Page 19 of On The Run

“I never thought you couldn’t. But I asked you out. It’s only right.” He was still staring at me with narrowed eyes, his shoulders tense. I couldn’t figure out exactly what the problem was though. “No obligations, Aiden. It’s something I want to do. That’s all.”

I wasn’t sure if he was satisfied with the answer, but he did nod and quietly said, “Thank you.”

I decided not to make a big deal about it. I knew he had financial difficulties growing up, so whatever his hang-ups, it wasn’t my place to make him feel weird about them. I quietly handed my card over to the waiter and changed the subject while we waited.

Besides a few awkward moments, the date seemed to have gone well, and I genuinely thought Aiden was interested. Lord knew, I was.

“I had a lot of fun tonight,” I told him. “Thanks for coming. I know Gray put you in a tight spot.”

He shook his head, a strand of hair falling into his eyes. “No, he didn’t. I wanted to come. I was really glad you asked. And I had fun too.” There was something off about his tone, but he didn’t sound like he was lying.

“Ok, good. I’d never want you to feel pressured.”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t.”

Feeling confident, I pressed on. “I’d like to take you out again soon.”

In retrospect, I should have waited until we got back to the café, but I was so excited, I didn’t really think about it. And I never expected this reaction. It was the picking him up at his house all over again. One second, Aiden was all light and smiley, and then he just shut down. Completely. His expression was blank and his body was stiff as a board. He wrapped his hands around his stomach, pressing the palms into his belly with some force.

Fuck, what was happening? Did I read the signs that wrong? No, I couldn’t have, right?

I forced a smile, trying to sound casual. “Hey, forget I asked, ok. No worries. It’s fine if you’d rather stay friends.” The kid was a sweetheart. If he didn’t like me that way, I wasn’t going to make him feel like shit about it. It sucked because I thought I was falling for him, but that was my problem, not his.

He choked out a sob. “No. No, that’s not it. I like you, Max. Like, a lot. I-I just can’t. I’m sorry, but I can’t.” He sounded panicked right now, and I was getting concerned. I reached across the table but this time, Aiden didn’t reach for my hand. Instead, he pushed his chair out, forcing more space between us.

“Aiden, it’s fine. You need to breathe, though.”

He shook his head rapidly and squeezed his eyes shut. “I should’ve never come here today. I knew that. I never date. I don’t make friends. It’s safer that way. But I thought just this one time would be fine. That for one day, I can pretend I’m normal.” Aiden was talking, but his voice was distant, and I didn’t think he was even talking to me. He laughed, but it was bitter. “Of course, I should have known better.” Finally, Aiden got out of his haze and focused on me. He looked devastated. “I’m sorry, Max. I-I need to go. I can’t do this to you. Or to Gray. You both deserve better.” He shot to his feet and I jumped to mine, trying to catch up to this 180. “I had an amazing time. I’m so glad you were my first date. It was everything I could imagine. And thank you for dinner. But I-I gotta go. I gotta go before you or I get too attached and it’s too late.”

He turned to go, but I caught his arm, “Aiden, wait. I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not sure what just happened here, but please talk to me. If you need help, I can help you. Just make me understand.”

Aiden let out a harsh breath and ran his free hand through his hair, messing up the style. It made me realize I was still holding onto his arm, and I let it go. I was confused and scared I was losing him before I even had him, but I wouldn’t keep Aiden here by force.

“You can’t help me, Max. No one can. He always comes back. And I won’t let him drag you down too.”

“Who’s he, Aiden? Are you in danger? Please, let me help.”

Fear filled Aiden’s expression, and I thought he realized exactly what he said. “I have to go. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. Not yours. You did everything right. But I need to go.”

And before I could even make sense of what’d happened, Aiden bolted out of the restaurant. It took me a full two minutes after he left to remember that I fucking drove him here and it was a twenty-minute drive back to his car.

Chapter8

Aiden

I could feelmy phone buzzing in my pocket, but I ignored it and just kept running until I didn’t even remember why I started in the first place. At some point, it started to rain, and now I was soaked, my sweater and tight jeans sticking to my body and slowing me down, but I didn’t stop. I didn’t know how to.

I thought I was done. I thought I gave up on running away for good. But it was embedded into my DNA and I couldn’t fight it. My phone vibrated again, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at it. I knew that it was Max. I was sure he was worried because he was such a good fucking person. Why did I think I would be able to have this? That I would be capable of going on a date and having a normal life? I laughed harshly even if no one was around. God, my life was a joke.

Eventually, my legs just wouldn’t move anymore, and I stopped in the middle of the road, no doubt looking like a drowned rat. I was regretting putting product in my hair now, as it dripped into my eyes, causing them to sting. I tried to push my hair out of my face, but it was pointless and flopped right back.

I took a look at my surroundings and realized I wasn’t far from the hospital where Pops got his treatments. How did I manage to run this far? In my haste to just get away, I completely forgot Max drove me, and I was nowhere near my car.

Panting heavily, I closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe.Ok, think, A. You’re safe. You’ve been safe. It’s ok to stop running for now. It’s time to go back home.

The rain hadn’t let up at all, so I considered getting an Uber home, but I couldn’t be trapped in a car with a stranger right now. Or let them see my home. I could get one back to my car, but . . . no. It was only a few miles to my house. I could walk it now that I was no longer in panic mode. It wasn’t like I could get any wetter.

Using my hand and my ruined sweater to protect the screen as much as possible, I pulled out my phone. There were fifteen text messages and seven missed calls, all from Max. I shoved my phone back in my pocket and started walking. I knew I should message him. He deserved an apology, at least. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it yet.

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