Page 24 of Unmasking Love
“I did break up, I was showing Aiden the perfect home for him when we walked in on Crispin getting head from Raquel.”
“Well, that’s a new one.”
“Yep,” She pops the P. She sounds so unaffected. Unphased by seeing her boyfriend cheat on her.
“So, are you bringing Aiden this time?”
“Bringing me where?” I ask.
“Well, Harp has a little tradition every time this happens,” Wes pauses for effect, “she gets plastered.”
“It’s a lot more boring than it sounds, I can drop you off and then meet Wes.”
“Can I come?” I ask. It’s out before I can catch it. But I feel invested in this. In her.
“Sure,” she whispers.
“Fab, see you two in a few! Ha! I rhymed.” Wes laughs to himself before the call ends.
“So, where to?” I ask as Harper pulls out her phone.
“Well, usually it’s to a place called Señior Guppies. The margaritas border on toxic and they keep the chips coming. Seriously, you don’t have to though. If you turn right up here we can get back to your place and then I’ll turn around and meet Wes.”
I don’t know where I’m going but instead of pulling to the right, I get into the left turn lane.
“Aiden, what are you doing?”
“Harper, I’m not going to leave you alone right now. So you can either tell me where to go or pop the address into the map.”
“O-kay.” She says quietly and she navigates to the directions.
We drive quietly and I try not to be obvious about looking her way. Every time I do she is leaning against the window with her chin resting on her hand that’s balled into a fist. She doesn’t look sad, or angry, she looks resigned.
I don’t have a ton of experience with friendships and even less with romantic relationships. As a kid, my life revolved around learning the game. As a teen it was all about becoming the best goalie I could be. Then getting as strong as I could. And now for the past seven years, my life has been about being the guy the team can rely on in a pinch.
It hits me as I follow the directions on Harper’s navigation that I see myself as separate from the team. Not a team member who gets called up. I’m the lone wolf, the last line in the sand when the team is already down in the count. Not a man sitting with his team, among his friends, waiting patiently for his chance to contribute.
And now, this loner is driving a girl to meet a friend for post breakup drinks because Iwantto be at her side. I want to be with her as she works through this
Yes, anyone would have stepped up and helped her get out of there.
Anyone would have driven her back to her office so she didn’t drive under duress.
But, would they feel this intense pull I’m feeling towards her?
Would they feel compelled to keep her close?
To protect her?
These questions swarm in my chest along with feelings I’m not sure how to name. Sensations of longing maybe, or is it possession? It could be fascination, or is this anticipation? Both? None?
Never before has my heart beat so wildly without a clear reason.
Each glance towards Harper causes everything inside me to churn. I make the final turn towards the destination while my stomach can’t decide if it’s going to jump up my throat or bottom out through my ass.
Maybe a drink will help.
We walk into the restaurant and I immediately understand what Harper meant by “borderline toxic”. Paint is chipping, part of the ceiling is sagging down, and one of the lights in the back is flickering. I can’t tell if the mariachi music playing over the sound system is comforting or taunting. The walls on this restaurant look lethal, I can’t imagine the food. I think I’ll stay sober because nothing about this looks good.
