Page 5 of A Different Form of Oxygen
My legs shake beneath the table, as I release a sharp intake of breath. “Gavin…about yesterday…” I run my hand over the back of my neck, swallowing the rest of my words.
His eyes are focused on mine, with the pastry not going past his lips. “What about yesterday? Did something happen I’m not aware of? I didn’t accidentally message something embarrassing in the group text, did I?”
My face grows hot, my throat tightening against my words. “You know yesterday, when we…”
The sound of footsteps approaching have me swallowing the rest of my words. “Hey Gavin and Ben, how much longer we got until everyone else is here. I'm on time, right? I didn't miss anything important, did I?”
Gavin tears his eyes away from mine, facing Drake. “Nope we are early, apparently. I think they took a detour or something. Weren’t you just with them at the shop?”
“Yeah, but I got a bit of a head start. They were coming down from their engagement high and chatting with Stephanie. Looks like Jimmy has to miss the party. Something about helping his ex-stepfather move into his new place. He’s always missing things lately.”
Gavin sits up straighter in his chair. “I wonder what's going on with him, and why is he helping his ex-stepfather move in when he’s his ex-stepfather?”
Drake shrugs. “He says the guy doesn’t have anyone else. Maybe we will see him next hang out. At least the rest of us are here.”
I sit still in my chair, hoping being quiet will make me invisible. Gavin really had no idea who I was last night. It wasn’t a game he was playing. I was nothing but a stranger to him. I swallow the lump in my throat, wrapping my arms tightly around my body. Releasing a sigh of relief when a happy Casey came strutting through the door, eyes beaming when he looked in our direction.
Gavin pulls his chair close to mine and I quickly stand up to wrap my arms around Casey, congratulating him. “So let's see that ring,” I say reaching for his hand. The stone is subtle but sits perfectly against his small pale fingers. “It’s gorgeous; congratulations, Case. I’m so happy for you. And you too I guess,” I say in Maverick’s direction, shooting him a wink.
He laughs and Gavin catches him off guard with a big hug. “I guess you are officially off the market now, huh?”
Maverick beams in Casey’s direction. “Pretty sure I was off the market after that first date.”
I would give nearly anything to have someone look at me the way Maverick looks at Casey, like he’s his whole world. Last night I was sure I did, kneeling between Gavin’s knees. Suddenly feeling like I can’t breathe standing so close to Gavin, I quickly move past him, whispering in Casey’s ear, “Hey, I’m sorry man, but I have to go. I forgot I made a commitment today, they are short at the club. Promise to make it up to you later.”
Casey’s smile falls for a bit and I almost want to take it back, but I can’t spend another minute being reminded of how I wasn’t memorable enough for Gavin to recognize me this morning.
