Page 10 of Abel

"So," Jasper sighs. "Howdidthe date go last night? You haven't said much about it. I'm not saying you owe me anything, but I've been a third wheel for the past year."

I'm unsure how honest I want to be with them, not because of who they are, but because of who I am. It's how I've protected myself my entire life. Don't give anyone too much information about yourself, otherwise they can use it against you. It's what plenty of the men my mom dated did. They'd try to pit us against one another, and more often than not, they'd win. I learned to not expect her to take my side. It would never happen, not until I got older and could stand up for myself, but, it hasn't been without its lasting effects.

"It went better than I expected it to. We're going out again."

"Ohh, there's gonna be a second?"

"Yeah, we haven't worked out a time, or day, because we both have so much going on. But I finally have her number, so I can text her, and not have to go get fucking tacos all the time."

They laugh, and so do I. "For real, I've gained fifteen pounds in the last year because of your crush."

"Like I haven't? I was even going when we weren't working. Why do you think I've been working out so hard on the weekends? Shit was starting to feel soft that shouldn't be feeling soft yet." I use my hands to see how wide my stomach is.

"You've ruined us all, Abel. Now we eat tacos every other day, we gained weight, and now we have to work out. Before we didn't necessarily have to do it. Does this mean we're getting old?" Jasper asks, his annoyance palpable.

"The moment we graduated college we were getting old," Barrett rolls his eyes. "Life is all downhill from there."

"Speak for yourself. I have a lot of life left to live, especially if it's with Kara."

"Not everyone can be as lucky as you and know what they're going to do with the rest of their lives."

"Whatever." I get up and put my stuff in my duffel bag. "Don't hate because I have dreams."

They make noises of disgust as I give them a wave and head out. Getting into my truck, I settle in the seat, crank it up, and head toward my house. It's a fifteen minute drive, and by the time I'm there, I've been thinking about what I want to do with Kara next.

Pulling my phone out of the cup holder, I palm it, wondering what she would do if I texted her. Arguing with myself is something I do too much of, but this is one of the only times I've taken those arguments and shoved them in a vault. I throw the lock on that thing, and text her before I talk myself out of it.

A: Hey, you busy?

I don't expect her to answer quickly, but she does.

K: Just got done with lunch rush, and now I can have me time. What are you doing?

A: Had to work out with the guys, now I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my day. You interested in hanging out?

I grab my bag and get out of the truck while I'm waiting for her to text me back. I find it's easier to be doing things instead of waiting for her to answer. Going into the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water and drain it, before walking back to my phone. Right as I pick it up, she texts me back.

K: I am, what do you have in mind?

I have an idea, but I also don't know if she's the type of girl who will go for it. Guess I'll find out quickly.

A: How do you feel about heading to the falls and the train trestle? Have you been there?

K: No, but I've heard all the great things about them. I've wanted to explore, but I haven't had anyone to do it with.

A: You do now. Want me to come pick you up? It'll be easier for my truck to get us up there.

I'm already slightly nervous as I wait for her to answer. My resolution for this year was to become more confident in myself. Definitely need to work on that a little more, obviously.

K: Yeah, I'd love that. Give me an hour, if that's okay. I just closed the truck and got off work. I need to take a shower and get dressed.

A: Take your time. I just got done working out. I have to do the same.

K: See you then!

Grin on my face, I pick up my pace and head toward my bedroom, ready to take a shower and get this date on the road.

CHAPTER EIGHT