Page 45 of Crash
“No. It’s okay. I have a few things still at his place that I need to get. Maybe I’ll call him after I get mobile and make arrangements.”
“You guys were too cute together. I only hope to find a love like that one day. But with better communication.” She looks at me with raised brows; stuffing chips in her mouth and smiling.
I roll my eyes at her comment and take a sip of my beverage. The coolness spills down my throat, giving me a bit of relief. The second gulp nearly depletes all the liquid in the container. I signal for another one, bringing unwanted attention from my bestie.
"Um, thirsty much?" she questions.
"What are you talking about?"
"You nurse drinks, not devour. Are you okay?"
I cave. "No, I'm not. I miss your…"
The words catch in my throat, unable to cross the barrier and express my feelings.
She grabs my hand in comfort. “Sis, it's okay. You just need to adjust to your old life again. You know, daydreaming about Austin, thinking about the hot and intense sex you two had, and just being fucking miserable. Girl, call him!”
I laugh, and she joins in, making the mood lighter.
She looks around for a second, and something catches her eye. The place is crowded so I can’t make out anything or anyone specific, but whatever it is, has her seething. So much that she doesn’t even acknowledge our waiter when he brings our food.
“Thank you,” I say, bringing her back to the moment.
“Oh, I thought I saw someone I knew, lost them in the crowd.”
“Really? Who?” I turn to search.
“It’s no one you’d know. So how are those tacos?”
“So, good. Just what I needed. But I need to go to the bathroom really quick. Be right back.” I excuse myself and make my way to the ladies.
I get back to the table and Courtney has all our food boxed and ready to go.
“Um, how long was I in there?” I joke.
“Oh, I figure we should go home and finish dinner. I have a few things I want to discuss and it’s getting crazy loud in here.”
“Okay, let me just pay for my meal.”
“Oh, just cash app me. I already took care of it.”
She’s acting strange, even for her. “Um, ok. Why you actin’ weird?”
“I’m not, just think we should go before it gets even more crowded.” Courtney grabs our food and rushes toward the door. As I make my way through, I get a sense that someone is looking at me. I shake it off and continue forward till I reach my destination.
“Okay, Court. What gives? You suggested this place and now you are making like a madwoman and leaving.”
She takes a deep breath and then sighs heavily. “I saw a guy I’ve been avoiding and wanted to get out of there before he saw me. That’s why I said it was no one you knew.”
“Oh, did you two have a special relationship?” I use air quotes to add emphasis and humor.
“Pssh, he wishes.”
“So, why didn’t you want to see him?”
“I just didn’t want to leave you unattended. This moment was for us only. No outsiders allowed.”
I feel it is something more to this but drop it when we approach her place. With our things in tow, we enter the apartment and sit at the table where we finish our dinner. She wasn’t completely lying when she said she wanted to go over some choreography for two of the routines. I coached her through the best way I knew how without being able to demonstrate them myself. When I try one move in particular, I fall. Tears of frustration erupt along with my anger. Courtney helps me to the couch, admonishing me along the way.
“Sit yo’ ass down, Tess. Geez girl, you’re gonna give me a fucking heart attack.” She immediately checks to see if there is any significant marks and asks me questions about any pain.
“I’m good. I guess I became too excited seeing how I could do some things with no issue.”
“Yes, but all good things to those who wait. One week then you’ll be out of the cast and on your way to doing perfect pirouettes, and sexy ass splits with your booty out. Give yourself, your body, the time it needs. Don’t rush. It will all still be here when you are back in full effect.”
I lay my head on her shoulder. “Thanks, Court. You always know what to say.”
She hugs me back. “That’s what besties slash sisters are for. Now, you sit here and I’m gonna go grab us a bottle of wine and some cookies to wind down.”
“Okay.” I pass her a smile as she gets up and heads to the kitchen. Her words and warm sentiments are soothing, and she’s right, I need to slow my ass down. I do my at home exercises for my injured leg while waiting for her return. The sound from her phone catches my attention and I see Austin is calling her. I want to answer, but I’m not sure how that conversation would go. So, I just let it go to voicemail and let my thoughts wander to what could’ve been.
