Page 99 of Heartstruck at Dawn
“Of course you are. I’m just kidding. Billy’s never around anyway. I don’t think he’s ever heard a thing,” she said, trying to make me feel better, but now I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“And don’t get me wrong. Nathan and I are doing great together. I know we’re going to be fine after the argument we had on Friday. And when William’s away, Nathan really makes me forget about him, but when I see him …” I shook my head and shuddered, but it was almost undetectable. “I’m sure the feeling will fade away with time.” I hoped.
“I mean, sure …” Lily said with hesitation.
“Lily! You’re not helping!” I laughed out of pure nerves because the conversation wasn’t funny.
“I’m sorry! It’s just … I don’t know. I care so much about Billy and Nathan. I really don’t know what to say. It’s a tough situation. I guess what happened with Billy is you two never could explore things. He might feel the same, and that’s why you both can’t seem to get over that fact. You know what I mean? Like you haven’t been able to get each other out of your systems.
“Maybe once Billy finds someone else who makes him happy, he’ll stop doing these things that only confuse you,” she said. “That would probably be the best thing for everyone. I know how much you love Nathan.”
William finding someone else who makes him happy.
I swallowed the huge lump in my throat. Nathan made me happy, so I should’ve wanted to wish the same for William.
But I guess I’m not as well-intentioned as I thought.
February 8, 2010
NATHAN MISSEDhis early morning flight. He slept in. The airport in Miami was swarming with people who had flown in for the Super Bowl. There weren’t any available flights for him to take instead, and he needed to get back to work as soon as possible.
Joel convinced him to fly back with them. Nathan had to set his pride aside and return to New York on the same plane as William. It was either that or stay another day in Miami. That wasn’t an option. He told me he had an early morning meeting on Tuesday he couldn’t miss.
Nathan texted me to let me know they had arrived in New York and that he would drop by my apartment before going back to work. He wanted to see me. And I did too. We still needed to talk about what happened, but I was in a much better headspace to do that.
Aaron and David drove me back from school. I hadn’t seen Caleb since Friday, and although I was still a little angry, a tad sad, and a whole lot disappointed about what happened, I also wanted to talk to him and try to put everything behind us.
My phone buzzed. It was CJ. “Heeeey, Billie! Nina and I need your help.”
“Hey! Of course, what’s up?”
“Our landlord is kicking us out of our apartment. Her daughter is going to use it from now on. We already found another one we liked, but it’ll be ready by the eighth of March. Do you think Nina and I could stay with you for a few weeks?”
“Of course! But you would be sharing a room. Is that okay?”
“Ugh, you’re a doll. And we don’t mind. You’re a lifesaver,” CJ replied.
“Hey, Billie! Thank you so much for taking us in!” Nina shouted over the phone. “I’ll make sure CJ behaves, don’t worry.”
I laughed. “Absolutely. No problem at all. So when do you need to be out of your current apartment?”
“February fifteen. We would be staying with you for three weeks. Are yousureit’s okay?” CJ asked. “I know I’m a lot to take in.” He laughed.
“You are.” I joked with a laugh. “But I’d love to have you here with me. I’ll have everything ready for you by then.” It was going to be an interesting three weeks.
CJ thanked me a million more times before ending the call. At least Nina was still dating Juan Pablo. I’d hate to see her flirting with Caleb.
As I waited for Nathan to arrive, anxiety slithered up my spine. I didn’t know how he was feeling about the argument. What I knew for sure was that he was going to arrive with a terrible hangover.
I rushed to the front door after hearing a knock. But it wasn’t Nathan.
“Hey, Red,” Caleb said with a deep crease in between his brows. He wasn’t wearing his suit and tie, but jeans and a military green hoodie that made his eyes shine beautifully. He was off duty for the rest of the day. “I know you’re angry, and you probably don’t want to talk to me, but please hear me out.”
I nodded and stepped outside, closing the door behind me.
“I don’t want to make up any excuses, and I will only speak for myself. I just wanted to tell you that I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have lied to you about the documents or plotted anything behind your back. I know how much you hate that, and I will do my best to avoid situations like those from happening again in the future.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. And in all honesty, I’m not so angry anymore. I’m mostly sad about what happened. You know how I light up like a match but cool down just as fast.”
