Page 15 of Always Been You

Josh:No thanks needed. I hope you enjoy it.

Putting my phone aside, I set up my new Kindle, adding the subscription to my Amazon account, and begin browsing through all the books. I eventually make my way into the kitchen and make myself dinner before doing some last-minute work to get ready for parent-teacher conferences this week and afterwards, I get settled into bed.

The rest ofthe week is uneventful. I give my landlord notice, make it through my conferences, and start to pack some of the less used things in my apartment.

When I get up Saturday morning, I shower and get ready for my lunch with Josh. I’m meeting up with Drew after to sign the new lease so I make sure I have my ID so they can make copies of it, as well as a direct deposit form for my bank account for rent withdrawals. I am so excited that we got this place and that I’ll be living with Drew. Doing my little excited dance and squeal before leaving my apartment, I grab my keys and purse, locking up behind me.

Josh made reservations at a restaurant between our two places. While he lives closer to the business centre of downtown, since that’s where his company is located. I live closer to parks, in a more family-oriented part of downtown. I walk toward the train, running to catch the one that’s pulling up to the platform.

It’s only two stops, so it’s a quick ride. Getting off the train, I make my way through the crowd and up the stairs, checking my watch to make sure that I’m still on time. As I make it to the top, I see Josh waiting. He’s looking at his phone and I take the time to slowly take him in. Dressed in dark wash jeans and a Harvard t-shirt, he leans against the wall with his legs crossed at the ankles. He looks effortlessly casual and relaxed. His hair is messy, like he’s been running his fingers through it. I can never get over how good he looks and how much he’s filled out since we were younger.

Looking away from his phone as the crowd bustles past him, he looks around and when he finds me; he smiles and pushes off the wall, walking toward me. I can feel heat rising through my body as he gets closer and my heart rate increases. I feel nervous. Josh and I have been friends for years, but most of the times that we hung out, Matt was there too, and it’s been a while since we have spent alone time together. I’m not sure how either of us has changed over the last few years. When we meet up with each other, he pulls me into a hug. “I’m so happy to see you,” he says into my hair.

“Me too, you didn’t have to meet me here though.” I smile up at him as we release from the hug.

“It’s all good. I figured you’d take the train. Parking is horrible here anyway, and we can walk to the restaurant together.”

Chuckling, I walk beside him. “Yeah, there are days I question why the streets are so busy when you can take a train or bus anywhere downtown.”

“I know, but I guess I am guilty of that, too. I prefer to drive to work every day. I’m not a huge fan of the crowds on the train during the normal work commute.”

“Do you really work normal work hours?” I look up athim. “I feel like you’re a control freak at work, and you work ridiculous hours to make sure everything is done right.”

He places a hand over his heart and feigns pain. “Ouch Olivia, you really do have me pegged.” He laughs, “But I do have a decent work-life balance. I have hockey with the guys, poker every Saturday night. I see Em as often as possible and go to my parents once a month.”

“Okay,” I chuckle, “I believe you, but tell me you aren’t at work every morning by 6 a.m. and don’t leave until 7 p.m. unless you have a game.” I laugh.

“7 a.m. and I leave between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.,” he elbows me lightly in the side, “And don’t act like you don’t work ridiculous hours too. I know you. You may only be at school at 7:30 a.m. and leave at 3:30 p.m., but I know you take work home with you.” It’s crazy that years later Josh still can peg me like that.

I put my hands up in surrendering, “Okay, you got me there.”

We get to the restaurant and Josh holds open the door for me, gesturing for me to go in first and then places his hand on my lower back, guiding me inside. Heat radiates up my back from where his hand is resting. I can feel it through my clothes. I don’t have this visceral reaction when I’m with Drew. A single touch doesn’t warm my body, causing me to want to melt into it. Giving my head a slight shake to rid myself of these thoughts, I remind myself that I love Drew. We have built a solid foundation and are taking the next steps in our relationship. Steps I am looking forward to taking.

We wait at the host stand as Josh gives his name, and she leads us to the back corner. It’s an upscale restaurant, nicer than I probably would have chosen. I almost feel underdressed in my leggings and chiffon tank top. Looking around, itlooks like every person in here has money, even those that are dressed casually are dressed in name-brand clothes I could never afford on my teacher’s salary.

I take in the decor of the restaurant; the walls are painted a dark red with black wall sconces spaced evenly around the entire restaurant. Each table is decorated with a black tablecloth and an electric candle in the centre. The lights are low enough that the room has an intimate feeling, even for lunch.

When we get to our table, Josh pulls out my chair for me and I take a seat. The hostess hands us our menus, her eyes lingering on Josh for a few seconds longer than necessary, and tells us our server will be right with us.

Opening the menu, I browse for something I want.

“The eggs benedict are amazing here. I’m sure you’ll love them,” Josh says.

Closing my menu, I set it down, “Okay decision made, eggs benedict.” I say cheerfully.

Smiling, he closes his too and sets it down. The server comes over and she gives all her attention to Josh. Even as I place my order, she continues to completely ignore me. I roll my eyes. I’m not Josh’s girlfriend, but I am here with him. It would be nice if the server didn’t completely ignore me.

“So, how were your parent-teacher conferences?” Josh asks.

“Good, no drama this year, which was nice. I was able to make it home at a decent hour every day so I could start packing.”

Josh stiffens at my mention of my packing. Our server drops off our drinks, and Josh nods as he downs half of his water in a single sip.

“Uhh… so you found a place with Drew then?”

“Yeah, it’s this great place, close to my current place, andit’s got a great kitchen and closet space and a view of the water. We move in on June 30th.”

Josh swirls his glass on the table and avoids eye contact with me. Clearing his throat, he says, “That’s great, Olivia. I’m happy for you.” His tone doesn’t exactly match his words, but I’m not sure why that would be the case. Deciding not to read into it too much, I say, “Thanks, we are signing the lease this afternoon. I can’t wait. It’s going to be great. How are you? What’s new with you?”

---