Free In the Mix by Jacquelyn Ayres Page A

solving world peace or convincing David he’s playing for the wrong team!” Jay deadpans.
    “Listen, nobody expects you to do any of that on an empty stomach!” I chuckle.
    “Right?” he plays along. “Alright, I’m going to head out and leave you two lovebirds alone.” He pushes his chair back and gets up.
    “You just don’t want to do dishes.”
    “Damn skippy!” he laughs. I get up to walk around the table and give him a quick hug. He leans down towards my ear, “Go easy on Kyle, he really likes you.”
    “I know.” I pull back from him and give him a smile.
    “Are you alright, besides everything tonight? You don’t seem like yourself.”
    “I’m a little off tonight. It’s been a rough few days. I’ll be fine though.” I admit.
    “Call me tomorrow and we’ll talk.” He kisses my forehead.
    “Sure,” I say but we both know I won’t do it. After releasing me, he reaches across the table to shake Kyle’s hand.
    “Sorry about tonight, man.” Kyle slaps Jay’s shoulder as he stands and shakes hands.
    “Look, I got what I came for.” Jay shrugs. “Alright, I’ll see you kids on the flipside!” And with that, he heads out. I turn back to the table and Kyle.
    “Um . . . I’ll go.” He runs his hand through his hair, seemingly unsure.
    “Don’t,” I say quickly.
    “No?” He furrows his brow.
    “I don’t want to eat alone.” I reach across the table and grab my plate before seating myself into Jay’s chair across from Kyle. I push Jay’s plate over before setting mine down. I grab Jay’s fork and start eating while Kyle stares at me in silence.
    “You’re using his fork?”
    “He’s my best friend, and last I checked, he doesn’t have cooties.”
    “Jay’s right and I’m worried, too.” He takes his seat. “You’re not yourself.”
    “It’s been a difficult week, Kyle, that’s all.” I keep my eyes down.
    “Talk to me . . .” he trails off. I look up at him and say nothing. I just sit here, studying him. “What?” he asks after a few minutes. If I knew, I’d tell him.
    “How are things going with Mickey? Linz didn’t mention him the other day.”
    “Not about the dog, Ceese, about you! I want you to talk to me about your difficult week.” He does nothing to hide his frustration.
    “What did you do with Mickey?” I question, feeling a little alarmed.
    “I have him till the party.”
    “You’ve had him for three days?” I widen my eyes. I can’t believe my ears.
    “We’ve come to an understanding. Incidentally, my mother invited you to my sister’s surprise party.” He grabs his wine and takes a swig.
    “What? Why?” I drop my fork.
    “Because you’re Lindsay’s friend and boss. She wants you there.”
    “Oh.”
    “And she knows that you’re important to me, as well,” he adds quickly before throwing a forkful of food into his mouth.
    What’s that sound, you ask?
    Oh . . . just my heart, trying to beat out of my chest.
    “All done?” I gesture to his plate as he finishes his last bite.
    “Uh, yeah,” he says with his mouthful. I quickly grab his plate and pile it on the others as well as mine. I head out to the kitchen to wash them all or . . . you know . . . regroup. I place the dishes in the sink and turn the faucet on. I lean my hands on either side of the sink, listening to the sound of the water rushing through the pipes at full force. Why does he affect me like this? I should be fighting this. It’s not good. He’ll hurt me. Sadly, part of me doesn’t even care anymore. I’ve lost my fight. I’ve no energy left for self-preservation. Everything is going wrong in my life right now. I could use some “right,” even if for just a small moment of time. Just a moment to feel normal, worthy, loved, and most importantly—not alone.
    “Ah,” I gasp softly as Kyle’s hand slides onto my hip. His free hand sweeps my hair away from the right side of my neck over onto my left shoulder before it finds its place at my other hip.