“Then what are you doing here?”
The water shut off, alerting me that Nathan was about to step out. Not wanting him to know that I was seeking him out, I said the first thing that came to my mind. “I wasn't sure you were home so I was going to tell him that I'm going out for a walk.”
Satisfied with my response, Hannah closed the door and I did as I said.
Grabbing my coat I walked out of the house into the dark night, letting the cool breeze hit me. I sent Karla a text message, wishing with all my heart that she wasn't so many miles away. I needed her craziness in that moment to stop thinking about what my sister and Nathan were probably doing.
Her reply came a few minutes later.
Karla: I miss Pennsylvania. Tell Nathan to buy me another ticket?
I rolled my eyes. Karla was not one to mince her words, not one that really cared about anything either.
Me: I miss you.
As soon as the words were sent, I received a call through FaceTime. I didn't want to talk, but I answered, taking a seat on a bench on the sidewalk.
“What's wrong?” I saw Karla laying down on her bed. Her hair was a mess and it seemed like the room was too.
“Why do you think something is wrong?”
“It looks like you're out alone…in the dark. Something's wrong.”
I was about to reply when I saw something, or more specifically, someone moving in the background. A very naked man lying down next to her.
“Who the fuck is that?” I asked Karla with a shriek.
“Mike.” The guy waved.
“Can you tell him to get out of there so I can talk to you?” I asked, still wide-eyed. Karla rolled her eyes, asking Mike to leave. He walked out the door, his bare ass out on display without a single care in the world.
Karla had found her match.
“Stop gaping, Evie. I know that's a lot for your virgin eyes to handle. Hell, it was almost too much for me to handle, if you know what I mean.”
“Jesus, Karla. You're really taking advantage now that I'm not there.”
She'd always avoided bringing guys home, especially since she said she didn't want to corrupt my “innocent” mind. It was strange how much I loved her but wanted to punch her at the same time.
She laughed, placing the phone in front of her and her face in her hands. “What's up, girl? Why are you out on your own?”
Sighing, I closed my eyes and told her everything about how I'd been feeling, how much I wish I didn't feel that way. She listened as always, though she didn't seem convinced that trying something with Josh was a good idea.
I hated feeling so conflicted, but I realized I had to put my feelings aside and create some distance between Nate and I if I wanted this insanity to end. I couldn't act on what I felt, I wouldn't.