Page 69 of Off Limits

“You’re right, I wouldn’t. But you’re being mean.”

“I miss you.”

“I miss you too. I really do have to go, though.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t be sad. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Countdown is on for the concert! Only 15 days to go. I love you.” Tomorrow seems so far away when we have to say goodbye.

“I love you too.”

“Good night, baby girl. Dream about me.”

“Good night, Loch. I always do.”

I decide telling Chelsea sooner as opposed to later is the best approach. Then she can get any objections out of her system early and come to terms with it.

“I’m going to a concert in a few weeks at Cornell with Lochlyn.” Spitting it right out seems like the best way.

She spins to look at me, pausing while bringing a pretzel to her mouth. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Lochlyn, your brother, he called me to tell me about a concert they’re having that I’d like. Asked if I wanted to go. I said yes. I’m going up in two weeks, spending the weekend.” The words come out slowly, almost like I’m talking to a child. It’s probably better this way.

“With Lochlyn?”

“He offered to let me stay at his apartment so I don’t have to get a hotel. Said he’d sleep on the couch or whatever.” The 'or whatever' is really in bed wrapped around me.

“I want to go.”

“I’m sorry?” I’m stunned. No, stunned isn’t a strong enough word.

“I want to go. To the concert. Yeah, yeah! It’ll be fun!” Her face is bright and cheery.

“I’m sorry, say that again. You want to go? To the concert? You don’t like the same kind of music we do. Is this something about me staying with Lochlyn? Because if it’s really a problem, I’ll get a hotel.”

“What? No, that’s fine, you’ve been sleeping at our house for years, you just did last week. I just think it’d be fun!” If she’s sofinewith it, why does she basically throw a temper tantrum every time we’re in the same room?

“To go to a concert…of bands…that you don’t like.” I’m still having a hard time putting together the pieces of this puzzle.

“Yes.”

“Okay, help me connect the dots here ’cause I’m still confused.” And incredibly so. IknowChelsea has zero interest in attending this concert. Something else is clearly going on here. It’s just a matter of figuring out what.

“I just want to go, okay?”

Narrowing my eyes, I look at her. “Are you up to something? Do you not trust me?”

“Jeez, Shay, I just want to get away for the weekend.”

“You just went away. To Killington.” I absolutely, under no circumstance, want Chelsea coming to the concert with me. It would ruin my entire weekend with Lochlyn.

“Don’t remind me. I haven’t been to campus in forever.” She looks nostalgic.

“And whose fault is that? You can go whenever you want.” My tone is a little snippier than normal as frustration takes over.

“What is your deal? Why are you so against me going?”

“Because I’m not going to leave early or not go because you decide you don’t like it.” I’m fighting bouncing my knee in anxiety as we sit across from each other at the desk in the office.

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