Page 164 of The Perfect Spiral
“Don’t, it’s cute. So, for the date, I’ll text you tomorrow what time I’ll pick you up at? I was thinking we could go out on Tuesday. Is that cool?”
I remember he asked me out. Swallowing the water, I give him a thumbs up. Hopefully, this date will be more fun than an actual date. I’m not ready to start dating seriously just yet.
A few glasses of water later, we’re ready to head home. Some of us are wasted, others not so much. The cab ride is the same as before, except Tyson and Sam have replaced Andy and Kyle.
They’re making out in the front seat while Hannah falls asleep on Ben and Tyler is knocked out next to them. I’m in the back with Knox, whose hand is resting on my thigh with a firmer grip than usual.
I place my hand on top of his to get his attention, but he doesn’t respond. He hasn’t said a word to me since the whole sex song incident. I poke his cheek to get his attention, but he still doesn’t look at me.
He’s ignoring me, I know he is. But why? I didn’t do anything. I ruffle his hair, only for him to fix it and keep his gaze fixed out the window. His jaw is still clenched, and his eyes are focused on anything but me.
He pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through it, still not saying a word to me. He’s on Instagram, then Twitter, and then moves on to ESPN.
I pivot away from him, crossing my legs and causing his hand to slip from my thigh. I gaze out the window, avoiding his gaze. His hand finds its way back to my thigh, but I lift it and place it back on his lap, still not looking at him. I sit in the cab, my foot tapping impatiently against the seat in front of me, waiting for the ride to end so I can escape to the comfort of my bed.
A moment later, I feel his arm rest on the back of my seat, his hand gently stroking my shoulder. I glance at him, his eyes focused straight ahead, his jawline sharp and pronounced. I return my gaze to the window, leaning my head against the cool glass, finding solace in its chill.
His hand trails down my back, coming to rest at my waist. His thumb draws circles on my dress, a reminder of our earliermoment on the deck. As the car slows to a stop, I see we’ve arrived at the house. We pay the cab driver, and the car is soon a flurry of activity as everyone stirs awake and spills out onto the street.
Knox exits first, waiting for me to follow. He extends his hand to help me, but I ignore it, gripping the door for support as I step out. I walk past him, heading towards the house without uttering a word.
Behind me, I hear the car door slam shut with a force that suggests annoyance. Why is he so mad? I wonder, continuing my walk, the ground seeming to shift beneath my feet.
Sam opens the door and we all file in silently. I remove my shoes and place them high on the stairs, out of Boomer’s reach. I’m greeted by my furry friend and we dash into the pantry for a treat. I toss him a small morsel, mindful not to overfeed him. I don’t want to be blamed for his weight gain.
In the pantry, I grab a Twinkie for myself, tossing the wrapper in the bin. I return to the kitchen where everyone is gathered around the counter. I toss a Twinkie to Sam, her face lighting up with joy. After finishing my treat, I bid everyone goodnight and head upstairs, aware of the footsteps trailing behind me.
I turn to see him, phone in hand, following me. I let out a loud sigh and continue my ascent. He follows me to my room, but I push him out, shutting the door in his face and locking it. That’ll show him. I hear a loud sigh and the retreating footsteps. The door slams shut with a loud bang. Good. Not my problem.
It feels like a replay of our first kiss. First, he ignores me, then he throws unnecessary digs my way, picks on me, and is rude. He starts fights, making me feel useless. I won’t let him makeme feel that way again. I won’t let anyone make me feel that way again. I change into my jersey and lie down on my bed.
I hear Hannah leave, Ben accompanying her home. He’s such a gentleman. I smile at the thought of them together.
A few minutes later, I hear his footsteps approaching. I open my door to see him standing there. “Hey,” he says softly.
“Hey, can I sleep with you tonight? I don’t want to be alone right now,” I ask, giving him a tired smile. He nods, stepping into my room. He wraps me in a tight hug, planting a small kiss on my temple.
He strips down to his boxers and heads to the bed while I lock the door. “It’s so people don’t walk in and think something they shouldn’t. Don’t worry, I won’t kill you... yet,” I tease, smirking at him.
“Why would they think we did something? It’s not like I’m only in my boxers and you’re in just a top and your underwear?” he retorts, a smirk of his own playing on his lips.
I laugh and walk around to the other side of the bed, slipping under the covers. We lie there, staring at the ceiling, until I feel him shift onto his side, propping himself up on his arm.
“So, are you going to tell me, or am I going to have to bring out my girly side to get the gossip out of you, sweet cheeks?” he teases, raising an eyebrow. I giggle at his antics and start recounting the night’s events.
“I still can’t believe you got hit on by a girl! And I missed it!” he exclaims, his eyes wide with amazement.
“Really? Out of everything I just told you, that’s all you picked up on?” I ask, throwing my hands up in exasperation.
“You’re right, I’m sorry! But was she hot at least?” he teases.
“Ben! Not cool!” I playfully scold him, slapping his chest.
He starts to laugh, trying to keep the noise down. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist, sweet cheeks. But... give him time. He’ll come around and tell you why he’s acting this way. I mean, I can kind of see where he’s coming from... but I don’t get why he won’t just talk to you about it?”
His attempt to explain doesn’t make things any clearer. I still don’t understand why he’s acting so strange, giving me the cold shoulder. Some days, he’s as easy to read as a book, other days, he’s a complete mystery.
I sigh, and he suggests we sleep it off. We get comfortable on our own sides of the bed, wish each other goodnight, and drift off to sleep.
