Page 91 of Written in the Oceans

I look at him apologetically and nod. And at that moment, I see what it would be like to be with someone without all the complicated mess that I had to endure with Rhylan. Without all the doubts and uncertainties. To be able to be with someone and justbewith them. To know that what we have is a good thing and holds a future, instead of merely promising a few stolen moments sprinkled over the pain.

I want to look at Austin and welcome his kiss. I want to be able to kiss him back and tell him that I feel the same way. That I can imagine a future for us beyond graduation and claiming a stake in our careers. One that we can build a life around.

But I can’t.

“Is that why you’re taking this job? Because of this guy you aren’t over?”

I consider his question. Am I? Am I using this change, this opportunity, to get away from Rhylan and the mess that we had somehow created? Maybe I am. And maybe it’s foolish of me to think that I can run away from my problems.

“Maybe,” I answer honestly. “I just think it might be a good change for me. To move on, I guess.”

“Well, if that’s the case, I hate this guy.” A small smile has finally reappeared, and I see the playful, goofy Austin that I’m comfortable with. I smile too, leaning my head on his shoulder and feeling sincerely grateful for our friendship.

“We’re still friends?” I ask.

“Ouch,” he answers, bringing a hand to his chest. “I think being friend zoned hurts more than just being rejected.”

I roll my eyes and laugh before standing, hovering over him. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” he asks, standing quickly and brushing off the back of his pants.

“I owe you a drink, remember?”

FORTY

RHYLAN

The sun setting over the horizon, facing west, is gorgeous. The perfect swirl of orange, yellow, and purple mingles together for what looks like the most tranquil backdrop that Los Angeles has to offer. The drive up the winding hillside is leisurely, and I use the time to clear my head.

Taking him up on his offer for dinner at home with his family, I had called Charles. His home is located on the outskirts of Calabasas, and while we live in the same town, it still takes me a good thirty minutes to arrive at his doorstep. Once I arrive at his beautifully structured, secluded home, I ring the doorbell with a bottle of wine in my hand.

I stand and wait for the door to open when I hear the pitter-patter of feet gradually getting louder before coming to a halt behind the door. The door swings open, and I find both Oliver and Andy giddy and out of breath.

“Uncle Rhy!” Oliver shrieks.

“Rah Rah!” Andy babbles.

“Hey, boys!” I kneel down to pick up a wobbly Andy as Charles rounds the corner, jogging to keep up with his rambunctious boys.

He lets out a breath, bent over with his hands to his knees. “Hey, Rhy, you’re just in time.”

I close the door behind me as Charles takes Andy from me with one arm while accepting my offering in the other. “Amelia’s in the kitchen. Come on in.”

I follow him through the foyer towards the massive kitchen to find Amelia pulling a rectangular ceramic tray out of the oven.

“Rhylan!” She’s distracted as she greets me. Charles sets Andy down to help Amelia with the oven door. “Come, sit! Food’s just about ready.”

Oliver takes my hand and pulls me towards the dining table situated diagonally from the kitchen. “You sit next to me, Uncle Rhy.”

His too-big-for-his-face blue eyes veiled by thick, blonde eyelashes look up at me, urging me to accept his request.

“Sure, buddy! I’d love to sit next to you.”

We’re followed by Charles balancing three wine glasses and the bottle of wine I brought squeezed under his armpit. “Sorry it’s so hectic. The boys are going to have a quick bite with us, and the nanny’s going to get them into bed.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m just hanging out with my buddy here.” I squeeze Oliver’s hand in mine, and he beams at me in response.

Amelia follows with a large tray of food and continues back and forth from the kitchen to the table until it’s brimming with a decadent array of dishes.

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