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Imissedthreetextmessages from Dakota. Her first message was agreeing to meet up with me, the second an apology, which she definitely didn’t owe me. I’m the one who took my anger out on her when all she’s ever done is support me. The third was aHELLOfollowed by three question marks. I didn’t hesitate to call her immediately and she agreed to meet up with me so that we can talk.
After Callan and I had cleaned up and put our clothes back on, I asked if he wouldn’t mind giving me a ride. He insisted that Gerald drive me instead; said he had business to take care of. I have this feeling that he wasn’t being honest. Who has work to do at eight p.m. on a Sunday night? But despite my suspicions, I didn’t press the matter because really, it isn’t my business. So agreed to have Gerald drive me.
We pull into the parking lot of the bistro Dakota suggested we meet at. It’s a cute little spot that serves late night coffee and cocktails, one of the first places she and I hung out at when we became friends. It gives me hope, her asking to meet up at a place where we’ve made some of our best memories.
The fight that we had was pointless. I took my anger out on my best friend because I’m an idiot, to put it simply. I’ve already lost so many people in my life, probably of my own doing now that I think about it, but I can’t lose my best friend over some silly argument about boys.
“We’ve arrived, Miss Cooper,” Gerald speaks softly as he looks at me through the rear-view mirror, probably noticing I was in deep thought.
“Gerald, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, Miss Cooper. How can I help?”
“Did Callan really have business to attend to? Is that why you took me instead of him?” I don’t want to insinuate that I don’t trust Callan because again, it is none of my business. But he barely spoke to me after his shower, which is leaving me a little uneasy.
“I don’t think I’m inclined to speak on behalf of Mr. David. But I would expect that he’s busy, if he says he is,” Gerald responds in his kind and professional way. He steps out of the car to open my door for me.
“I’m sorry for asking, that wasn’t fair of me.” How silly of me to assume he’d tell me anything. He works for Callan, not me.
“Don’t worry, Miss Cooper. I know uncertainty when I see it. Callan is…what is it the cool kids say these days? Into you.” I let out a small laugh as he closes the door behind me, and we give each other a smile and wave goodbye as I head inside. I feel stupid for questioning Callan. He made it very clear that we would only be together once, and I agreed to his conditions. I'm probably just overthinking things as usual.
As soon as I walk in, my eyes dart to the far left corner of the bistro. Surely enough, Dakota is sitting in our usual spot, a small booth just big enough for two. We’ve spent so many late nights here, laughing our asses off over the stupidest things. I desperately miss those nights.
“Hey,” Dakota greets me softly as I approach.
“Hey,” I offer quietly. I hate the way we left things last night, and to be met with the eviction notice this morning was just the gasoline on top of the dumpster fire. The thought of telling her makes my stomach tighten with nervousness, but she’s my best friend and I know we can get through anything together.
I sit at the table and we both stare at each other before breaking the silence.
“I’m sorry,” we say at the same time, which immediately breaks the tension as we both smile at each other.
Dakota’s green eyes look exhausted. She has her hair thrown up in a messy ponytail and is still wearing her scrubs which tells me she probably just got off from a twelve-hour shift at the hospital.
“Me first,” I insist, and she nods. “Listen, Dakota. I’m sorry for being selfish. You were right and I needed to hear everything you said. I was feeling sorry for myself, and I took that out on you.” I take a sip of the iced latte she ordered me. “You are my best friend, my only friend. And I don’t want to lose you over something that shouldn’t have even gotten in the way to begin with. I had never felt so confused and when I came home, I don’t know. I guess I just let my feelings spill out all over you without considering your own feelings. I really am so sorry.” I stop talking to let her take in my words.
“I love you, Sterls. And I’m sorry for the things I said and the way I left. I know I could have sat down and talked to you about Asher and me, but the timing never felt right, and everything seemed to be moving so quickly. And honestly, I have a lot of going on in my life right now as well,” she chokes out behind foggy eyes. “Ever since your car accident, I feel like things have been off between us.”
“I agree, I’ve been acting immature and I guess I was just caught up in the tension between Callan and I and you’ve been busy so I took it as you ignoring me. I guess we both just need to slow down and make more intentional time for each other.” I smile back at her, loving that we can come to this understanding together.
“Well, that’s the other thing,” Dakota starts. And I perk up in my chair.
“What?” I ask.
“I, um-” She takes in a breath. “I’m moving.” She looks down into her lap.
“I know Dakota, I wasn’tthatdrunk at your birthday party. You’re moving in with Asher.”
“No Sterls, I have to go back home. I have to go to Charlotte.” She finally meets my eyes with hers and I can tell she’s pained; she doesn’t want to do this.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Not really. My mom isn’t doing well. Her health is going downhill. And she needs me,” she explains.
“Your mom? What’s going on?”
“Well, she’s sick. And there’s no one there to take care of her.” She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, I can see the fear in her eyes. Gosh, I’m such a bitch. I had no idea and I just tore into her this morning because of guy issues.
“Is Asher going to move with you?”
