The door bangsopen against the wall and jolts me from sleep. The lights in the bedroom flick on but I slam my eyelids shut against the brightness before I can see who itis.
“So, he just takes off a week before we’re supposed to leave for this tour—” Coy’s footsteps fall heavy with his words, “—and that’s perfectlyacceptable?”
“He’ll be back.”Austin. “He’s too responsible to leave us in the lurch.” There’s a long pause and his voice lowers. “She okay?” I assume he’s referring to me, but I don’t move other than to force my breath into steadyexhalations.
“She’s sleeping. She’s fine.” The dresser drawer slides open and bangs shut. “He’s done this before,then?”
“Hell, no. Sean’s never missed a practice.” Austin laughs but there’s little humor to hiswords.
He’s gone because of me!I want to scream the truth. I blame myself enough for what’s gone wrong these past few weeks, but the guilt of cheating on Coy with Sean, and hurting Sean by staying with Coy, is all too much. Now I’m the reason he’s disappeared for a fewdays.
“He better not screw up the tour. I’ve been working my whole life for this.” Coy must be in the bathroom; his voice is muted. I’m snuggled into the blankets and pillows, but I wonder what Austin’s doinghere.
“Yeah, well, we have too.” Austin scoffs. “Dude, we going or what? The ladies don’t give a shit how pretty you look if we’re not there.Shit.Sorry,bro.”
“It’s fine. She’s out of it. Let’s go.” The room blankets in darkness with Coy’s words, and the door bangs shut. I should be troubled by his plans but instead, relief floods my gut knowing he won’t be coming back for a few hours. I should be pissed. He’s going out to meet other women. As his girlfriend that should hurt, but I can’t find it in me to care. Instead I’m more upset that Sean left. I don’t want to face the truth of my current situation. This is no way to live. I can’t hide under these covers forever, but for now that’s what I intend todo.
