“Yeah, my sister suggested it to me as well. I’m not sure if I’ll come back, though.”
“No?”
My shoulders rise and fall, my mind going through a range of thoughts. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“Fair enough.”
Before I can get into my car, Dacia walks up. “Anyone else drink that coffee in there?”
Caleb and I look at each other and break out in grins.
“I swear, it was like a million days old! There’s a cafe across the street. Would you guys want to go? Or if you have plans, don’t worry about it.” Darcia looks back and forth between us with a grin.
She’s in her late twenties or early thirties and has long legs and skinny hips. Honestly, she’s gorgeous with jet black hair and light-colored eyes, and the fact she’s sweet and kind only adds to her appeal.
Before I can respond, Caleb looks at me and answers. “Sure, I have a few minutes to spare.”
“Yeah, me too,” I reply with a smile.
We end up sitting at the cafe for almost two hours. I haven’t laughed and smiled that much in so long. Part of me felt guilty about it, considering we were just at a grieving circle talking about death and the emotional roller coaster it brings. However, Dacia explained how she overcomes the dark days. She talks to her brother and believes he’s listening and watching over her. It’s what brings the light back into her life.
I thought it was super sweet, but I have no urge to talk to Weston. It’s hard to explain how I’m not missing him, but I nod along so I don’t look like a crazy person who’s glad her boyfriend is gone so he can’t hurt her ever again.
Before we leave, the three of us exchange numbers, and I agree to see them at the next meeting, though part of me still isn’t sure I want to return. If anything, it’s been nice to meet some new people who I might eventually feel comfortable opening up to. Perhaps one day, when I’m not anxious about what their reactions might be, I can share my story about Weston’s and my relationship.
“How’d it go?” Mason asks as soon as I walk into the kitchen. “You were gone pretty long.”
He doesn’t look at me while he digs through the fridge and pulls out random things, which makes me wonder what the hell he’s doing.
“I ended up meeting a couple of people, and we went to the cafe across the street to chat. It was okay, I guess. Weird. I didn’t go into too many details.” I shrug, reaching for the packet of shredded cheese he tossed on the counter. “What are you doing?”
Mason closes the fridge door and looks at everything, furrowing his brows. “Making a taco salad. Want some?” he asks, reaching for the can of diced tomatoes to open it.
“You’re cooking?” I chuckle. “Since when?”
Narrowing his eyes, he swipes the cheese from my fingers. “I cook. I just haven’t been in the mood, but I’m starving and can only eat so much takeout before I feel like shit.”
“Good point.” I smile, grabbing the lettuce. “I’ll chop this.”
We work side by side, making easy conversation while I mix the greens with tomatoes, cheese, and olives, per his request. Mason cooks the meat while I crush a bag of Doritos and add it in with sour cream. Once we’re done, we toss everything together with some taco sauce and scoop it into two bowls before we sit in the living room.
“It’s so good,” I moan around my first forkful.
“What is that?” I hear Liam as he walks down the stairs, putting on a shirt. As soon as he takes the last step, his nose scrunches as he sniffs our salads. “I smell something delicious.”
Mason and I both snort. “Did you only come out of your cave because you smelled food?”
“Actually, I was sleeping, and it woke me up. Now where is it? What is it? I want some.”
“You’re such a man-child.” I snicker. “Taco salad. Kitchen.”
Mason clicks to Netflix, and we eat while watching Lucifer. Things between us have become so comfortable, and any awkwardness that lingered before the incident is long gone. I love hanging out with them, even if the circumstances aren’t ideal.
“Dude, you guys are way behind on this show,” Liam says, plopping down on the couch, and it makes me bounce a little.
“No spoilers!” I point my fork at him.
“Don’t worry. I’m on a new show anyway,” Liam says, taking a gigantic bite. He acts like he hasn’t eaten in a week, which I find hilarious since I know he eats nonstop.
“Which one?” I ask.
“I’m not telling you.”
“What?” I squeal. “Why not? What I’d do?” I ask defensively.
Mason laughs, and I look at him confused. “He’s probably embarrassed to admit he’s watching a chick show.”