Page 19 of Anywhere with You
“Hey, you turning in?” he asks me. Okay, something is up.
“Trying,” I reply honestly. He knows this thing with Allison is tearing me up inside.
“Listen, man, I watched you tonight, you’re different with her. Hell, all week you’ve been different, blowing girls off, not gettingtogether with the guys. I can tell you’re really into her, and, well, I just want you to know if you’re serious, I’m good with it.” He pauses to gauge my reaction. Of course, I’m speechless. “She really is just like my little sister. She’s been through a lot, and I want to protect her,” he shakes his head, “but the way you look at her, I’ve only ever seen that look one other time in my life.”
“Really, and when was that?” I know how I look at her, like she’s the most precious gift on the damn planet. I’ve tasted those lips and been subjected her hugs. No one compares to Allison.
Aiden waits for me to look at him. “My parents. You look at Allison the same way that my parents look at each other. Their love is deep and genuine, I see that when you look at her. Protect her and don’t rush her, man. She deserves that and more.”
I nod my head. “I would give her the world if I could.” There’s no need for me to elaborate. Aiden knows I’m struggling with my feelings for her. Even so, he just gave me his blessing. Now it’s up to me to decide what I’m going to do with it. I told him I was pursuing her, yet I’ve hesitated. My mind is all over the place.
Aiden nods and turns, leaving me with my thoughts. I lie awake in bed for hours just thinking about life, football, and most of all, Allison. Can I fit a serious relationship in with all the other craziness of senior year, football, and the draft? Can I handle not having her in my life? I can feel the answer beating in my chest, but admitting it is a whole other feat. That’s the question running through my mind as I drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER 13
Allison
The last two months have been a whirlwind. Hales and I have settled into a nice little routine with school and sharing space. We’ve spent a lot of time hanging out with Aiden and Liam, just as a group of friends. There’ve been no more kisses, but I do hug Liam hello and goodbye each time I see him, just like I do Aiden. It’s hard to see him so much and not be with him. At least, I don’t have to watch him date. Neither Aiden nor Liam have been on a date since the semester started, well, not as far as Hailey and I know of anyway. Hailey and I really haven’t dated either. She went out on a date with that Todd guy when school first started, but they haven’t gotten together since then due to their schedules. It could also be because Aiden and Liam always get to us first. I can’t help but wonder if Aiden doesn’t have a little crush on Hales, I know she has a crush on him. I need to keep an eye on those two.
It’s Friday night and Hales and I are staying in. Aiden and Liam are at an away game. Hailey and I never miss a home game, but theaway games all depend on where they are. So tonight, we’re having a girls’ night. Just hanging out in our dorm, listening to music and consuming lots of junk food.
“So, Todd just texted me and wants to go out tomorrow night. I was thinking maybe you could come with me and double with his friend Jason?” Hailey asks me.
“I can’t. I’m going home this weekend to spend some time with Gran.”
“Please, Allie, you can leave early Sunday morning to go see Gran. Please, pretty please?”
“Fine,” I say with a sigh. “What is this Jason guy like, anyway?” I ask her.
“He’s hot, that’s what he is.” She laughs.
“Okay, so he’s hot, does he go to Duke with Todd?”
“Yeah, he does.” She pauses to collect her thoughts. “They both used to play football in high school. They played for our rival school. Liam really doesn’t like either one of them. I don’t really know why, he never said.”
“Great,” I groan. I don’t want to piss Liam off. I want him to want me. Of course, I’m not going to admit that out loud. The last couple months we’ve flirted endlessly, and the four of us are now a package deal, but we’re all just friends, siblings hanging out. There have been no more kisses.
“It’ll be fun, trust me. Just four people hanging out, having a good time. I’ll text Todd and let him know. I think we’re going to go to The Warehouse, you cool with that?” she asks as her fingers fly across the screen of her phone.
“Um, do you know if Liam and Aiden will be there?” I question.
“Definitely not, or else I wouldn’t go. I don’t enjoy my brother when he’s pissed off.”
“Okay then, The Warehouse it is. I just hope Liam and Aiden don’t show up. “
“I talked to Liam earlier; they’re going to a party at Blitzen’s. I’ll text him, just to make sure.”
CHAPTER 14
Liam
This week has been crazy. This is my last year of college, football season is in full swing, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Allison. I haven’t so much as looked at another girl these past two months. The memory of her pressed tight against me and the taste of her lips on mine is on constant replay in my mind. This moment is a perfect example, I should be focusing on the mound of homework sitting in front of me, but I can’t concentrate. All I see is Allison. My phone vibrates alerting me I have a new message.
Hailey:Hey, big bro! How are your classes?
Me:Good, buried in a mound of homework. Yours?
Hailey:Good. Diff from high school.
