Page 16 of Before We're More Than Friends
“You’re making it sound like one of us is dying.”
“Part of us is dying.” He looked off into the distance with glassy brown eyes. “But we’ll get through this. I’ll blow up your phone like crazy. Hike my way to your new house to visit you if I have to. Go to prison if anyone hurts you. You’re still my second favorite person to Buster.”
“Wow, you never told me you loved your dog more.” I rubbed my chest. “Now I’ll miss you a lot less.”
“Oh, shut up.” He punched me in the arm.
“Ouch!” I rubbed my arm, feigning hurt. “Now I’ll really miss you less.”
“You’re full of s—” A bird flew past Toby, nearly making him fall off the branch. “Rude.”
I laughed. “That’s what you get.”
“I’m glad you’re moving away.” Toby held on to the Tree like his life depended on it. “Now Buster won’t have any competition.”
“Oh, gosh.” I rolled my eyes before brushing tears away with my sleeve. “I love you.”
Toby wrapped his arms around me and slapped me on the back, and I did the same to him. “I love you too. You’ll always be Dallas from Dallas.”
Have you ever been on a long car ride to drive four states away with a dog barking in your ears while your parents sing horrible old songs from the eighties and your sister complains the whole time? Well, I don’t recommend it.
It didn’t help that the noise made my head pound. Or that we hadn’t stopped by a rest stop in forever. Not only did I need fresh air, but my bladder did, too. And there was no way I wasusing the bottle Mom had handed me or pissing at the side of the road for everyone to see.
At least for now.
After being trapped in the next thing to hell, we stopped in Santa Fe for the night. Dad booked us a two-bedroom suite so we could get our own space. After going out to eat, we showered and got ready for bed so we could get up bright and early.
When I opened my laptop on my bed, I smiled as I opened the DM Chloe had left me on Connections.
Chloe
How’s the move going? I know you’re having a rough time, but I hope things are going smoothly.
Alex
Things could be smoother. We’re in Santa Fe right now after and dealing with my family and Houston annoying the living hell out of me. I am NOT looking forward to the long drive tomorrow, but at least we’ll finally be in Nevada.
After a few minutes of staring at my bright screen that was starting to hurt my eyes, Chloe replied.
Chloe
Thanks for letting me know that I could NEVER move with my family. It sounds tedious as freak. I’m sorry your family’s been annoying. When everyone is going through changes, it can turn into a mess.
Alex
Yeah, I hate changewith a burning passion.
Chloe
Me too. Talked a lot about the changes I’m going through with Susanna today. I guilted her into playing UNO with me instead of going on with the conversation.
Alex
Knowing how much you love UNO, I’m not surprised.
Chloe
I love that you guys know me so well.
