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I push away from him. “I’m sorry, Alex,” I say while turning around. “I really can’t. The store needs me.”
Ugh. Even I hate myself right now.
“I need you too,” Alex whispers.
I grimace. He sounds so upset. I don’t turn around. I know if I do, I won’t be able to keep up my strength and I will give in to him. But would that be so bad? I miss hanging out within Alex. Our runs have lessened due to my work. I don’t even get to enjoy family dinners. Most of our talks are through text messages or phone calls, even though I live with him.
I hear Alex’s sigh, and his soft, “Okay, well, good night.” I clench my jaw, fighting tears as I hear him walk up the staircase.
With a very long sigh of my own, I make my way to the kitchen, my stomach just now remembering I skipped lunch. It grumbles loudly while I open the refrigerator, searching the shelves for any leftovers. I find several bowls filled with rice, chili, and takeout boxes of curry and stir fry. Grabbing everything, I rest the leftovers on the counter, dishing out a little bit of everything onto a plate.
I don’t pause in my scooping when I hear footsteps coming down the steps, but a part of me wonders if Alex has had it with me. If it’s time for us to have another long fight. If he’s throwing in the towel. My eyes blur with tears and I inhale deeply, telling myself I am getting ahead of myself. It’s probably nothing. Maybe Alex wants to spend more time with me. Maybe he’s going to try to talk me into taking a day or two off.
“Seth?”
I frown when I recognize Lucas’s voice. I lick my fingers, tasting chili as I glance over my shoulder, watching Lucas turn on the kitchen light, making me wince.
“Yeah, it’s me,” I say a bit angrier than I intended. “You hungry? Should I leave any of this out?”
“No,” Lucas says while shaking his head. “I just saw the living room light was on and was going to turn it off when I heard something in the kitchen.” He looks between me and my plate of food, his brows furrowing in confusion. “Did you just get home?”
“Yeah,” I say bitterly. I shove past him and slam my plate into the microwave, hoping he gets the hint that I don’t want to be around him right now. Sure, it’s been a couple months since his parents discovered our little secret, but I’m still pissed. I told him people would find out and he didn’t believe me. Who else knows? I wonder. Right now it’s Mike, Rachel’s parents, and Lucas’s parents. Who’s next? Hunter’s dad? My mom?
God, if my mom fucking knew, she would have a cow. Hell, I don’t even want to know what she would do if she found out about me and Alex. If Lucas keeps writing shit about us, she may just find out.
“But doesn’t Fleet Feet close at seven?”
“Yeah,” I say while watching the microwave, listening to its soft hum.
“It’s midnight.”
I sigh. I haven’t brought it up with the others because I didn’t see the point in it. Alex would be even more worried. Right now, I don’t think he’s noticed it, but I’ve picked up another job at a bar near the store, hoping to make more money in tips. Instead, I hardly make any money because college students are cheap motherfuckers. Not only do I get paid shit, I also have to spend most of my night dealing with drunks who are puking all over the bathroom floors and starting fights.
I’ve already put in notice that I’m quitting. I’ve only been there two weeks at most. There’s no way I’m staying in that hell hole. There’s a reason most the bars in this town are always looking for staff.
“I know,” I grumble when I see that Lucas is staring at me, his hands on his hips.
What is it about today? Is it National Pick on Seth Day? It definitely feels like it.
“You’ve been working a lot.”
The microwave beeps and I take out my food, grimacing as I quickly set the hot plate on the counter. I grab a spoon from one of the drawers and dive in without answering Seth.
“Maybe you should slow down.”
“I’m starved, Lucas,” I say while chewing my food. “If you don’t like the way I eat, then you can leave.”
Lucas sighs and I brace myself for impact as he steps toward me and leans against the counter. “I’m talking about your work. You’re doing too much.”
I don’t bother answering that. I’m too tired and hungry to deal with Lucas right now, especially since I had pretty much this same exact conversation with Alex five minutes ago.
“I know this is about money, but we all miss you.”
I scoff at that. “You miss me?” I grumble between bites of curry.
“Yes, I miss you.”
I glance at him, wondering if he’s just saying things to get me all riled up. He’s frowning at me, his hands still on his hips. Dark circles surround his eyes and I think there’s a little bit of vomit on his collar, most likely from Maria.
