Page 42 of Landon (In Safe Hands)
Heremains quiet for a few moments, staring out the window and digesting myadvice. “I guess it couldn’t hurt to check it out for his sake, but I justdon’t believe in any of it anymore.”
“Andthat’s fine. Neither do I. That’s a big reason why I major in science. It’slike I’m finally learning how the world really works, but it doesn’t mean I’mgoing to judge people who believe.”
“Iget it. Thinking all religious people are hateful is no different than thinkingall gay people are immoral.” He grins at me. “I did love the look on PastorHale’s face when he found out who the building was going to.”
“Yep.Worth hell any day,” I laugh.
* * * *
Anotherweek passes without a word from Landon. Disappointed just doesn’t begin todescribe how I feel. It’s not like we had a long relationship—or anyrelationship—but it seems I fell for him anyway. I’ve been trying to push itaway, the empty feeling every time I check my phone and he hasn’t called ormessaged.
Allthose sweet words, his talk of wanting a relationship was just so muchbullshit. If he just wanted to get me into bed for a little fun, he could’vebeen honest, and I’d have probably went along. I can’t imagine there are manywomen who wouldn’t. Maybe that was the problem? We fucked our brains out the lastcouple days we spent together, and I thought the sex was great, but maybe hedidn’t. Maybe I suck in bed and no one ever told me.
“That’sridiculous!” Frannie exclaims when I tell her. “You don’t suck in bed.”
“Youdon’t know that,” I argue, grabbing a soft drink from her fridge. “Are youstill seeing Jeremy?”
“Weget together to fuck once in a while. Nothing serious, you know.” Her eyebrowrises as she asks, “Do you want me to ask him what Landon’s problem is?”
“No.Absolutely not. I’m not chasing a guy who isn’t interested, and if he’s seeingsomeone else I really don’t want to know.” I flop down at the kitchen tableacross from her.
Hergaze goes from surprised to sympathetic. “You really like him.”
“Iguess I did.”
“Doyou love him?”
“No!”I reply, too vehemently to be credible. “We were only dating a week or so.”
“Youwere only officially dating a week. You were spending a ton of time togetherfor months.” I shake my head, but she grins. “Holy shit, you love him.”
“Donot.” Yeah, that didn’t sound immature. Fortunately, my phone rings with a callfrom the realtor, saving me from the conversation.
Franniewanders into the other room while I answer, but comes rushing back at the soundof my squeal. “What happened?”
“Wegot the house! I can pick up the keys tomorrow!” Frannie grabs me in a tighthug and we jump around the kitchen.
“We’regoing out tonight to celebrate,” she insists. “No excuses. It’s Saturday night,you don’t have class tomorrow. We’re getting trashed.”
“Noarguments here. I can start packing up the apartment tomorrow.”
“I’mso happy for you!” Frannie squeals and we hug again.
Ethanis thrilled with the news and promises to get his friends to help us move. Ihave an urge to call Landon to share my good news, but I resist. He wanted usto move out of that neighborhood, but I doubt he’d give a shit now.
Ohwell. Fuck him. I just bought a new house and I’m shopping for a new car. Mytuition is paid up, my schoolwork is caught up, and I’m less stressed than Ican ever remember being. Frannie is right. It’s time to go out and celebrate.
Frannieand I arrive at the club just as things are heating up. The dance floor ispacked solid with sweaty bodies, so we head upstairs to grab a table. I haven’teven finished my first drink when I see him.
Landonis leaning against the bar, smiling and talking to some plastic five poundblond. Okay, maybe she isn’t that bad, but my jealousy is in full force. I’vebeen trying to forget about him, doing everything I can not to picture himmoving on with another woman. Or other women. He said he doesn’t usually dorelationships because of his disease. He doesn’t even tell most people, yet hetrusted me with the knowledge. Or maybe that’s all bullshit and I’m just naïve.
Hiseyes meet mine and a small smile appears on his face. “I’m going to therestroom,” I tell Frannie.
Foronce the ladies room isn’t crowded. I lean against the sink and take a deepbreath. A peek in the mirror shows me my makeup is fine, but my cheeks areflushed, my eyes wide with panic. I don’t want to talk to him. Really, what isthere to say? Hey, how’s it going? Did you dump me because I’m terrible in bed?I need to get out of here. I’m sure Frannie and I can find another club.
Anyhope of that flies away when I see Jeremy at our table and Landon right besidehim. Double damn it. Now, I either have the choice to be a mature adult andjoin them while devising an escape plan, or run like I stole something. Astempting as option two is, I can’t let him know how much he has affected me.
“Longline?” Frannie asks, the corner of her mouth twitching up. She giggles at myglare and grabs Jeremy’s hand. “Let’s dance.”
