Page 95 of Waiting Forever
I relax my tight shoulders.
“Her mom says she’s not very social. That she has a gay best friend and doesn’t even bother herself with making new friends or living ‘the college life.’”
Her best friend is gay? Azure isgay? What the hell? All this time, I thought the guy wanted in her pants. They were going on a date. Unless it was a ploy to make me think she was going on a date. What were her motives? To make me jealous or believe she had a life, that she was healing when she really wasn’t?Fuck.What does her mom know that I don’t? Is she drowning herself in this relationship with me to dull the pain she hasn’t healed from yet?
My heart rams into my ribs. Am I an insensitive fuck too blind to notice she’s still suffering? My mind replays the hurt on her face when she told me she heard me having sex with Harper. How could I have done that to her? All this time, I’ve been thinking about me. What if I’m not good for her? What if leaving is what she deserves?
More importantly, how can I make up for being a selfish shit and give her what she needs? The thought,by letting her go, flits through the back of my mind. I ignore it.
“Son? Are you coming?” Dad asks.
I blink.
He’s inside, holding the door for me.
I enter the condo, resisting the urge to grab a beer. It would alert my dad of my anxious mood, unless I offer him one, too. “Want a Corona?” I walk to the kitchen.
My phone dings in my pocket.
I remove it and read a text from Mom. What the hell?
I took Kensi to see the condo we bought. Thought she could use some girl time and give you and Dad time to talk. She’s sad about something. I’m too afraid to ask why. I hope you listened to my warnings. Whatever you may or may not be doing with her, it won’t end well. Ask your father about Christmas, if he hasn’t told you already.
“Your mom has already smuggled Kensi out of here.” Dad’s eyes are on his phone as if he got a similar text. “She’s says don’t wait up. Guess I’ll have that beer after all.”
36
Kensington
“TELL ME ABOUT this friend with the unique name,” Aunt Rachel says. “Your mom said he’s made your adjustment here easier.” She spoons a bite of frozen yogurt from a small cup.
We each got one from a yogurt shop by the swan boat rentals on Lake Eola.
She wanted to stroll along the paved walkway surrounding the lake because of the beautiful weather. Blues skies, bright sun. The dryer air makes the cooler temperature even more enjoyable. I think she’s stalling for more time so Nathan and his dad can talk. If only I knew what about.
Swan-shaped boats, with riders peddling to move them, circle the fountain in the center of the lake. We stay to the right side of the walkway as people pass by either walking dogs, jogging, or pushing strollers.
“Azure is great. He invited me to a Halloween party tomorrow night. It’s at a cornfield north from here. There’s a haunted house.” I reposition my spoon in my cup of yogurt, too anxious to eat.
“It sounds like fun.”
“Yeah.” I nod. “I was planning on going.”With Nathan.
“And now?” She has another bite.
Now everything is a mess. Where did Nathan go the past two days? His parents wouldn’t have come here if it weren’t for a reason. Aunt Rachel says they came to see her condo in person, as well as ours, and to spend time with me. Then Nathan came home with that black eye, looking exhausted. His parents kept asking me questions so I wouldn’t ask them questions. I know the drill. Nathan and I were practically raised by the same dads—personality-wise.
I hadn’t heard from Nathan until a few hours before his flight back. He was radio silent for the evening and entire night before. Why? Is he doubting our relationship? Does it have to do with Harper and her life-altering news? Did she punch him? I hate not knowing what’s going on.
“Kensi?” Rachel asks.
“Hmm?” Cold liquid trickles down my fingers.
She points to the tower of yogurt melting over my cup. “You’re dripping.”
“Oh, shit.” I glance at her. “I mean, shoot. Oh, shoot.” I wipe my hands with the crumpled napkin from around the cup and use the spoon to mold the yogurt into a safer shape, one where it won’t spill. I shouldn’t have got this. I only got it because Aunt Rachel offered. I’m not even hungry.
“Kensi, I don’t care if you curse around me. You’re a grown woman, and I’ve heard much worse.” She rolls her eyes, referring to Uncle Colton and my dad, I’m sure.
