Page 18 of Dreams
Chapter Five
Taylor met Josh at the diner every night for the rest of the week. Being around him made her realize just how lonely she’d been. It was her own fault. She’d pushed everyone away with her sullenness. Josh didn’t seem to mind.
Abigail constantly had people in their room, so Taylor wanted to be anywhere but there. She knew she should be trying to get to know her roommate and the other people on their floor, but it was too overwhelming. All they seemed to want to do was find the best parties on the weekends. That wasn’t Taylor’s scene.
She called her best friend Sarah on her way to the diner and listened to her squeal into the phone. They hadn’t talked since Taylor moved to Columbus. Sarah tried to call a few times, but Taylor wasn’t much for talking and Sarah was one of those people where a quick conversation wasn’t possible unless you had a good excuse to get off the phone.
“I’m so glad you called!” Sarah said.
Taylor held the phone away from her face to prevent her ear drum from bursting. “Hey.”
“Oh my gosh, you have to tell me everything. How’s OSU? How’s your family? Have you met your dad’s team yet? NHL players - swoon!”
“Sarah,” Taylor said slowly. “Calm down.”
“You’re right. Sorry.”
“I can only talk for a minute. I’m on my way to meet someone.”
“Please tell me it’s a guy.”
“Just a new friend.”
“Okay, I need all the details,” Sarah said. “What’s he look like? What’s he do? Does he like you? How big is his-?”
“Sarah!” Taylor yelled.
“Bank account,” she continued. “I was going to say bank account.”
“Yeah right.”
“Just answer my questions.”
Taylor sighed. “Fine. I’m not telling you. I haven’t asked. How should I know? And I don’t care. There. My answers for you.”
“How am I supposed to live through you if you won’t give me anything?” Sarah asked.
“You aren’t,” Taylor answered.
“Oh, right.”
“Look,” Taylor started. “I just got here and don’t want to keep him waiting.”
“Fine. Fine. I expect a full report.”
“Friends, Sarah. That’s it.” Taylor pulled into the parking lot and shut off the car.
“For now.” Sarah hung up without another word.
Taylor leaned her head back on the headrest and squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. Sarah’s words freaked her out. and it took every ounce of willpower not to pull out and drive away.
Josh appeared at the door to the diner and looked straight at her. She didn’t have a choice now. Sliding her seatbelt off her shoulder, Taylor opened her door and stepped out. A grin spread across Josh’s face, instantly putting her at ease.
“Hey there,” he said when she joined him at the door.
“Hi,” she replied, following him inside and to their usual booth in the back.
The place was a little busier than the usual, Friday night traffic. They placed their orders and then Josh leaned back, studying her.
