Page 71 of Whiskey & Honey
Me: It’s true. Sleep well, Princess.
Piper: Night, Cowboy.
It’s not the same as talking to her, but at least it was a conversation. Since I won’t be spending my night with Piper, I decide to text Jameson. I’m sure he’s going out or has a date but it’s worth a shot. When I scroll down to his name I note it’s been over a week since I’ve called or talked to him. He’s sure to give me shit for that.
Me: What are you up to tonight?
Jameson: Who is this?
Me: Screw you asshole.
Jameson: Oh is this that guy I know? Ben Sullivan?
Me: Hardy har har. Don’t quit your day job.
Jameson: What’s up dick?
Me: Nothing just seeing what you were up to. I was just finishing up work on the house for the night.
Jameson: I’m actually out your way, I’ll swing by.
Me: Cool. I’ll be here.
Twenty minutes later Jameson has joined me by the fire I started. Armed with his own beer, he takes the seat next to me. We’re quiet for a few minutes and I welcome the silence because I know I’m about to get an earful about leaving my buddies hanging and about Piper. I still haven’t confirmed there’s anything going on between Piper and me, but Jameson has enough figured out to know where I’ve been the last few weeks.
“So, where’s Piper tonight?”
That didn’t take long.
“She has a headache.”
“So we aren’t skirting the issue, you’re going to admit you’re together?”
“I’m not skirting. I’ve been respecting her wishes but I have a feeling something is wrong and I need to talk to someone.”
“Mmhmm. I see. So I’m good enough when you need someone to unleash your secret relationship on but not enough to just hang out? That’s cold, Ben.”
I turn to him to defend myself and see he’s smiling.
“Dude, I’m sorry. I’ve been a shit friend haven’t I?”
“Nah, man. You’re in love. This is what happens. I’m just giving you a hard time.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait, you didn’t deny the love part.”
I opt to not answer. I am committed to Piper being the first person to hear that I love her, but I won’t deny it.
“I’m not talking about that with you. If I’m having that conversation, it’s going to be with Piper.”
“I see. Well, good for you. Both of you. When are you coming out?”
“I hope next week. I wanted to talk to her tonight and tell my parents first. Kind of use them as a buffer for Ash on Thanksgiving.”
“Thanksgiving. Good call. Ashton is her happiest when there is pie.”
Over the next few hours I relay my day to Jameson and he offers the spare room at his house for Laurel. As much as I appreciate the offer, I think Laurel needs to be somewhere she is familiar with. Plus, my mom will mother her to death and that’ll also be good for her. Before we leave I promise to not be a recluse anymore and commit to a few runs this week and poker with the guys.