Page 31 of Another Love, Another Time
“Woah. Too much information.”
I laugh at him. “Thanks for being there for me tonight when I needed you.” I wipe my nose and eyes again.
“Just be patient with him, Riv. He’s trying to do what you asked him to by going out with other girls. It’s hard to juggle a girlfriend and friends. Especially a best friend who’s a girl. Amber feels threatened by you, as she should. She’s seen you together before. Anyone can see how he looks at you, but she knows Auggie’s a sucker for a damsel in distress. He wants to be the hero in everyone’s story.”
“How did you get so wise?” I question.
“I’ll never tell.” He gives me that smirk of his.
Our Uber pulls up to Auggie’s house, so we get out of the vehicle and walk in through the garage where Uncle Eddie and Uncle Chris on sitting and drinking beers. I’ve tried to make myself more presentable, but they will know I’ve been crying. I was hoping I could slide into the house without being seen, but that failed. As soon as they see me, they both jump to their feet.
Uncle Chris starts, “What happened, River?”
“Did someone hurt you?” Uncle Eddie asks.
“No, I’m just emotional right now. I’m getting ready to start my period. You know how it is, right?” I try to lighten the mood and smile.
“River, that period talk may work in avoiding a discussion with the boys, but it’s not going to work with me. Have you met your Aunt Connie? We talk about her period over lunch. Now, tell me what happened. You don’t usually cry. Something has you upset. I’m assuming it was Auggie since he’s not with you, and his mom had to go get him?” Uncle Eddie doesn’t hold back.
I don’t want Auggie to get into trouble over this. This is between me and him. Logan is right. Auggie does take me for granted.
“Nothing happened, Uncle Eddie,” I respond. “Like I said, I was being emotional. I wanted to come home, and Auggie wanted to stay a little bit longer with his friends. I’m going to head to bed. I’m exhausted.”
He pulls me into a hug. “Okay, honey. If you don’t want to talk about it, I’m not going to force you. Your Aunt Connie made up the bed. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks, Uncle Eddie.” I turn to Logan one more time and give him a hug. “Thanks again for being there. I know I pulled you away from your friends.” After saying goodnight to everyone, I walk into the guest room, change into my pajamas, pull back the covers, and slide into the bed. I don’t want to think about today. I should have just stayed at home.
I pick up my phone to put it on the charger and see I have a couple of missed calls and two text messages from Auggie.
Auggie: Where are you?
Auggie: Thanks a lot, River. Now I’m in trouble. What did you tell our parents?
I’m not responding to him tonight. I’m not the one in the wrong. I open Facebook and look at his page. Amber posted another picture of her and Auggie from tonight.
I don’t know why I torture myself. I go back to my page and update my profile picture to the one with Logan and me doing our silly faces. I post it with a caption reading, “Thank you for being the friend I needed tonight.” A few seconds later, my phone vibrates.
Liam: Am I already being replaced?
River: What are you talking about?
Liam: U just updated UR profile picture with another boy.
River: No, he’s just one of my friends that I hung out with tonight. Are you jealous?
Liam: Heck yeah, I’m jealous. I want my picture up there with U.
River: Next week, we can take one, and I’ll post it on there.
Liam: Promise?
River: Promise. Going to bed. I’m exhausted. Talk to you later.
Liam: Good night, River.
River: Night
I check Facebook one more time and see Logan has commented on our picture. “Anytime, River girl. You know I’m always here for you.”
