Page 6 of Stay With Me

“Speaking of school, have you told Teddy that you plan to stay at school for the summer to finish classes in August instead of December?” Shayna asks.

I swallow the lump in my throat.

“No, not yet.” My voice is hushed. “He just got hired on at the fire department and he’s been so excited. I know this is going to upset him. Doing the long-distance thing has been hard on him. And he’s been looking forward to having the summer together and apartment hunting for us. I’m afraid it’s going to throw him into a depression.”

Teddy doesn’t do well when he’s expecting one thing to happen and plans change. And he seems to struggle with depression, though he won’t see anyone about it. He’s a wonderful man, full of love and energy, but when he has his down periods, he can get really low and it’s frightening to see him like that. It’s in such stark contrast to the joy he usually exudes. Truthfully, I’m afraid telling him will send him into a downward spiral.

“You should tell him soon. You’re leaving to go back next week.”

“I know. I’m going to talk to him about it today. I was holding off because I was reconsidering the job offer and wondering if I should just stick to my original plan to finish in Dec?—”

“No. Are you kidding me? You’re done with everything but a few electives and this job is at the school you’ve wanted to teach at since you started your student teaching. Teddy might be upset at first, but he wouldn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. Besides, it’s only like two and a half months of school if you do it this summer compared to three and half if you wait and go back in the fall. Use that when you explain it to him and maybe it will help.”

“I know. I’m just worried about how telling him will go.” When I look over at my best friend, I smile at her and attempt to reassure her I’ll be fine.

I’m patting little Tommy’s diapered bum when a rumble vibrates across my hand, followed by the most horrid sour smell. I gag.

“What is that smell?” I squeak out between, trying not to breathe in through my nose. “That can’t be coming from him, right?”

Shayna roars with laughter and stands up from the porch swing. She reaches for Tommy and pulls him into her arms.

“Looks like Tommy agrees that backing out on your plan to finish school this summer and move into your dream job in the fall is acrappyidea,” Shayna says. She’s still laughing, and it’s contagious because I can’t help but chuckle as well.

“On that note, I’m going to head out, especially if you’re about to open up that diaper. I’ll see you tomorrow for shopping, right?”

“Yep. Just text me what time we should head over. I love you, Em. It’s all gonna be okay.”

I wrap Shayna and the baby in a hug, then pull back and kiss Tommy on the head. “Thanks. I love you guys, too.”

* * *

CHARLIE

After climbing out of my truck, I walk around to the passenger side as Shelly shuts her door, and we walk toward Trina’s front porch. Just as we’re about to turn the corner at the edge of her garage, Teddy comes barreling around the bend from the other direction and narrowly avoids slamming into Shelly as she and I stop in our tracks.

“Sorry,” he mumbles hurriedly. He doesn’t wait for a reply before he stalks to his truck, gets in, and slams the door.

“Wow, what do you think that’s about?” Shelly asks as we head up Trina’s walkway.

“Not sure. He’s usually happy-go-lucky, so something must have upset him,” I explain.

As we step onto the stoop, my hand on the small of her back, I catch a splash of pink in my peripheral vision. When I glance over in that direction, I spot Emily sitting on the ground, leaning against the house. Her blotchy red cheeks and her downcast eyes give me the sneaking suspicion that she hopes we won’t see her.

I tap Shelly on the shoulder, and when she looks back at me, I tilt my head in Emily’s direction.

“Why don’t you head in and get something to drink? I’ll be in shortly.” I keep my voice intentionally low.

Shelly looks over at Emily, says nothing, then enters the house. I stroll over and plop myself on the warm concrete ground next to Emily. We sit in silence for a solid minute or two.

“Your girlfriend’s pretty. I’ve always wondered what your type is. I guess it’s gorgeous redheads, huh?” Her voice is quiet.

“That’s really what you want to talk about? My type? There’s nothing else on your mind causing you to sit out here alone when one of Trina’s cookouts is in full swing out back?”

“You didn’t deny she’s your girlfriend. That’s interesting.” Emily looks up at me with determined eyes. It’s clear she expects me to respond, and I’ve learned over the last four years of friendship with Trina that Emily is as stubborn as they come.

I sigh.

“Shelly’s someone I’m dating. I guess maybe she’s a girlfriend. But I don’t feel a need to label it.”

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