I was hoping you were Thai,” I say, not trying to hide my disappointment.
“Is Abi here?” He looks past me into the apartment. His eyes flicker with anger when he sees Sam lying on the couch.
“She’s not here,” I reply, not moving from my spot, blocking Brooks from entering.
“Just let me see her,” he demands impatiently.
“I promise she’s not here. You know she called you like a hundred times? You never called her back.” I stare him down, almost as if I’m challenging him to a duel.
“I’m here now,” he shrugs.
“I’ll let her know you stopped by,” I say, closing the door in his face. I lock it, return to the couch and pick up my phone from the floor to call Abi.