Page 22 of The One I Love
“Hey,” he says hesitantly. “I don’t know what you’re doing tonight, but do you want to go get a bite after this?”
I don’t look at him right away, because how do I say no? Because I’m not just saying no to dinner, I’m saying no to what he wants to talk about. The conversation we need to have.
“Shane…I?—”
“Don’t,” he says quickly. “Don’t say anything else.”
“But I?—”
He turns toward me, a serious expression on his handsome face. “Don’t finish that. Don’t put those words into the open. Because once you say them, it will be hard for us to go anywhere but that direction.”
“Shane, you need to?—”
“No.” He cuts me off again, but not harshly. “Just promise me you’ll think about it. Really think about it. Think about what we shared. How it felt. What more it could be. Think about how easily we could fit into each other’s lives. Because I have, and I think we could be great.”
“Shane, I have thought?—”
“I’m not saying you haven’t but just take a little more time. Actually, take as much time as you need. I’ll be here. I’ve always been here, and I’m not going anywhere. Just please, promise me, you’ll think about it. Toss it around in that overthinking brain of yours. And then, after you do all that, text me and I’ll be there.”
Think about it? How can I not? It’s all I have been thinking about. But the more I think about it, the more I don’t think it’s a good idea.
“Shane, I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“Amelia,” he says as he steps right beside me, his hand lightly squeezing mine. “I’ve hoped for you my entire life. I’m not going to give up hoping now.”
His words hit me hard as he lets go of my hand. I watch him walk away with my jaw slacked and my mind in a spiral as one word plays on repeat.
His entire life? What does that mean?
But it’s something else he said that has me spinning.
Hope…
Because that’s what this would be, right? Hoping it works. Hoping it doesn’t wreck a lifelong friendship. Hoping that these feelings are real.
Hoping that the risk is worth the reward.
Chapter 7
Shane
I’m neverthe one to gather the guys and suggest we go out. Most nights I’m content sitting at home, occasionally cracking open a beer, working on my motorcycle, or otherwise just sitting back and relaxing. Especially if it’s a Friday night. I don’t need the hustle and bustle of a bar. Too many people for my liking.
But the more I sit here alone, the more I think about Amelia. And the more days that pass with no word from her, the more worried I get that this is going to be over before we even had a chance to begin.
I need to get out of my house. I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Which is why I’m about to set the group chat on fire with what I’m about to type.
Shane: Anyone up for a drink? I’m buying.
Wes: Excuse me?
Simon: Who the fuck are you and what have you done with Shane?
Wes: Seriously, are you okay?
Shane: I’m fine. Just don’t feel like sitting at home tonight.
Simon: Fuck going out. I’m sending an ambulance. Is Amelia working tonight? We’ll need to warn her that you’ve had a mental break and will need immediate medical care.
