Free That One Day (That One #1.5) by Josie Wright Page B

one go. I suppose it’s not a good sign that I don’t even feel the burn anymore.

Chapter 10
Sorry Seems to be My Favorite Word
     
    I wake up with a headache, which has become quite common. I know I should stop drinking so much, but it’s the only thing numbing me enough to not feel and think all the time.
    The all-too-familiar feeling of guilt seems to have quadrupled overnight—and for once it’s not about Frankie. It’s not about Dave. And, it’s not about my mom or Ron either.
    I feel like a complete douchebag for taking my frustration out on Allie. She might be annoying as hell, but she definitely didn’t deserve it.
    After a quick shower, I’m ready to bite the bullet and go apologize. It’s past ten in the morning, but since it’s the weekend, I’m hoping Allie will be home.
    The door opens after the first knock. Jake glowers at me, taking a step toward me.
    “Listen, man, I came to apologize.” I hold both hands up, showing I come in peace.
    “You fucking better. You hurt her.”
    “Yeah, that’s my specialty as of late,” I say before walking past him into the living room where Allie is sitting on the couch, cuddling Muffin, and watching some stupid chick flick.
    Jake’s eyebrows rise in question, but I don’t plan to get into my story with Frankie.
    Allie looks up at me, but then looks at the TV again. Unsure what to do, I sit down on the other end of the couch.
    “I’m an asshole. I know that.”
    “No shit, Sherlock.” She purses her lips and keeps staring at the TV.
    “You didn’t do anything to deserve my anger, Allie. I had a really shitty day. Fuck that, a shitty three months to be honest. I’m not in the best place right now. It’s still no excuse for how I treated you. I’m sorry.”
    I look at her waiting for a reply.
    She looks to the side, her lips pursed. “Just because I’m usually happy and bubbly doesn’t mean I don’t hurt,” she says, still not looking at me. “There is shit in everyone’s life. But I don’t see the point of letting it take over. How would that make anything better? So I try to be as happy as I can be, see the good in everything. But I’m not anyone’s doormat or punching bag.” She huffs and I’m not sure if that means she’s accepting my apology or not. A few seconds pass before she speaks again.
    “Want to talk about it?” Finally, she looks over at me and smiles.
    “Not really. But I’d like to invite the three of you over for dinner.”
    “We’ll be there.”
    I smile at her. “Friends?”
    “I thought you didn’t need any.” I’m surprised that Allie can actually be anything other than sweet.
    “That was the asshole talking. He’s locked away now.”
    “Good. ’Cause if he comes out again around my girl, he won’t live to regret it,” Jake grumbles from the kitchen, and I take that as my cue to leave.
    “Tonight at six?”
    Allie nods before turning back to the TV. “See you later, friend.”
    I laugh and head back to my house. I guess as far as new friends go, I could do worse.
    Just as I step through the door, the phone rings and I recognize the first digits. It’s someone calling from St. Michael’s. Automatically, a knot forms in my stomach.
    “Ben Gibson.”
    “Son, it’s me. Glad I managed to reach you. I don’t think you should come out today. I’m not doing well. Maybe sometime next week?”
    “Sure. Whatever you need.” I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice, while at the same time feeling a hint of relief at not having to deal with him or this situation today.
    “I don’t mean to hurt you, Ben, but all of this came as a bit of a shock.”
    “Yeah, I know what you mean.”
    “Okay, well, I’ll see you next week then.”
    “Hold on a moment. I’m cleaning out the house. Is there anything you want me to keep? Something you’d like me to bring you?” I ask so that I have something to do for next week. There is a lot of stuff in this house and I want to get rid of all the crap my