Page 76 of Left on Read
I put my phone down and leaned back against my chair. I was the world’s biggest asshole.
I had woken up with a headache this morning, and it was true I’d had trouble sleeping last night. But that wasn’t the reason I canceled on River.
My headache had gone away with some painkillers, and an extra cup of coffee helped wake me up.
Nope. I canceled on River because I was embarrassed as hell about what happened yesterday, and I’d spent most of the night tossing and turning while I obsessed and analyzed every moment of the call.
I’d been in such a panic when I finally woke up at ten, which was way later than I usually slept on the weekends, that I sent that first text before I even got out of bed.
The worst part was how understanding River was. I lied to him, and he was nothing but kind and concerned.
I’d spent the day trying to find ways to distract myself, but I couldn’t focus on anything for more than a few minutes because my brain was too busy beating me up for lying to River while simultaneously reminding me how ridiculous I’d acted last night.
“Ugh.” I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes. I almost wished my headache would come back so the pain could distract me from the mess of thoughts racing through my mind at warp speed.
I was just putting my glasses back on when my phone pinged with a notification.
Please don’t be River.
Another wave of guilt slammed into me. I was actively avoiding someone who’d been nothing but good to me because I wasn’t ready to talk to him after spending all day freaking out.
I was the literal worst.
I peeked at the screen. It wasn’t River. I unlocked the phone so I could answer Ryan.
Ryan: remember that girl I told you about?
Hayden: the one in shipping who’s been flirting with you, or the one you met last week at the bar?
Ryan: the bar
Hayden: I remember. What happened? Aren’t you supposed to be on a date with her right now?
Ryan: I thought so but I’m sitting here alone and we were supposed to meet an hour ago
Hayden: Ouch
Ryan: yeah. What are you up to? Is River leaving for work soon? I need drinks and distraction
Hayden: …
Hayden: about that
Ryan: what happened?
Hayden: Too much to type
Ryan: Do I need to get some of the guys together and pay him a visit?
Hayden: No, nothing like that.
Ryan: Do you need drinks and distraction too?
Hayden: Yes and yes
Ryan: let me settle my tab and I’ll be there in 30
Ryan: eat something, put your going out pants on and prepare to tell me everything when I get there