AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Let me get this straight, is Nikki someone from your drinking days?” Judy asks.
“Yeah, she was a regular hook up. I had confided in her one night as to why she could never be anything more. So we hooked up, but also were friends, sorta.”
“Sorta. I honestly think buddy that even though she said she was cool with just being friends, she’s used to your whatever relationship being a certain way.”
“Nah, she had another dude she hooked up with.”
“Are you sure about that?” Judy crosses her arms.
“Should I just stop being friends with Nikki?” I ask, honestly unsure of everything at this moment.
“I would. If this was Judy and I, I wouldn’t want those thoughts to get into her head, especially if we were to hang out just as friends. Then there’s the whole fact of the origins of the not-relationship. I basically cut out the dudes I would party with, hell it killed me for a bit at the shop but I had to fire one of my lead mechanics. Even though I’m totally sober right now, I didn’t want the tainted past to conflict with my future.” Leo firmly states.
“You’re just saying that because I’m sitting here.” Judy smiles while patting his arm.
“No, I’m for real. Out of all my previous friends, and now, Max is the only one you see me with.”
“That’s because I’m ridiculously good looking and you’re trying to amp up your hot points.” I smile.
“Yes. Exactly.” Leo deadpans as Judy laughs.
“Max, if Tatum brought around a guy who she had done the deed with but says they’re just friends now, how would you feel?” Judy lays it out.
“I wouldn’t like it. I’d be jealous and bothered by it. Fuck, okay, I should go home. You guys are awesome. Thanks for the pep talk, and the delicious cookies.”
Judy hands me a Tupperware. “Give them to Tatum.”
One the way out of their house, I dialed for Nikki. I explained to her that it wouldn’t be fair to my relationship with Tatum and my continued sobriety if we remained friends. Luckily, I explained this to her voicemail.
As I pulled into the drive way, my phone lit up. Nikki’s name was on the screen. Hesitantly, I answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, I missed your call. Sorry, I didn’t check the message. Just dialed, whats going on? Did you change your mind on hanging out?” She says.
I take a deep breath and start. “Listen, this whole thing with becoming a dad has changed things, a lot. I’m giving this thing with Tatum a real chance and I think… I think that it would be wise for the future of my relationship for us to stop talking.”
“Like completely?” She asks.
“Yeah. It would be for the best.” I answer.
“Seriously? Did our connection not mean anything to you Max? I thought that we were more than that?” She huffs.
“Nikki, you’re a great chick, but I think I need to close that chapter of my life. I’m sober now, I’m going to be a dad, I want to be with Tate.” I further explain.
“I don’t have time to deal with this shit Max. I can’t believe you’re just dropping me from your life like that… for a chick. Are you dumping all your other friends too?”
“Nikki, Tatum isn’t just some chick. Listen, I’m sorry if you thought there would be something more. I didn’t intend for that to happen, but there won’t be. But I just need to do what’s right for me and Tatum. And I won’t let anything come between our future together.”
“Screw you Max. Screw your idea of the perfect life you think you’re going to have. Don’t bother calling me when it all falls apart,” she says with disgust and hangs up.
I set the kickstand down and take a deep breath and disembark from the bike.
I walk into the house, which was eerily quiet. I saw a faint light on in the 2nd bedroom with the door closed. I went into my bedroom quietly and changed out of my clothes. I gently knocked on the door as I opened it. Tatum was on top of the sheets, curled up in a ball, watching some black and white movie. She didn’t even look up at me as I came in. I sat down on the edge of the bed, grabbed the remote and turned it off. Only then, she looked at me. Her face was tear stained and I ran my hand over her cheek. I felt horrible knowing that I am the reason for her tears.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t think that being friends with someone from my past like that would affect us in any way.” I whispered, my hand now brushing her hair off her face.
“I’m a dumbass, but I promise to you, there is nothing for you to worry about, ever. That part of my life, is behind me. Completely now. I didn’t think it was a big deal if we stayed friends, but I know that wasn’t smart now. No more strings, no more anything.”
