Too Hard To Choose

Chapter Twenty-Two-A stressful day.

Violet

I have never been happier to arrive back home. It has been a stressful day and I need it to be over with already. I sigh as I enter the apartment and toss myself on the sofa. All I want is to crawl into bed and stay there until morning, but it is not even six. If I go to bed now, I will be awake by midnight, and then I won’t be able to get back to sleep.

The apartment is quiet; everyone must still be at work or out. I kick my shoes off and relax back on the sofa, taking a few deep breaths. My peace is disturbed when I suddenly hear voices in the hallway. One I recognised as Tyson, and the other was a guy’s voice, too, but I had no idea who it was.

I hear them laughing together as they approach the living room.

“Violet, when did you get home? I never heard you come in?” Tyson asks.

“Only a couple of minutes ago. I thought everyone was out.” I reply.

“This is Shane. Shane, one of my roommates, Violet.”

“Hey, Shane, it is nice to meet you.” I smile.

“Thanks, you too.” He replies.

Tyson walks him to the front door, and I hear Tyson saying he will call him soon.

“Sorry, I honestly didn’t know you were home.” He chuckles.

“No, it is fine. He is handsome. Where did you meet him?”

I am curious because he meets people in the most random places.

Tyson comes to sit next to me, “I met him the other night when I was out, but nothing happened until today.”

“You are such a hoe.” I tease and nudge him.

He laughs loudly, “A proud one at that.”

I smile, “Good for you.”

I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder.

“What is going on, beautiful? You seem stressed?” he asks.

“It has been one of those days. All I want to do is go to bed and stay there until tomorrow.”

He slips his arm around my shoulder, “It can only get better.” He says, kissing the top of my head.

“I am sure it will. Sorry, I am sure you need my mood ruining your good one.”

“No, you are okay. You have nothing to be sorry for. Anything I can do to make it better? We could get drunk. Order five pizzas or binge on junk food.” He chuckles.

“I can’t drink. I have work tomorrow, and it will be busy. Though pizza and ice cream sound good, maybe not five pizzas unless everyone is having some.” I snicker.

“It is only you and me tonight. Alison is staying out again. Arlo is working late, and Parker has plans with someone for the night. Two pizzas then?” he asks.

“I am sure that would be enough. BBQ chicken for me.”

“Hmm, pepperoni for me. I will order some onion rings and mozzarella sticks, too. My treat.”

“No, you don’t need to pay. I can pay or at least half you for it.” I insist.

He prods my nose, “Nope! You take a bath and relax. I will order food and find some cheesy romcoms to watch.”

I kiss his cheek, “Thank you. You are the sweetest.”

He squeezes my knee, “Someone needs to take care of you.”

I thank him again and disappear to run a bubble bath. I am sure Tyson will cheer me up; he always does. I start the bath and head to my room to get some pjs out to change into. There is no point in putting clothes on since I don’t plan on leaving the apartment again tonight. I may as well be comfortable.

****

I am relaxed in the tub, with some music quietly playing in the background.

“Violet, can I come in?”

Tyson asks and knocks on the door.

“Yes.”

I am covered by the bubbles anyway, but even if I wasn’t, there was nothing to hide since he has seen everything. He comes sauntering in a moment later with a slice of pizza in his hand.

“Are you de-stressing?”

“I am getting there. Why are you eating in the bathroom?” I laugh.

“It is for you.”

He comes over and kneels down by the bath, shoving it in my face, “Bite.”

I giggle and do as I am told, taking a bite of it and groaning. It tastes so good.

“I wanted you to have a slice while it is still warm.” He smiles.

He made sure I ate every last bite before finally pulling his hand back.

“I don’t mind cold pizza.”

“I know, but I was also bored sitting alone.” He chuckles.

I laugh and shake my head, “So you decided to join me in the bathroom?”

He nods and sits on the floor, “Yup. Do you want me to leave?”

I shake my head, “No, you are fine. I don’t mind the company. It isn’t like I have anything to hide. You have seen it all.”

He smirks and winks at me, “Oh, yes, I have.”

I giggle and splash some water over him, not too much because I don’t want to soak him.

He pouts at me, “Hey! Mean!”

I shrug and relax back again. He rests his arms on the side of the tub and stares at me.

“What? Why are you staring at me?”

“You really are very pretty without your make-up.” He compliments.

I blush, “Thank you.”

He reaches in and strokes the wet hair from my face, “You are welcome.”

Tyson jumps to his feet, “I will leave you to it. Please, hurry up.” He chuckles and exits the bathroom.

I snicker and finish up, wrapping a towel around my body and hair. I quickly try off, pull my pjs on and tie my hair up before I join him back in the living room. He had the food set out for us, alongside some snacks and a couple of beers.

“One beer won’t do any harm.” He says, patting the spot next to him.

I smile and join him. He snakes his arm around me and brings me closer to him. I curl into his side, and he places a blanket over us. I grab a slice of pizza and rest my head on his shoulder.

“I have found a classic from the nineties to watch. She’s all that.” He grins.

“Nice choice. I haven’t seen that movie in years.” I beam.

“I thought so, too.” He agrees and hits play.

I smile and happily focus on the screen. I am feeling better already. Tyson has that effect on people, though. It is hard to be in a shitty mood with him around. He always tries to make everyone smile because he hates seeing anyone sad or stressed. He is a sweetheart, for sure.

I know my night with him will wash all my stress away. He also gives incredible hugs; maybe I can get him to sleep next to me tonight. Only to sleep, though. I am not wanting or looking for anything more, not tonight.