Page 40 of You Were Invited
Julian had never meant to disappoint Annie, only free her from an obligation.
Or rather, to free yourself...?his mind whispered to him darkly.
He grabbed her hand again.
She had her other hand on the door knob, but turned halfway to him.
“I can’t let you go while you’re angry,” he said.
She sighed through her nose. “I’m not— not angry.”
When she didn’t leave, but kept her hand on the doorknob, he bit the inside of his cheek. All he'd had to do was let her cook for him, and now he'd be lucky to see her ever again. Was it really that big a deal?I have two choices: let her walk out of this cabin, or we can get this sorted out.
Annie shook her head, to both herself and at him. She opened the door.
“I gotta go–”
“Please sit,” he blurted, strengthening the grip on her hand. He squeezed her delicate fingers. Gesturing to the couch, he repeated, “I didn’t mean to upset you. Now sit.”
She looked back at him. Her lovely eyes studied his face for a moment. God knew what she saw in his flesh, bones, and eyes that made her trust him.
“Okay.”
They sat down on opposite ends. He had the impression that she was sizing him up, and he lifted his chin.
“Let me try this again. I’ve taken care of myself for a long time, and gotten myself out of some pretty bad pinches. I won’t die if you’re not around.” When her eyes flicked to his bandaged hand resting on the back of the couch, he added, “The other day notwithstanding.”
“I don’t know why it matters so much that I cook for you,” Annie replied. She rubbed the back of her neck. “Maybe I just don’t get it because you let me cook for you before, and you seemed to like it.”
“Ilovedit.”
A small smile returned to her lips, reaching her eyes. “Loved it?” Her expression then turned somber. “I guess I’ve been really bothered by some things that my ex said before I left him.” She shook her head yet again. “Sorry.” Her hands were in her lap, and she began to rub her fingers over her nails and cuticles as she stared down at them. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring him up again.”
He hesitated. It really was none of his business, but he already had a poor impression of her ex. “Well, whatever he said, I do love your cooking, and he’s missing out.” When she only looked up and gave a slight smile he decided to venture, “What is bothering you?”
Her nose wrinkled and she tucked her hair behind her ear. “He implied I wasn’t a good friend because I work too much.”
“That doesn’t make someone a bad friend.”
“I know...” She went back to playing with her fingers.
“Work’s important.”
“Very,” Annie said.
"I don't know many bad friends who take someone to the doctor and then demand they cook for ‘em."
This time he got a laugh out of her. She rolled her eyes. “Y’know, the night I left... he was throwing a rager. Him and all his friends were still partying in the middle of the night.” She lowered her head and looked to the side. "I called him out when we broke up, and he wasn’t very happy. But it’s not like I don’t know the signs…"
“Know the signs of what?”
“Alcoholism,” Annie said. “Sorry. I hope I’m not dumping too much on you.”
He still wasn’t sure what she meant but he waited for her to continue. "I’m listening."
She nodded, her eyes getting a little glassy. "Thanks. It's just… not something I want to encounter again."
"Again?”
