“There’s a party going on,” she laughed. “I forgot about everything else.”
I chuckled. It was easy to forget about everything else when she was around, and I was starting to wonder if she felt the same. She smiled and nestled her head on my chest before closing her eyes. I think that was the moment I knew how I felt about her. Really felt.
“You’re different, Autumn.”
“In a good way?”
“In the best way.”
Twenty-Three
I blew into the cup, watching the foam split and the hot liquid swirl. Gabby sat on the opposite end of her couch, staring straight ahead. I was no mind reader, but I thought she was regretting last night.
“Thanks for the drink,” I said. She cringed a little before smiling.
“No problem. Just keep your voice down.” I bit my lip, holding in laughter. “So, your sleepover.”
I rolled my eyes. “Nothing happened. I don’t know why I brought it up.”
“Because you like him.” She pepped up, moving her shoulders to music that wasn’t playing.
“Don’t make me regret this.”
She laughed once, scooting closer to me. “I’m just playing. Tell me everything.”
I took a sip. Setting the mug on the coffee table, I dropped my head in my hands. “I could die of embarrassment right now. I keep remembering things.”
“I threw up on Tyler last night. I win. By the way, I’m never drinking again.”
I finally looked up at her. My face was more vibrant than my hair. I was mortified to say anything out loud, but I knew I could trust her.
“I tried to…go all the way with him, and he turned me down.”
I watched as her eyes grew wide and her mouth made a distinct ‘O’. She clicked her tongue, sitting back. “What did he say?”
“I was drinking and we, uh, kind of had a heavy talk. He said he wanted it to be the right time. I mean, I get it, but my ego is still hurt.”
Her face broke into a brilliant smile. “He likes you, really likes you. I knew it!”
“You did not! You were just freaking out!”
“I was not. I was just wondering how to tell you I think he likes you more than a one-night stand,” she said, shrugging.
I groaned. “I left before he woke up. I texted him, but still…”
She scooped her phone from the couch and her thumbs went to work. “What are you doing?” I asked nervously.
“I’m telling Tyler to come over with Liam. Let’s hang out with them today,” she said, as if it was the simplest thing on earth.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I’m feeling awkward about it today.”
She laughed once. “There was this guy I liked all through high school. We were good friends and I feared ruining that, so I never told him how I felt. When he started dating another girl in our friends’ group, I decided I wouldn’t ever let that happen again.”
Biting my bottom lip, I looked at her. The truth was, I knew he liked me. Right now. What about next week? Next month? Next year? We were great friends, but what if we were terrible at being together? Neither of us had experience in this field, and we were both clearly messed up from our past.
“I’ll talk to him,” I promised.
“Perfect; they’ll be here in ten, and it would be super awkward if you didn’t speak.” She winked at me and grinned.
“Can I use your bathroom?” I asked. She nodded in agreement, already engrossed in text again.
I excused myself and found the small bathroom in the hallway of Gabby’s apartment. I splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would wash away the anxiety. No such luck. I stared in the mirror, paying close attention to my eyes. That was where I looked like my mother the most. I was unsure of where my auburn hair came from, and my small nose, slightly tilted up, and plush lips didn’t come from my family. But my dark almond eyes came from my mother, and that was where I’d always carry her.
I came here to start over and get an education, but somewhere along the way I gained the friends I never thought I’d have, and that kind of scared the hell out of me. I’d always thought I would drift around alone for a while before settling into a career. The messy web I’d created wasn’t allowing me to do that.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a small bag with mascara sticking out. I grabbed it and dug through it, taking out mascara and powder. I’d never excelled at makeup, but I liked the look of it. After a couple of strokes with the powder, I swiped my eyelashes with mascara. I stepped back, inspecting my work. Not too bad. I looked better than before.
I grabbed my phone from my back pocket, checking the messages. One from work, reminding me I was covering a shift tomorrow, and one from Liam asking me why I left. Without answering, I shoved my phone into my back pocket, letting out a long, shaky breath.
A knock sounded on the door.
I glanced back at the mirror; thankful I’d made myself presentable before opening the door. Liam was leaning against the doorframe, hands folded neatly across his chest. He was dressed in simple athletic clothes. His gray eyes stared at me curiously. He made this messy web feel…easier.
“There you are,” he said sarcastically, grinning.
“Here I am.”
I looked down at my feet, completely embarrassed for leaving, and even more so after what happened last night.
“Can we go in Gabby’s room and talk?” he asked, nodding to the door beside him.
“Sure,” I replied. He kicked off the doorframe and led me into the room. I couldn’t hear anything over
