Page 24 of Nodus Tollens
“Technically, it wasn’t a lie. I would say it was more like evading the truth, but I’m not too worried about it affecting our friendship. I think when it’s all said and done, you’ll be grateful that I was the one who brought you your phone.”
Just when I didn’t think she’d ever laugh, she did. Though it sounded forced, like she was mocking me, I was entranced by the sound and the way her soft dimples appeared. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but evading the truth is a lie, Hayes. And when it’s all said and done? What the hell is that supposed to mean anyway?”
When I can finally call you mine, that’s what I mean.
“Look, I think it’s time for you to go.” She huffed like she was exhausted.
Exhausted of me.
“Thank you for bringing me my phone. I am thankful that you at least had the decency to give it back.” She lowered her voice, and her tone shifted to something softer and not so tense as before. “But nothing is going to happen after this. Friendship, acquaintance, a simple hi in the hallway, nothing. It won’t happen. It can’t.”
Jesus, she really was going to be as stubborn as a mule about this, wasn’t she but why? I mean, come on now, a hi? She really won’t allow that? There had to be more to the story than she was leading on. There clearly had to be when she won’t even let me wave at her.
“Oh, come on now, Blue. You really gonna do me like that?” I laughed as I widened my arms and threw up my hands.
“It’s not personal, Hayes.” She scoffed.
“So, then, why not make an exception for me? Clearly, you can tell I’m a nice guy. Funny, handsome, all the qualities you’d look for in a friend.”
There she went narrowing her eyes again, definitely not amused with me.
“Unless you secretly have a pair of boobs and a vagina, then no.”
“What if I got on my knees and begged?” I arched a brow, knowing that would give me a reaction at least.
“No.”
“Fine.” I sighed teasingly. “While shirtless?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Alright, well, you asked for it.” I sighed and held up my arms while yanking my sweatshirt sleeves up over my forearms.
“What are you doing?” She groaned in annoyance while making me laugh in response.
“Pulling out the big guns, obviously.” I explained. “I didn’t want to do this, but you’re giving me no other choice here.”
Closing my eyes, I pretended like I was actually doing something when really, I had no fucking clue what I was doing. I had to give it to her hard, though, where she’d feel it in that frozen, little heart of hers and hopefully give in. Thawing it out would take time, and I had a strong feeling I could be the one to do it. I may not have experience with love or anything that resembled it, but I could try.
For her, I would try.
“Oh my god, just get out, Hayes! I don’t have time for whatever nonsense you’re about to do. My roommate could walk in any second, and I really don’t have the energy to explain to her what happened.”
With my eyes still casted downward, I almost giggled at her desperation to get me out. I could honestly say that has never happened to me before.
I kinda liked it. A lot, actually.
“Shush, Blue, I need to concentrate.”
“For the love of…”
Then summoning the saddest puppy dog eyes and the poutiest mouth I could muster up, I lifted my head and showed her just how serious I was. Would it make me a pussy if I faked a few tears?
Nah.
If anything, that makes me innovative. Thinking outside the box.
“Please tell me you’re not doing what I think you’re doing…” She coughed out a laugh that had me beaming on the inside.
