Chapter 27

I had to be at work at noon, which was nearly impossible, since I was sitting on that bench outside some stranger's house with Carson, until 3A.M.

When I finally got home and managed to calm myself down, it was after 4A.M. My mind was just racing about all the scenarios and things that could come of me and Carson. He wanted that - us, together. But he was willing to be friends until I figured out... what? What did I have to think about? Even though I knew in my heart that Carson was all I ever wanted, bringing him back into my life would not be easy.

I crashed, finally, but was wide awake to my alarm, bright and early. After a shower and two cups of coffee, I finally looked at my phone for the first time the next morning. I'd only slept for three hours.   

Hey what time did you leave? And why?

Finn had obviously woken up at some point and realized I'd taken off. I wondered if he was mad or just confused, because I hadn't said goodbye.

Early. Sorry I didn't want to wake you since you don't work til later, I sent back to him.

I'd left his apartment at 1am, after texting Carson to see if he was awake. I'd gone to see Carson, to do what? I had no idea. But obviously my brain wasn't right, because who has sex with one guy and leaves to go hang out with another?

Oh, right. Well, you don't have to sneak out, okay? Finn sent back.

Right. Yeah. Sorry.

I made some eggs and ate, slowly, trying not to think about anything. I didn't sleep enough and there was no way I could be worrying about all of this already.

My dad strolled into the kitchen an hour later, all smiles and sunshine. He was genuinely happy to see me, which made me smile. I didn't spend enough time with him, that was for sure. But we still lived in the same house, so at least I got to see him often.

"My girl," he beamed, walking over to the fridge.

"Hey, dad."

"How are you on this glorious morning?" he asked, pulling out the carton of eggs I'd only just put away.

"I'm fine. You're chipper," I said, then yawned.

"Didn't get enough sleep?" he wanted to know.

I shook my head. "I guess not."

"Do you work today?"

He never bothered to look at mom's perfectly planned out calendar, right there on the wall.

I nodded. "I'll be leaving soon."

"Righty. Well, have a great day, huh?"

"I'll try."

I did try, to be in a better mood at least. After a third cup of coffee, I went back to my bedroom to change into work clothes. I soon realized that my phone was there, when it was buzzing on my bed.

Kaden had sent a photo of Rylee, with a huge smile on her face. Of course that make me smile. There was no way I could see her without feeling happy and grateful. As I sent back some heart emojis, my phone was buzzing again, in my hand.

Hey, friend. Carson.

I took in a deep breath. He was texting me, which I knew was okay if we were friends. But I will be the first to admit the hug we shared before I went back to my car the night before - that morning?- didn't feel friendly. At least I'd kept my lips off off of his.

Hi, I sent back, heading back downstairs.

I grabbed my keys off the shelf in the kitchen and went outside, the cool morning air hitting my face. Yes, it was Florida. But it was a chilly morning. I zipped my sweater as I walked towards my car, my shoes still untied.

So, I liked hanging with you last night, he sent, as I started my car a few minutes later.

I stared at the message for a few minutes, before replying, I don't even know if it was a good idea.

Carson: Which part?

Me: Going to see you at 1am. I didn't even tell you why I texted you so late.

Carson: I don't care why.

Me: Are you sure ?

He didn't reply right away so I backed out of the driveway and started the drive to work.

When Finn came in just before his shift started, I felt something in my body tighten. Once again I was in this awkward place, hiding the fact that I'd seen Carson from him. It wasn't like Finn and I were exclusive or even dating. But I'd ditched Finn and kissed Carson not even a week ago, and now I'd had sex with Finn but snuck out to see Carson afterwards. What in the world was wrong with me? On top of this, I hadn't been keeping Kaden up to date, at all.

"Hey," Finn said happily, sliding behind the desk, where I was standing.

"Hey." My voice was as stiff I felt.

"How's it been here?" he asked.

I nodded towards our fourth employee, Brandon, a seventeen-year-old, who was the boss' nephew. He was currently chatting with a woman near the treadmills.

"Well, Brandon's here."

"I see that."

I sighed. "Besides the fact I wish he would stop socializing and actually work, it's fine."

"I'll talk to him."

I shrugged. "Whatever. You're here now."

He nodded, walking around behind me. His hands went to my hips, touching me lightly. I stiffened again, stepping away from him.

I tried to ignore the look on his face as I went back to greeting clients as they came in.

The next four hours went slowly - as it wasn't too busy - and I basically spent the time keeping my distance from Finn, so I didn't have to ask him to stop touching me at work. No, I didn't want our co workers asking about us or even seeing that Finn was extra friendly with me. I didn't feel bad about it, either. I'd always wanted to keep it just friendly, at work.

When I signed out, I said bye to Finn, but only because I also wanted to add that I was having dinner with my parents that evening. It was true, at least. I hated how I had to basically give him a reason why I would not be available to hang out with him.

"That's great. Have a good evening, Arden," he smiled, now seemingly over cautious.

"Thanks," I finished.

Dinner with my parents was two hours later, once my dad finally got to barbecue going. He made grilled chicken and roasted potatoes and it was delicious, though I was feeling famished by the time it was actually ready to eat. We sat at our kitchen table, just the three of us. That was when I was informed that this dinner included a call from my older brother, Michael.

"He wanted us all to be together when he called," my mom said, placing her cell phone in the table.

"He said he has some news," my dad added.

Michael, my oldest brother, was twenty-four. To me, that was a grown up. We rarely heard from him and he very rarely visited, so this all seemed strange to me. When my dad's cell phone rang - a Facetime call - he wasn't quick to answer. It seemed like he was nervous.

    My mom reached across and swiped to answer. My brother's face appeared on the screen, with about half of his girlfriend Rose's face, too.

    "Hi," Michael began. He sounded the same as I remembered him sounding when I was just fourteen, before he moved away.

    "Hello, you two," my mom cooed, happy to see them both.

    "Hi, Mrs, Krank," Rose said quickly.

    "Oh it's Valerie, honey."

    "Mom, Dad... is Arden there too?" Michael asked, much too rushed.

    "I'm here," I said, staying out of the camera.

    "Oh good. Okay, well, we wanted to tell you all together. We are moving to Germany."

    The silence that fell over the room was actually painful.

    "Germany?" my mom finally repeated.

    "Germany?" My dad's question came next.

    Right now they were a few hours away. But Germany? They might as well have cut us out of their lives completely. I guess they were doing just that. "Yeah. Rose has a job lined up and..." Michael stopped, because he saw the look on our mom's face.

"That's great," she forced herself to say. "When?"

"March. We were thinking we'd come and visit in a few weeks, before we-"

"Michael, excuse me. I have to go get some work done. It was nice seeing you." my dad interrupted, already standing.

Tears filled my mom's eyes, but she held them back.

    "Good luck with everything, Michael," I said, following my dad's decision to leave the call.

    It wasn't like I was that close with Michael. I didn't even feel like I knew him very well. But him moving across the world would hurt my parents. So I hated it.