Page 85 of Another Love, Another Time
“Please believe me when I say I don’t misunderstand the action, but if it’s automatic reaction, just go with it. Before anything, we were friends. I know I’m the one who ruined that for us, but I would like us to build our friendship again. Just know that I’m working on things on my end. I’m willing to do the work. Just don’t give up on me.” And then, he pulls his pinkie away.
His phone pings. He continues, “The realtor just got back with me. He has time this evening if you want to go check out a few properties. I will give him your number. He’s going to call and go over the things you are looking for in a house so he can narrow down your options before we start looking.”
“I’m so excited. Will you be able to make it this evening?"
“Yeah. Let me move some things around. But yes, I’d love to come with you.”
~~
This week has been a whirlwind. Auggie, the realtor, and I have looked at so many houses I’ve lost count, but I think I found the one I want. I just put an offer on it before we left for the concert.
“You were not kidding,” I comment. “Your realtor friend doesn’t mess around.”
Auggie and I are in his truck on our way to see Wild Rivers. I’ve forced Auggie to listen to Wild Rivers all week so he will be able to sing along. I still can’t believe he bought tickets. I should be able to believe that because it’s Auggie, but… I don’t know. The more time I spend with him, the more I’m pulled into his orbit.
I just have to remind myself that Melissa is still in his life. If he’s serious about me being in his life, then he knows what he needs to do. I won’t push him, but I won’t budge either.
Auggie hasn’t tried to kiss me again, but I can feel he wants to. We are slowly but surely building our relationship back up. It helps that we are basically forced together daily, as he said, with him being my partner. Who knows how long it would have taken for me to reach out if we weren’t partners?
It’s been nice catching up and reconnecting. The ease of our friendship is still there. He can still make me laugh, and his thoughtfulness is chipping away at my walls. He still wants to be everyone’s knight in shining armor.
His intentions are good. After all, that’s driven him to do this job, but his good intentions have also caused a blind spot.
Growing up, I always struggled with how no one could see Melissa for who she is. She’s a spoiled, evil brat. Somehow, it’s like she has put a spell over Auggie. I’m not ready to show all my cards yet, but as soon as I do, there will be no way Melissa will be able to deny her involvement in my attack. Once the veil comes off, Auggie will be blindsided by the person who he thought stayed selflessly by his side.
It’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. And the truth will come out. Auggie won’t be the only one slapped in the face by reality. Our families will be too.
I don’t want to ruin the night, so I shake off my thoughts. That’s for another time.
My phone pings, and it’s a message from the realtor saying that the seller has accepted my offer.
“That was quick. The seller already accepted my offer.” I look at Auggie with a big smile.
“Really? That’s awesome! Now you’re going to have to start picking out furniture and all the things to fill your house up with,” he suggests.
I think out loud, “Doesn’t St. Louis have an Ikea? I may have to come back tomorrow or this week to pick out some things.”
“If you want. Why don’t we just get a hotel tonight after the concert, and then we can make a weekend out of it and go to Ikea tomorrow?”
“I don’t have anything to wear.”
“Don’t be mad, but I talked your mom into packing you an overnight bag just in case we were too tired to drive back tonight.”
“That sneaky brat. I hope she packed me some good clothes.”
“What do you say? You want to stay overnight? I can rent a U-Haul trailer for any items you want to buy tomorrow. That way, you’ll be ready when you move.”
I think about it for a minute. I don’t know when I’ll have another day to get back down to pick out furniture.
“Yes, let’s do it. But we are getting two beds. I’m okay with staying in the same room as long as there are two separate beds.” I can feel the smile grow on my face. I’m so happy I’ll have a place just for me.
“Deal. You know, it’s nice to see that smile on your face. I didn’t know if I’d ever get to see it again.”
“Auggie.” I start, blowing out a breath. I don’t want to get into it. “Auggie, I am happy. I’m glad that you’re back in my life. I’m happy that things are falling into place.”
He beams at me. “Good. That’s good, River.”
~~
