Free Crazy Maybe by A. D. Justice Page B

aggressive way.  And that’s not my intentions at all, so I busy myself with garbage bags and picking up used paper plates, plastic forks and spoons, and paper towels.  I make efficient work of it and step around the side of the house to put the garbage bag in the can.
    When I come back around, Luke and Brandon are locked in a heated discussion, both struggling to keep their voices low and only between them.  But I hear Luke loud and clear when he says, “I’ve told you we’re only friends.  Andi told you we’re only friends.  That’s all we’ll ever be so let it go, Brandon.  She’s not your concern.”
    And just like that, my heart is broken.  I step back into the shadows of the house so they don’t know I heard Luke.  The time we spend together, the snuggling, the kisses, and the words he’s said to me – they’re only gestures for a friend.  Even though I’ve told myself over and over not to read into it, I guess my heart never really listened.  Apparently, I was more invested in him that I even told myself, because hearing those words come from him just ripped my heart out of my chest.
    Taking a deep breath, I stroll around the corner of the house again to find them in the same challenging position.  I intentionally look down, picking imaginary lint off my clothes, as I called out to Luke, “I’m wore out, Luke.  Are you about ready to take me home?”
    Their demeanor instantly relaxes and Luke responds , “What if I don’t want to let you go?”
    Brandon smirks and looks at him incredulously but I pretend to not notice it.
    His words are yet another stab to my heart, since I know he doesn’t mean it, and this situation is yet another test of my acting skills.  “Oh, I think you’ll survive without me, Luke.”
    Luke cocks his head to the side and narrows his eyes at me suspiciously.  Apparently my voice wasn’t as convincing as I tried for, but after the emotional family day, I’m doing well to not be a blubbering mess of tears and snot.  This is the best he gets right now.
    “I need to say goodbye to your parents and Alicia.  But first, it was great to meet you, Brandon.  Don’t be a stranger,” and I hug his neck before walking in to find the rest of the family.  After saying thank you and sharing hugs all around, Luke and I leave and he drives me home with little conversation. 
    He knows something is wrong but he doesn’t just come out and ask, so I’m not forced to dodge and deflect.  His lack of curiosity is a dead giveaway that he knows what’s wrong but doesn’t want to talk about it.
    Before he put the truck in park, I open the door to get out.  Standing in the open door, I ask – rather meekly for me, “You still gonna be part of my show tomorrow night?”
    “Of course, Andi.  Why wouldn’t I be?”
    “Just making sure.  I’ll see you tomorrow.” 
    He waits until I a, safely inside before leaving, but I don’t turn and wave goodbye to him this time.  It is all I can do to get to my door without breaking down.  Once I am sure he was gone, I slide down the door to the floor and cry until I have no tears left.  I eventually drag myself to my bathroom, get ready for bed and take a cold washcloth with me, hoping it would help keep the swelling down in my eyes.

 
 
 
 

CHAPTER SEVEN
    LUKE
    I’m thinking back over the night on my way home after I drop Andi off at her house.  Brandon’s words keep coming back to haunt me.  He started his shit with, “Sure looks like more than ‘just friends’ to me, Luke.  You sure you don’t have something to tell us?” 
    Brandon is such an ass.  He’s said that shit in front of Andi on purpose.  He knows something more is up between us but it’s like it was his mission to get me to admit it tonight.  He watched Andi all night – I know he did because I alternated between watching her and watching him watch her. 
    It’s not that I don’t trust Andi, I just can’t hardly take my eyes off her