We slipped out of his bedroom and Cecilia was sitting out on the porch. No doubt, giving us our privacy. She peeked her head around the corner and I caught her stare. And I could’ve sworn I saw her wink. Clint led me outside and
we went to find her car. He opened my door and offered me his hand like the true gentleman he was. My hand sat against his knee the entire time we drove around. Trying to track down that stupid bubble tea place.
“Do you remember where it is?” Clint asked.
I shrugged. “I can’t ever remember where that damn thing is located.”
“All right. Chips first while I try to look it up on my phone.”
“I’ll buzz into the grocery store really quickly. I need to pick up my last proof of pay anyway.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He pulled into the grocery store parking lot and I looked over toward the corner. Where that tree stood. I slipped out of the car and watched the shadows, remembering all that had happened. The night Clint saved me. The night he risked his life to make sure I was all right. Before we barely even knew one another, he had been protecting me. Risking himself to make sure I was okay. I sighed as I closed the door. I forced myself to go inside, even though the memories of that night bombarded me.
No. It was determined.
I had to convince Clint to travel with me.
I picked up a large bag of Doritos for Michael and walked back out to the car. And I found Clint staring at that tree, too. With glossy eyes and a tranced look on his face, I gave him the time he needed to process. To remember. To pull himself out of it.
Then he sighed. “Ready to go?”
I nodded. “Did you find that drink place?”
“Yep. Just up the road a bit.”
“Do you think they have sodas for those of us that aren’t weird and like chewing on our drinks?”
He chuckled. “I can definitely check it out. You got the chips, so I get the drinks.”
“Fair enough.”
I saw Clint texting on his phone as he stood in line. But I didn't pay it any mind. Probably telling Michael we were on our way. The both of us. You know, so he could prepare the firing squad for my arrival. The closer we grew to his house, the more nervous I became. He had never been this upset with me. And not hearing from Allison at all made it worse.
Until I found the two of them sitting on Michael’s parents’ porch.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Clint parked the car. “I figured both of them should be here so we can all talk.”
I slowly looked over at him. “And when were you going to tell me this?”
He shrugged. “I just did.”
I snickered and shook my head. Then I walked the hall of shame. I offered my peace offering to Michael before Clint passed off the drink. And I watched as he ran his eyes up and down my body. Clint pulled a couple of chairs over for us and I peeked over at Allison. She had her hand on Michael’s knee, softly massaging. Trying to keep him calm as her eyes avoided my gaze.
Fuck. I really hoped I could fix this.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
Michael opened the chips. “That’s a start.”
Clint motioned for me to sit down and I gladly took the invitation.
“I know you guys are mad at me. And you have every right to be. Michael, you were right at the restaurant.”
He paused. “What?”