Page 74 of Hunt for the Roses
I point at him. “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Plus, they say highly intelligent people watch crappy shows.”
“That’s definitely not what they say.”
“Well they should.”
“Anything you need fixing around the house?” Ronnie asks.
“Not yet, thankfully. I guess that’s good karma for having such a shitty year. It’s about time I have it easy,” I joke as I shift the lanterns in the box to make sure all the contents are there.
When Ronnie doesn’t respond right away, I realize he probably thinks I’m going to spiral emotionally, but I reassure him as I turn around. “I’m trying to make a joke. Clearly it was a bad one.”
Ronnie walks up to me and wraps one arm around me to pull me into him. He gives me a kiss on the top of my head as he says, “Well, if ever you need anything, you know I’m here.”
“I know,” I say with a grateful smile.
When Ronnie releases me, he starts to make his way out of the kitchen. “Well, I don’t want to keep you from your wild night, so I’ll get going.”
“Thanks for stopping by,” I say as I follow him to the foyer.
“You got it. I’m sure we’ll talk soon,” Ronnie says as he makes his way to the front door.
Once Ronnie exits my house, I start to make my way back to the kitchen, but the sound of a couple car doors, and two familiar voices makes me freeze my movements.
* * *
Dane
As I’m pulling up to the curb of my townhouse, I notice Ronnie about to get into his car that’s parked outside Aria’s house. That is until he notices my car slowing down the block. Part of me really wishes he didn’t see me, because the last person I want to see right now is the brother of the girl whose legs I was between last night.
Last night.
If someone ever asked me the purpose of my existence, I would describe last night to them. But ironically enough, as amazing as our night was, Aria didn’t spend the night, and we haven’t spoken to each other all morning. I guess I could have sent a text her way, but I’m not sure what she’s feeling, or what would make her most comfortable in this situation. Aria seemed so sure of us last night, but I can’t help this dreadful feeling in my gut that says today’s a different story.
Before I can get too wrapped up in my own thoughts, I see Ronnie approach my car, and I turn the engine off to hop out.
“Hey, what’s up?” I say.
Ronnie stretches his hand out to me so we can bring each other in for a hug-handshake. “Not much, just had to drop something off for the restaurant.”
I close my car door and lean my palm against the roof of my car. “Anything I can help with?”
“No, actually. Aria’s determined to keep herself occupied with those centerpieces. I think we’re good.”
I’m a little thrown off by Ronnie’s comment, not entirely sure what he means by that, and unfortunately, I can’t help the slight dip in my facial expression. “Oh…” I trail off.
Ronnie shrugs with a smile. “She was just speaking in general. I wouldn’t worry too much.”
I try my best to brush off my concern nonchalantly, and just throw a small smile with a nod. I feel like for this scenario, the less I speak the better off I’ll be.
“Listen, I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked you for looking out for Aria this summer. But man to man, I really appreciate it. It seems like you’ve really been a great friend to her, and have helped her continue to heal,” Ronnie says.
Fuck me.
I’m no genius, but I’m almost positive Ronnie won’t be appreciating me much longer once he finds out about Aria and me. I should own up to the truth right now. I know that. I should explain what’s going on between us, but I realize it would be a whole lot easier if I knew exactly what was going on myself. Instead, I feel estranged from Aria. Like we’re two strangers who didn’t just make a passionate display of our feelings against a wall. It’s truly a mind fuck that I want no part of, and for a split second, I feel angry. Angry that I wouldn’t even know what to explain to Ronnie if I chose to do so. Shouldn’t I know? The typical answer would be yes, but there are so many blurred lines and taboos written in our story, it’s hard for me to see through all the gray and black of our relationship.
When I realize I haven’t responded to Ronnie, I inhale before speaking up. “You never have to thank me,” I say. It’s the most honest answer I can think of without having to say too much, and I feel it’s sufficient.
For now.
