Page 46 of Fall of Us
“You’re fidgety and you’re making a mess of my bar. Something is on your mind.” He motioned to the growing pile of shredded paper.
I sighed and scooped up the small pieces, handing them over to him so he could throw them away. “I don’t know what to say. Just doing a lot of thinking now that Andrew and I are moving in together.”
Shawn’s eyebrows lifted, and he stood back up, placing his hands on his hips. “Moving in? Did something change? You two finally giving it a go?”
My chest tightened. It was so stupid. I should be able to tell my friends that things had changed, but something was still holding me back. It didn’t even make sense.
“Just helping a friend in need.”
Shawn didn’t look like he believed me. He shook his head as he went to help someone who sat down at the other end of the bar. I wasn’t by myself for long before Daniel made an appearance.
“You know, if he’s bothering you, you can tell him to fuck off.”
A laugh burst free from my chest. “He wasn’t bothering me. He never does.”
Daniel rolled his eyes before he leaned in and took over Shawn’s position to talk to me. “I’m not convinced. He’s a menace to everyone.”
A smile tugged at my lips, the unease from earlier lifting. Whatever was going on between Daniel and Shawn didn’t make sense, either. While individually, they each got along with our group of friends, the two of them could never find common ground.
“Just to you.”
Daniel shrugged one shoulder, looking down and glaring at the man talking to the customer at the other end of the bar. He turned back to me, more focused on what was going on with me. “What were you two talking about, anyway? Did I overhear something about someone moving in?”
My face heated because if this was what it was like telling our friends about moving in together, what was going to happen when they found out we were actually together? How much would they tease us? Maybe that’s where my reluctance was. I was avoiding the inevitability of our friends making fun of us.
“Yes. Andrew. We might be looking for some helpers as well. Since he gave his notice at his apartment, they gave him two weeks to clear out the place. Thankfully, he doesn’t have a lot to move, but it would be nice to get it done quickly.”
Daniel completely locked up when an arm draped over his shoulder. “You looking for some strong men to help with moving?I’m able to help. Can’t say the same for this one.” Shawn grabbed at Daniel’s biceps, giving it a squeeze.
Daniel shoved him off. He glared daggers at him before he marched off to the back room of the bar. Shawn just stood there watching him leave. It was so odd to watch the two of them interact, but they seemed to do okay when they got together with everyone… besides the occasional arguing.
“Why do you do that?” I asked as Shawn picked up a bottle of water, opened the lid, and took a swig.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was hard not to just stare at him. He was playing dumb, but the more he teased Daniel, the harder it was to believe he wasn’t doing it on purpose.
“Anyway, yes. We could use some help. I think we plan on moving his stuff over next weekend. Do you think you can tell Daniel that, or will he kill you in the process?”
Shawn barked out a laugh, almost spitting out the water he was drinking. “I’ll pass the word. Want me to let Chase know as well?”
“Let me know what?”
My forehead hit the bar top as the blond beach boy slid behind the counter. “I don’t want to keep explaining it.”
Chase laughed, patting my shoulder. “Is this about Andrew? Nathan told me.”
I slid from the barstool, picked up my glass, and chugged my drink. There was only so much of this that I could take. Myfriends had the best of intentions, but I wanted to get back to my apartment.
Once more, Shawn refused to let me pay. It didn’t matter that he was the son of the owner. How much he was giving away for freehadto be adding up.
The cool late October afternoon hit me the second I stepped outside. A breeze blew leaves all over the sidewalk, stirring up the smell of earth in the air. I took a deep breath, turned in the direction of home and paused.
All this talk of Andrew moving in, and I was craving seeing his face.
I turned in the other direction and started walking toward the store.
Chapter 29
Andrew
