Let’s go.” He gestures toward the entrance.
I’m in over my head.
Right before we turn out of the parking lot, I grab his arm. “Kyle, wait.”
He smiles, stepping closer. “What’s up?”
I let go of the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I’m really sorry about how I’ve been acting. I’ve owed you an apology for days and I’m so, so sorry. It’s nothing you did, this is all on me. I’ve been going through a lot lately and it’s kept me really on edge.”
Aubrey’s words of wisdom hang in my brain and I need to clear the air. He shakes his head, and before I can protest, his long, strong arms wrap around my shoulders.
“Don’t worry about it, Liv.” He rocks me back and forth for a second in a big hug. I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t love the gesture. Normally I’d find myself jolting uncomfortably, but I melt into him. “Look, I’m going through some stuff too. I know how it can be sometimes.”
I give him a quick squeeze around his waist. As I step back, I smile. “Thanks. I’m not really ready to—”
“You don’t have to talk to me about anything. Except coffee and who your favorite baseball player was growing up. C’mon.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and tugs me toward the door.
Instead of clamming up, I smile and head in with him. Thankfully, it’s not too crowded for a Monday morning, therefore, there’s no wait and we avoid more awkward silence. The green-and-white striped awning ruffles in the wind. Mouthwatering scents of coffee, pastries, and Kyle float through the air. We take a seat at the outdoor café and I admire the magenta-flowered trees and the coral stucco building across the street. Black, wrought iron, swirled fences span the top of the balcony and fluffy green ferns hang over the railings.
We both order a coffee and a giant plate of beignets. I take a sip of water and let the breezy, warm day guide me through this.
I know I can get through this.
“So, what’s your major?” I shift in my chair, relaxing. I knew I’d psych myself out about this.
“Marketing and public relations. I’m only taking two classes and one of them is online. I’ve been out of school for a while and I need to get my head straight. Even if I don’t stay here in New Orleans, I wanted to do something decent with my time.” Kyle takes a long sip of water and slides down his seat a bit. His arm rests on the back of his chair and he tucks his aviators into his shirt. “How’s the studio treating you? I missed you at class the other day.”
“Great. Helena, the owner, is so eclectic and fun. I’m getting through the adjustment better than I thought. It’s nice to make some new friends. How about you? Do you work or just go to school?” The awkwardness evaporates and I feel like we could chat forever. I smile at him and I’m trying to make the effort to not retreat back to Olivia’s Dungeon.
“No, just school. I have some money saved.” He nods and barely looks at me. “Can I be honest? I really hate small talk.”
Annnnnnnd, the awkward is back.
“Okay?” I put down my glass of water and cross my legs.
“I really want to know about you. Not the weather or anything else.” He takes another sip of water and I stare at his glistening lips for a second. “Who is your favorite person?”
This is the easiest question I’ve been asked in weeks. “My best friend, Natasha. She’s so funny and she’s been my rock forever. We’re polar opposites of each other, but she brings out the best in me. You?”
“Ah. My best friend Cam, for the same reasons. He was the one responsible for that small fight the day we met. He’s kind of crazy, but really protective of the people he cares about.” He pauses and smiles, shaking his head. “You know, actually, my grandmother. She was awesome. Totally crazy, smart, Southern memaw. She’d probably kick my ass if she heard me call her that in public. She passed away a few years ago. I miss
I’m in over my head.
Right before we turn out of the parking lot, I grab his arm. “Kyle, wait.”
He smiles, stepping closer. “What’s up?”
I let go of the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I’m really sorry about how I’ve been acting. I’ve owed you an apology for days and I’m so, so sorry. It’s nothing you did, this is all on me. I’ve been going through a lot lately and it’s kept me really on edge.”
Aubrey’s words of wisdom hang in my brain and I need to clear the air. He shakes his head, and before I can protest, his long, strong arms wrap around my shoulders.
“Don’t worry about it, Liv.” He rocks me back and forth for a second in a big hug. I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t love the gesture. Normally I’d find myself jolting uncomfortably, but I melt into him. “Look, I’m going through some stuff too. I know how it can be sometimes.”
I give him a quick squeeze around his waist. As I step back, I smile. “Thanks. I’m not really ready to—”
“You don’t have to talk to me about anything. Except coffee and who your favorite baseball player was growing up. C’mon.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and tugs me toward the door.
Instead of clamming up, I smile and head in with him. Thankfully, it’s not too crowded for a Monday morning, therefore, there’s no wait and we avoid more awkward silence. The green-and-white striped awning ruffles in the wind. Mouthwatering scents of coffee, pastries, and Kyle float through the air. We take a seat at the outdoor café and I admire the magenta-flowered trees and the coral stucco building across the street. Black, wrought iron, swirled fences span the top of the balcony and fluffy green ferns hang over the railings.
We both order a coffee and a giant plate of beignets. I take a sip of water and let the breezy, warm day guide me through this.
I know I can get through this.
“So, what’s your major?” I shift in my chair, relaxing. I knew I’d psych myself out about this.
“Marketing and public relations. I’m only taking two classes and one of them is online. I’ve been out of school for a while and I need to get my head straight. Even if I don’t stay here in New Orleans, I wanted to do something decent with my time.” Kyle takes a long sip of water and slides down his seat a bit. His arm rests on the back of his chair and he tucks his aviators into his shirt. “How’s the studio treating you? I missed you at class the other day.”
“Great. Helena, the owner, is so eclectic and fun. I’m getting through the adjustment better than I thought. It’s nice to make some new friends. How about you? Do you work or just go to school?” The awkwardness evaporates and I feel like we could chat forever. I smile at him and I’m trying to make the effort to not retreat back to Olivia’s Dungeon.
“No, just school. I have some money saved.” He nods and barely looks at me. “Can I be honest? I really hate small talk.”
Annnnnnnd, the awkward is back.
“Okay?” I put down my glass of water and cross my legs.
“I really want to know about you. Not the weather or anything else.” He takes another sip of water and I stare at his glistening lips for a second. “Who is your favorite person?”
This is the easiest question I’ve been asked in weeks. “My best friend, Natasha. She’s so funny and she’s been my rock forever. We’re polar opposites of each other, but she brings out the best in me. You?”
“Ah. My best friend Cam, for the same reasons. He was the one responsible for that small fight the day we met. He’s kind of crazy, but really protective of the people he cares about.” He pauses and smiles, shaking his head. “You know, actually, my grandmother. She was awesome. Totally crazy, smart, Southern memaw. She’d probably kick my ass if she heard me call her that in public. She passed away a few years ago. I miss
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