Page 45 of Drew
Instantly, my hackles rise. “What do you mean?”
Chloe just stares at me expectantly, so I feel the need to explain the obvious. “We’re friends.” I shrug dismissively, though even I can tell I sound a bit defensive. But it’s the truth, so why deny it.
I huff out a sigh at that realization.Pathetic, right?
Chloe eyes me suspiciously and remains quiet. I can tell her wheels are turning, and I may not like what’s on her mind. “You want more,” she eventually says as a statement, rather than a question.
I exhale heavily and roll my eyes, as I practically whine, “I don’t know…”
I clear my throat, so I can gather my thoughts and continue in a normal voice. “At first, I thought we were only friends. When everything happened with his parents… I could’ve sworn there was something more. Then, when we returned to school… there was that romantic evening on campus… but at the end of the night, nothing changed.” I shrug as if that should explain everything.
“Is he the one who’s been texting you at night?”
How does Chloe know about that? I’ve been tight-lipped about Drew since returning from Spokane.
“Yeah,” I admit.
Chloe drops her chin and stares at me as if she knows I’m holding out on her. Damn, she’d make a good warden. With that look alone, I’m ready to confess just about anything.
“Okay… Okay.” I hold my hands up in defense. “Yes, Drew and I’ve been texting. But so far… it’s stayed completely in the friend zone.”
Chloe’s eyebrows shoot to her forehead. “You… want out of the friend zone? I mean… Drew’s hot as hell. If he were paying attention to me, like he is to you, I’d jumped all over that.”
“Chloe,” I chastise.
“What?” She throws her arms up, then continues, “Why don’t you just tell him how you feel? It’s not that difficult. I know you’re out of practice since you dated that douche canoe. But communication is key in relationships. You do want a relationship with him, right?”
I bury my head in my hands. “I don’t know what I want. I mean… I know I’m attracted to Drew. But is he worth the risk?”
“What risk are you talking about?” Chloe asks, her voice sincere.
I take in a deep breath and slowly exhale. “I guess… after my fiasco with the douche canoe, I’ve been focused on getting into med school. I don’t even know where I’ll be living next year. Is it worth getting involved with someone, knowing I’ll be moving in a matter of months?”
Chloe reaches out her hand and pats my leg. “That’s something only you can decide. But for what it’s worth, I think Drew’s a great guy.”
“I know,” I groan.
“Why not think of it this way… What if…” Chloe cocks her head to the side and stares at the ceiling for a moment, deep in thought. “Ask yourself, what you’d be thinking a year from now if youdon’ttell Drew how you feel?”
I take a moment to consider my feelings. If I’m being honest, I know there’s more going on between Drew and me than just a friendship. Instantly, I recall the electric current that flows in his presence.
But do I want to act upon it?
As if sensing my thoughts, Chloe places a hand on my thigh as she solemnly states, “You know, Abby… More people regret the things they don’t do, rather than the ones they do. Only you can make this decision, but I don’t want you to wake up a year from now, wishing you’d said something to him. There’s a long time between now and next fall. Think of all the time you could enjoy together until then.”
“But what if…” I stop myself from revealing my deepest fear.
Fuck, if I voice it aloud, it could become reality.
Before Chloe or I can say anything more, Sydney walks into the room and drops her purse onto the coffee table. “But what if what?” she asks the room.
Chloe looks to Sydney with a slight grin. “Abby…” She looks pointedly at me. “Has feelings for Drew but is afraid to voice them.”
“He’s made it very clear…” I look to them to clarify. “All he wants to be is friends.”
Sydney shakes her head in disagreement. “I don’t think so, Abs.”
“Did you ever stop to think that maybe he thinks you’vefriend-zonedhim?” Chloe points out. “I mean, you’re so focused on school that you never even notice the guys around you.”
