Ijog across the road, running late to meet Bria at our go-to park, Hayley’s confession still on my mind. She says she’s fine, but I couldn’t help noticing her spark had dimmed ever so slightly. She was starting to doubt herself and that’s not her. Her self-confidence has never been an issue.
If it was Bria, I’d say she was hiding her feelings, but she’s not Bria, and Hayley’s always been an open book. I’m not sure she realizes how much it’s affecting her.
But now that we’redating, I can make sure she knows her worth while helping her get the role she deserves. It’s a win-win. It’s nerve-racking as fuck, but I’m committed now.
Here’s to being a boyfriend.
I’m lost in thought as the lush greenery comes into view, but when I arrive at the park entrance, Bria’s MIA and she’s always early. I grab my phone to text her, making sure she’s still coming after her ridiculous text this morning—a text that had me reeling until Hayley distracted me—when my phone rings in my hand.
“Hey.” My answer is curt, nothing like it usually is.
“Gah, I’m sorry. I’m almost there.” Unlike me, Bria is her usual upbeat self, and though it shouldn’t, it makes me feel bad. “Parking is a nightmare.”
She laughs while my gaze drifts across the five different birthday parties spread out across the lawn. “Everybody who’s anybody is here today.”
“Want to go somewhere else? Somewhere less crowded?”
“Nah, I’m good if you are. They’re all occupied and no one’s taken our tree.”
“How thoughtful of them.”
“I thought so.” Throwing my head back, I let out a sigh and prepare to question her about the text. I need to get it off my chest. “Bria—”
“Yes. Got one,” she cuts me off. “Give me two minutes.”
“Okay. Yup. See you soon.”
Since there are no parking spaces withinfiveminutes of the park, I take my time dodging the crowd, strolling the walking track instead of passing through the masses. I’ve just reached our favorite spot, our tree, when Bria rushes over.
And like always…my heart stops.
Things have been off between us for weeks now, but when she hits me with her carefree smile, it’s like all is right in the world.
Only it isn’t. It’s a whole lot of fucked up.
“Sorry again,” she rushes out, rearranging her dress as she sits down on the blanket I laid out, curling her feet underneath herself. “I have a surprise for you. I stopped off at Johan’s to get your favoritefaketreat.”
Her nose scrunches as she hands me a colorful veggie bowl with slices of tender steak, and I surprisingly burst out laughing. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
“I have. And I’m not saying it doesn’t taste good. I’ll just never understand how you can call it a treat.Thisis a treat.” She pullsa chocolate-coated pretzel out of a paper bag followed by a cup of dipping sauce, and a genuine smile tugs at my lips.
I bet Hayley’s eating something similar right now.
“Want a bite?” Bria asks and I shake my head, screwing my nose up just like she did. “I’ll stick to my veggies, thanks.”
“I thought you’d say that. Otherwise I would have brought two. This one’s all mine.”
She takes a bite and my gaze drops to her mouth, still remembering how she tastes after all these years. After our one and only kiss. The intrigue, the excitement.
The feelings come back to me until I remember her message from this morning, and my stomach sinks.
Bria: Did she stay over like I used to? Am I still getting my turn?
She used those actual words.Her turn?What the hell?I was so pissed off I couldn’t reply, and after a shitty morning of walkthroughs and meetings, I returned to the locker room to find another message.
Bria: I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I miss you. Please don’t cancel.
Because that makes it all right.
