“You’re such a dick,” Eli deadpans.
That now-familiar pain slices its way back down my sternum as the room falls back into a tolerative silence. I don’t have to look around to know everyone’s mind is back to the one girl we all know who uses that phrase like the execution of her imagination demands it.
The mirth of Eli’s sentence as delicate as my pull toward Rory. I shake my head. Not once have I ever felt connected to anyone else like her. Our pull at one time was weightless. Now it’s stranded, and I’m alone.
“So… dinner?”
I hate that Finn says that with hesitancy, like he needs something to fill the voided thoughts in his mind. We have never been awkward around each other.
“Fine,” Eli agrees. Eyeing me sternly, he says, “But you’re driving, and your wallet is about to become a bottomless pit.”
“Bottomless milkshakes and fries,” Finn affirms. “Get ready to pay up, buddy, because I’m starving,” he says, belching into his fist to clear his stomach on his way out.
Eli reaches, squeezing my shoulder on his pass by. Neck straightening as he looks me dead in the face for a second too long. The meaning behind his hold absolute.
I’m not forgiven.
He may be right, but at least it’s a start.
The diner’s packed tonight.
The place Rory liked to frequent with Hailey becoming our regular hangout and now becoming the majority of KPAs as well.
What is the word she uses when describing this place… eclectic?
Finn runs his hand up and down at the food baby that is now his stomach. Somehow still having room even as the waitress brings the check over.
I hand her my card, not even bothering to look at the receipt. Watching in both equal parts fascination and disgust as Finn slurps down the very last of what has to be his fifth shake.
Eli continues to stare out the window, same as he’s been for most of the meal. We’re back to the nothingness phase.
Awesome.
The conversation didn’t flow. It felt forced a lot of the time, but I’m just grateful they’d even agreed to come to begin with. Even if it’s only for a free meal.
This is the most interaction with their company I’ve gotten since this all started. Since we lost her.
Tucking my card away, I don’t bother thanking the waitress, the more than generous tip she’d see later will be thanks enough.
Finn wipes at his mouth in a gesture that he’s ready to go.
“Can I see the footage again?” I rush out. Not ready to leave.
Finn slowly sinks back down into his seat. Harsh lines form around his mouth as he angles his head to the side. Eli’s eyes already on me.
They hesitate. Their stubbornness makes my temple throb, so I dangle my key as a reminder of who drove. The message obvious. The sooner I rewatch, the sooner we all part ways.
It’s a cheap shot, but it’s the only one I have.
Eli’s frown is in full force. I know he’s regretting making me drive now.
“Come on, maybe we missed something. Rory’s still gone.”
This reminder the cheapest of cheap shots. The one thing I know will get the ball rolling. Using the self-inflicting wound that slices my heart into a million tiny pieces to my advantage. Even if it mutilates me in the process.
That cavity in my chest flames in disgust, but I push past it. Groveling won’t give me the answers I’m desperate for.
Pulling out his laptop, Eli slides it to the center so we can all rewatch together.