“Okay, so that was a bad idea. I wish I could help you.”
“I’ll find something. Don’t worry about me.” She lets out a hopeless huff. “I better go get ready for my shift.”
“I’ll talk to you soon,” I say before we cut the call.
I hate that Evie is struggling, but I’m in no position to help her. Hell, I’m barely making it myself. But I understand why she won’t turn to Rhett for help. I’d rather move back with my parents before I have to ask Marcus for help.
Thinking about Marcus, I glance at the time. He should be here in an hour… if he’s still coming.
I take a quick shower and decide to wear jeans with a white t-shirt. It’s similar to what I wore the first time we met.
I make tacos for dinner because I know how much he loves them. When the food is ready, I glance at the time. Marcus should be here any minute now.
I glance around the apartment, making sure I didn’t leave anything out of place. I switch on the TV and place the remote on the armrest where Marcus always sits.
When six O’clock comes and goes, my anxiety starts to grow.
I haven’t heard from him all week. I was hoping we would be able to use tonight to get past the awkwardness of what happened.
“So much for hoping,” I whisper as I sink down onto the couch. I rest my face in my hands as I try to breathe the tears away.
I can’t believe our friendship is over because I fell asleep at his place. Did we mean so little to him?
When an hour has passed with no sign of Marcus, I switch the TV off. I resist the urge to toss the tacos in the trash and instead shove them in the fridge.
Feeling like a heartbroken fool, I walk to my room. I strip out of the jeans and t-shirt, then slip into my pajamas. Not having any energy left, I fall sideways across my bed.
Now that I want to cry the tears won’t come.
When there’s a knock at the front door, I almost have a heart attack. I jump up and not wanting to keep Marcus waiting, I run to the door in my pajamas.
I take a few deep breaths to calm my beating heart.
Act normal. Don’t let Marcu
s see how happy you are.
I take one last deep breath then open the door.
My heart skips a beat when I see Marcus standing in front of me.
He came.
He’s late, but at least he’s here.
“Sorry, I’m late.” When he notices that I’m wearing pajamas, he frowns. “Were you sleeping?” He glances at his watch. “It’s not even eight yet.”
“Pajamas are comfortable,” I say, and I want to slap myself for not waiting a little longer before changing out of my clothes.
I stand to the side so Marcus can come inside. He doesn’t walk to the couch like he always does, but instead turns back to me.
“We can skip dinner if you don’t feel up to it.”
He’s looking for an out. Shit.
I shake my head, wanting tonight so I can show him that we’re just friends.
“I haven’t eaten yet. I’ll warm up the tacos while you choose a movie.”