“And my keys?” I lift my shoulders a bit helplessly.
“Now that one, I can’t help you with. You didn’t have them when I obtained you.”
I check my pockets again but they’re not there. I must have lost them at some point last night. I’ll have to retrace my steps. I tap the screen on my phone, but it doesn’t light up.
“Charger?” Johnny seems to read my mind.
I bite at my lip. “Yeah.”
He points out the door. “There’s one in the kitchen.”
I follow him out and down the hall. It’s a strange sort of walk of shame not remembering what happened between us. “Thanks.” I plug my phone in and wait for it to boot up. I stand there awkwardly wishing time would speed up a little.
He twists the tip of his sock-covered foot into the tile floor. "Claire, so—"
I cut him off. “Did we hook up last night?”
His eyes go wide, and he frantically shakes his head. “No, God no. Seriously?”
“Thank God.” I bring my hand to my chest then narrow my eyes at him. “Wait, why is that such a bad thing?”
“You were stupid drunk. I’m notthatbad of a guy.” He seems offended by my questioning, like I should assume he wouldn’t take advantage of some intoxicated girl.
He’s an asshole, but apparently, he has some kind of moral code of conduct.
“Why wereyouso relieved?”
Is it really not that obvious? “Because I’m not really into having sex with random guys…”
“Right. Yeah. Makes sense.”
I finally take a drink of the coffee he gave me. It's pretty decent for home-brewed, but I don't tell him that. It'd be even better with a little cinnamon.
“Listen, Claire.” His serious tone pulls all of my attention. “I don’t really know how to say this.”
“Just say it.” Instantly, a million things cross my mind. “Did I snore or something?”
“No.” His emerald gaze meets mine. “You did have a nightmare though.”
My cheeks redden with embarrassment. That’s much worse.
“Oh.” I take another drink while I try to come up with something else to say.
He breaks the uncomfortable silence I create. “We can’t be friends.”
His declaration strangely kicks me in the gut.
“What?” I set my cup on the counter and face him.
My phone buzzes, alerting me that it's charged enough to turn on. It continues to vibrate with the incoming text messages that were never delivered while it was shut off.
We both glance at it and then at each other.
“I’m sorry.” Johnny’s expression remains grave.
I unplug my cell and shove it into my pocket, not bothering to check the notifications. I look around and locate my shoes, sliding into them while Johnny’s gaze follows me.
“Say something.” He reaches out and grabs onto my wrist.