Page 58 of Still Here Without You

“That’s because you hardly ever drink.” Dylan drops me to the ground, like the true best friend that he is, and takes a step back.

“Thanks for the help,” I mumble, hunching over with my palms on the cold sidewalk.

I stay there for a few minutes but by some miracle, I don’t puke. Dylan pulls me off the ground with a huff,kindlyoffering to take me home…jerk.If I remember this in the morning, I’m kicking his ass.

We make it into a cab, and the next thing I know, I’m being thrown onto my bed before my bedroom door slams.

“Iluvu, Dyl,” I call out with a scratchy voice. My eyelids feel like sandpaper as my eyes droop closed. My mind swirls through strange images until the door crashes open again, waking me up. Dylan appears with water and aspirin. Maybe he is a good friend after all. “Sleep it off. Be prepared for the third degree when you wake up,” he grunts, shaking his head at me. I’m about to joke when his words register.Fuck! Patting my pockets, I find my phone. I have to call Del. I’m trying to find her contact when the phone’s ripped from my hand.

“Are you insane? Who knows what you’ll say tonight. Call her in the morning.”

“Gimme the phone.”

“Not happening.”

I move to sit up, but the world swirls, and I fall back down. “Fine, but I’m calling in the morning.”

“Fine.”

Bang! The door slams again, the sound making my ears ring. It’s going to be a long night.

Number six.I heave into the toilet until I’ve got nothing left, then fall to the floor. Number six. Surely, the contents of my stomach are now gone. Dylan stands at the door watching. He’s not a hair-holding savior, but he’s here looking out for me, so I’m grateful.

“What time is it?” I croak.

“Really fucking early,” Dylan complains.

I nod. “So a reasonable time to call Paris then?”

He sighs, gripping the back of his neck. “Yeah, it is. But are you sure you want to tell her? You’re not together. She told you it was okay to see other people,andshe’s decided to stay another six months. I get that you feel guilty, but considering the facts, do you really want to make Delilah feel like shit too? I’m not saying you keep it from her forever. I’m just saying that maybe you need to wait until you're face to face.”

I stare at him, stunned, before shaking my head. “That’s terrible advice. You’re supposed to be the relationship guy. Plus, we said we’d talk today about her internship extension, so I need to call her.”

“Okay, man. Do what you gotta do, but please take Delilah’s feelings into account.”

“Always.”

Fuck!

Standing under the shower, I curse before smacking my hands into the cold, tiled wall. My head droops as the water cascades over my back and shoulders. God, I feel like hell. I'm not this guy. I don’t get drunk and I definitely don’t… I can’t even think of it. I'm so disgusted with myself. I’m in love with Delilah.What the fuck have I done?As soon as I’m dry, I fall onto the bed, dialing her number.

“Hello?” she answers after the fourth ring, her voice croaky like she’s been awakened from sleep.

I pull the phone away, checking the time. It’s late afternoon for her. “Del, it’s me.”

“Hi, me,” she responds, a little more upbeat. My heart cracks at the smile in her voice. “I’m so glad you called.”

I swallow a lump in my throat. She won’t be glad after this. “Del, I—”

“Ugh, Joel, I feel awful. I’m so sorry. I drank way too much last night, and I know we spoke. I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk properly. I’m–”

“Del?” I interrupt. I can’t let her feel guilty when I’m the one who needs to apologize.

“Sorry, I’m rambling. But I need you to know that I haven’t made a decision. I just got caught up in the moment…and Hanna can be a bitch sometimes. She just wants me to stay. Not that I’m making excuses for her. Ugh! This is coming out wrong…”

“Del, it’s just.Fuck! I…”

“You’re upset because of the call?”

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