Page 23 of A Minute More

But it’s too hard. Pulling things from him is like pulling someone out of quicksand. Or what I’d imagine that would be like. I just can’t deal with it right now. I need a couple Advil and a tall glass of water before I can even begin to delve into the secrets of Simon.

“We’re here,” he says abruptly, putting the car in park. I pry my eyelids open and glance around, seeing my Bronco in the distance.

“Thanks,” I say and then grab on to the door handle. “I’ll see you later?”

He nods, and I slip from the car, walking toward mine with fumbling steps. As soon as the engine is thrumming beneath me, I pull out of the parking lot, my mind tumbling with more questions than I’d previously had.

Who the fuck is Simon? And why do I want to know so bad?

* * *

“So, how are things with Dena?” Jude asks me as I drive us to the Chinese food place in town. We are grabbing dinner for the party tonight, lest Ollie makes something again. None of our stomachs can handle it and I don’t want to poison an entire group of people. His “culinary masterpieces” are getting worse and worse.

“Fine,” I lie. I’ve messaged her back, but it’s been a bit superficial. To be honest, my heart isn’t in it, despite knowing that it should be. She’s gorgeous and down to earth. But I can’t bring myself to actually set up a time to meet.

Not that she hasn’t tried, but fuck, I can’t commit.

“Cool, man. She’s super chill. You’ll love her.”

“Yeah, she seems like it.”

Jude nods as we stroll into the restaurant. He smiles widely, greeting the guy behind the counter. “Hey, Jai,” Jude says cheerfully and then reaches out and pulls him into a hug. They embrace for a little longer than is normal before pulling away.

“Long time, no see, Jude,” the guy says, fiddling with a necklace around his neck as he steps back. His eyes drag across Jude’s body, and for a moment I’m confused. That’s a look that someone gives their lover, not a friend.

I peer over at Jude and see him looking dopey as usual, so I brush it off. Maybe this guy has a crush on Jude. Who fucking knows anymore?

“You here for your pick-up order? Saw your name on some bags in the back.”

“Yep!” Jude says, and Jai grins and leads us toward the kitchen where he disappears and then reappears moments later, three bags in his hands.

“Pretty big order,” he says, and Jude nods.

“Totally. Feeding a lot of people for a party.”

Jai’s smile wobbles but he catches it quickly and takes my card, ringing us up and then handing it back. We wave our goodbyes and move out of the shop, Jude by my side, my hands saddled with bags.

Jude is completely oblivious, whistling softly.

“Jai seems like a cool dude. Why hasn’t he been over before?”

Jude’s eyes slant to mine and he shrugs. “Never thought of it actually. But it’s a good idea. I’ll get his number next time, and I’ll have him come join.”

“Cool.”

We amble to the car and hop in, my mind immediately pivoting to Simon. Maybe he needs an invite too. Maybe he hasn’t had dinner yet.

“I think I’m gonna invite Simon,” I say to myself, but Jude hears.

“For real? But he’s super quiet.”

“So? Maybe he wants to get out. Maybe he just needs some friends.”

“I’m sure he has friends, bro. Quiet, weird ones like himself.”

I suddenly remember the medication bottles in his bathroom cabinet and my mind spirals. Before I can stop myself, I’m driving with my knee and messaging him, asking him to come over to our place for dinner.

I regret it only after I send it, wishing I could unsend it.

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