Page 44 of Running Into You
“How is your writing going?” I ask, eager to keep the spotlight on her. Rilla is a very talented writer and has been working on a novel for years. She let me read excerpts and I loved them. Every time she seems to be getting close to finishing, she re-works a storyline that sets back the entire process.
“Good, actually. I’ve completely revised the ancient mages’ origin story. It was too confusing before and now I think it flows better with the rest of the storylines. But I’ve been picking up some extra shifts at the bar, so I haven’t had as much time to work at it as I’d like,” she says. Lately, I’ve suspected that Rilla creates obstacles for her writing so she doesn’t have to finish it.
“I’d love to read anything new you’re ready to share.” I’d never call her on my suspicions, but I keep encouraging her to see the novel through.
“Seeing much of Josh?” The question is casual, but I take it as an accusation.
“Josh?” I ask, trying to sound relaxed. “No, I haven’t seen a lot of him.” I have, in fact, been seeing all of him. “I mean, we live down the hall from one another, so I do see him sometimes.”
“He sounds great when I talk to him. Really great, actually. Have you noticed any visitors coming or going?” Rilla is the least subtle person you will ever meet.
“None that I’ve seen. It’s not like I have the place staked out, though, so it’s possible women may be getting by me.” I force a laugh.
“Damn. I’m hoping he finds somebody soon. I really don’t want him to get back together with Eleanor.” She groans and I blanch.
“Do you think that will happen?” I manage to get out. My throat feels tight and I’m suddenly light-headed.
“Probably.” I can almost hear her shrug through the phone. “I know she wants to work things out. She’s giving him his space, but she still talks to my parents all the time. Which I think is fucked up. I mean, it’s not like they’re going to do anything about it. Regardless of how much they love her.” She sounds irritated now. “We all know she’s perfect, but that doesn’t mean she’s perfect for Josh, you know?”
“Of course,” I agree. Hearing my worst fears confirmed has left me feeling empty. Eleanor still wants Josh, and she’s actively trying to get him back. A new thought occurs to me. Is the reason Josh said he didn’t want to be in a relationship because he’s planning to get back together with Eleanor after he’s worked some things out?
I think I might be sick.
“Sorry, I’m venting,” Rilla says. “I just worry about him sometimes. I want the big, dumb loser to be happy.”
“I do too,” I admit, and it’s true. I want Josh to be happy more than anything. Whether it’s with Eleanor or someone else entirely. Even if it rips me apart to see it happen, I need him to be happy.
“If I can manage to get a weekend off in the next month, I thought I’d come to visit? I could stay with you and we can start planning our trip in May? If we want to cause as much trouble as possible, we need to start planning now,” she says and I wish she were here now. I feel so vulnerable, and I’d give anything to have my best friend with me right now.
“I would love that so much.” There is a small wobble in my voice that I hope she missed. The hand that holds the phone trembles as I hug myself tightly with my free arm.
“Yay!” she yells into the phone. “I’ll get to work on that and let you know when I have a plan.” She says she’ll text me through the week and I promise to respond this time. I say goodbye and set down my phone on the coffee table, running both hands through my hair.
I turn around to see Josh standing several feet behind me, his body tense and his expression stony. He’s heard everything.
“What the hell was that?” he demands.
Chapter 26
Josh
Istare at Betty in her living room, trying to contain my anger. I’m not a guy who gets angry a lot but, at this moment, I feel like I could break something. I’ve barely recovered from the greatest sex of my life to turn around and listen to her reduce our relationship to casual acquaintances. Why would she lie to Rilla about that? It’s not like I expect her to tell her everything, but she could at least tell her we’ve been hanging out. Or that we’ve been running together.
I know we said we weren’t doing the whole relationship thing, but aside from the label, we’re together. Aren’t we? Is she embarrassed to admit that we’re more than friends? I know my sister better than anyone and if anything, I think she’d be thrilled if I started dating Betty. Does she think Rilla will disapprove? I have too many questions and not enough answers. Betty stands frozen in place before me.
“What do you mean?” she asks nervously, her arms crossed in front of her clutching her sides.
“You hardly ever see me? You run into me in the halls? You haven’t seen any women leaving my place, but you haven’t really been paying attention?” I’m paraphrasing her half of the conversation, and she winces as I spit her own words back at her.
She’s visibly upset, but I don’t care. I want answers.
“I didn’t mean for it to sound that way,” she says quietly, looking down at the floor.
“Then why did you say it that way?” It is taking all my self-control not to raise my voice.
“What was I supposed to tell her?” she asks, finally looking at me, her green eyes pleading. “That we’re sneaking around?”
“Who the fuck is sneaking, Betty?” I bite out. “We’re adults, we can do whatever we want.”
