Page 137 of Holiday Friend Zones
“Mom said their map is almost completely checked off?”
Luke’s parents decided to buy an RV after his dad retired a few years ago and see the world.They stay in each place they visit for an extended period of time.They had asked my mom to do it with them, but that’s just not her.
“You don’t follow my mom’s Instagram?”He chuckles and takes out the cheese and butter, placing them on the counter.
I nod and slide up to the breakfast area, where I spent so many afternoons doing homework over the years, as Luke tries to peek over my shoulder.Although he’s modernized the kitchen since it became his, it still feels like the same house.The stainless steel appliances don’t change my memories.
“I’m thinking grilled cheese.I have some soup.”
“You don’t have to feed me.We could just order pizza.”
He stares at me, then looks out the window and back to me.
“Okay, smart ass, yeah, grilled cheese sounds great.Let me help.”I slide off the stool to go around the counter.
“Sit and relax.I’m making this for you.”He puts his hands on my shoulders and turns me in the opposite direction.
“How about you make the soup, and I make the grilled cheese?I was always better at buttering the bread anyway.”
I slide my shoulders out of his hands and bump him out of the way with my hip.
Surprisingly, he lets me handle the grilled cheese.Then he takes out a pot, and he’s working behind me as I butter the bread.
“So… thanks, you know, for carrying me over,” I say, a little embarrassed that I’m encroaching on his space tonight.
“You did act like a toddler trying to be all defiant, but you’re welcome.”
I smile from the lightness in his tone.
He puts the tomato soup in a pot, turns on the heater, then leans against the counter with his arms and ankles crossed.“Can I ask you a question?”
I go over to the stove to put the grilled cheese in the pan that he’s already taken out for me.
“It depends on the question.”
He doesn’t say anything for a moment, just stares out at the Christmas tree in the living room.I wish I knew what was going on in his head.I used to know from just his facial expression.For some reason, I thought I’d always know what was going on in Luke’s head, but it feels like time and distance have changed that.
“Do you think… I mean… how do you feel about… Tyler’s gonna be home in a couple of days.”
I concentrate on putting the buttered side of the bread on the pan and placing the cheese over, allowing it to melt a little before I’ll put the top piece on.“So I heard.”
I don’t know why he’s coming home early this year when he never returns for the festival.The only reason I know is because, well, Willowbrook is a small town and word travels fast.
“It doesn’t matter.I mean, it’s over.”I shrug.“I’m sure he’ll probably dodge me, just like I’m gonna dodge him.”
He huffs.“You really think he’s gonna dodge you?”
“I don’t know.I mean, why wouldn’t he?He’s the one who broke it off with me.I wish he wouldn’t come home at all.”
“Yeah, well, that’s not a possibility.”Tyler would never miss a holiday, especially with his mom.She would go up to New York and drag him back by his ear before she would ever allow that to happen.Even if he only stays for two days, it’s still two days that I have to share our small town with him.
“I’ll be fine.”I look at him, and he stares back at me.“Don’t worry about me, Luke.”
I place the other piece of bread on top of the grilled cheese sandwich, then start on the other one, trying to busy myself and not think about being in Tyler’s company.I don’t want to see him again.I like being here without him.I’ve moved on and I have no desire to be dragged back into his orbit.
“I’m not worried.I’m just wondering?—”
“What?”
