Because of My Best Friend

13. Epiphany

*AIDAN POV*

It’s been about three weeks since Justine and I’s date/sleepover, and I still can’t get her out of my head.  Every time I step inside my apartment, I remember all the details from when she was in my house.  I almost didn’t even want to wash my sheets because I wanted her scent to last as long as it could.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this infatuated with someone and it was almost a scary thought.  It wasn’t even about the s*x… which by the way, rocked my world.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a partner that played with me like Justine did.  She liked the dirty talker and calling me sir, but she also liked it when I was being my regular self.  I tried out different parts of myself that night to see what she liked best, and she liked them all!  But it was more than that.  She’s sassy and quick witted… and she expresses herself so bluntly.  She’s literally a breath of fresh air.

So many times I’ve picked up my phone to call or text her, but then I chicken out.  We both agreed to part ways on good terms, right?  So why am I missing her this much?  And what would I even say?

One of the reasons I can’t get her out of my head, is because of Tanner.  The bastard brings her up all the time, especially when he talks about Kelsey.  He’s literally stopped himself from going to Fairview to scope her out.  I know he still texts her every now and then, but hasn’t made a move yet.  I kind of wish he would.  Honestly, no one could make Tanner happier than the female version of himself.

“Knock knock!”

A familiar voice pulls out of my thoughts.  I look up and my eyebrows almost shoot off my forehead.  “Olivia…. W-What brings you here?”  Surprise is an understatement.  Olivia, my oh so unfaithful ex, has tried calling me, texting me, and emailing me for the past week.  I’ve happily avoided them, because there’s nothing more to be said.

She strolls in and closes the door behind her.  Her blonde hair is down and curled, how I used to like it., but all I can think about now is the thick curly dark hair that feels so great in my hand, especially as I thru---  

“Hey babe, is this a good time to talk?”

Babe?  Is she kidding me right now?  I sigh out loud and rub my temples.  ‘”Actually, I am.” Minus the fact I’ve been spending the past 20 minutes daydreaming about Justine.  “What do you need?”

She puts on that fake pout that I used to find adorable, but looking at her now, I honestly feel like she’s wasting both of our time.

“I think we should have dinner.  You and me.”

“I don’t think that’s su-“

“Please Aidan.  I really hate how I left things… please.  I just want to talk, honest.  We’ve known each other for so long.  I should have never sent that text.”

“No, you shouldn't have.”  She looks down in shame and I curse myself for being so short with her.  I’m not a bad guy and I don’t like making others feel like crap.  And we were together for a long time.  Maybe I should hear her out… at least let her get closure, or whatever she wants from this.  “Fine.  I’ll meet you at Abuelos when I get off.” 

She looks up and puts on a smile that seems genuine.  “I’ll see you in a bit.”  She walks out and suddenly I feel a sense of guilt.  I know I have to tell him.   If he finds out from anyone but me, I’m sure it’ll be another ‘bro’ weekend in the making, and I’m not down for that.

Aidan:  so….. Olivia just stopped by….

Tanner:  No!  Don’t you dare think about it

Tanner:  I MEAN IT!

Aidan:  she wants to talk.  So we’re going to dinner

Tanner:  it’s a trap!!

Tanner:  DON’T YOU LET THAT WOMAN BACK INTO MY LIFE!

I lean my head back on my chair.  This is not what I expected to happen on a random Tuesday.

**

As soon as I get out of my car, Olivia rushes to my side, grabbing my arm, and starts pulling us to the restaurant.  “I’m so happy you came out honey.  It really means a lot to me.”  I’m so floored by her ‘honey’ comment, that I bypass a response.  I don’t even say anything as she tells the staff to seat us in a booth, rather than a table.  When we sit down, I decide not to beat around the bush.

“So what is it that you wanted to ta—”

“Welcome to Abuelo’s. Can I get your drink order?”

“We’ll have two regular margaritas, on the rocks.  No salt on mine," she rushes out.

“Actually, I’ll just have a sprite.”  The waitress looks between us and Olivia shrugs her shoulders.

When the waitress leaves, I open my menu to look through for what I want.  When I take a breath to ask the question again, she surprises me.  “I’m sorry Aidan.”  I put my menu down and see Olivia looking at me with sad eyes.  “I should have never cheated on you.  You didn’t deserve that.”

Our table stays quiet as we stare at each other.  Even after the waitress comes to take our order, it’s like she expects a response.  What does she want me to say?  ‘Why would you do that to me?’ or ‘I thought we meant something!?’, but the truth was, I didn’t care why, when, how, or who. 

“You’re mad at me.”  She says it as a simple statement.

“No… I’m not mad Olivia.  I was shocked, and then thought less of you, yes.  But never mad.”  Maybe I should have told her that I went about my days like normal, as if I were single and didn’t care, because by the smile she gave me, it makes me think my answer gave her the impression that she was forgiven.  Even more so when she caressed her hand on top of mine.

“We’ll get through this.  We are more than a mere bump in the road.”

My jaw ticks, for her to think that infidelity is just a bump in the road.   She excuses herself to the restroom and I sigh out for the millionth time today.  I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.  There’s so much history between Olivia and I but if I went down this road, everything will feel forced.  I don’t think I could ever forgive her and I won’t give her the impression that there could be a chance.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, probably Tanner trying to find out where I am so he can storm in this mistake of a plan I made with Olivia.  But turns out, it’s from Justine.  A smile instantly forms on my face just seeing her name and suddenly everything brightens.  Who would’ve thought a simple message would get me this happy?   

It’s a video message and I push play immediately.  She’s walking on the sidewalk, her face not in view, but she’s taping her feet walking.

Sooooo…. You’ll never guess what I found!!!!  She walks up to a store window and in view is the ugliest cake known to man.  “It’s an actual armadillo cake!  Aidan, can you believe this s**t is real??  I almost want to go inside and see if it’s red velvet!  The camera flips to her face and the sun illuminates her face… and her smile … damn she’s beautiful.  Hope you’re doing well!  Tell Tanner I said hey!

The video ends too quickly and I’m suddenly aware of my surroundings.   The colors seem duller around me, sucking out the happiness.  Suddenly, as Tanner would say, I get a ‘master plan’ formed in my head.  I know what I want to do.  I put down forty bucks on the table and walk out, dialing Tanner’s number in the process.

Please tell me y’all aren’t back together?  I…. I just wouldn’t be able to handle that.  He sounds so miserable, causing me to chuckle.

“No.. I actually walked out of the restaurant while she was in the bathroom.. listen-“

Yes!!! Man I love you, show that bi-

“Tanner!!!  I want to date Justine….”

silence….

I hold my phone out to make sure it didn’t cut off, but I can still hear him breathing.  Leave it to me brother.  I love you…. So much.  It sounds like he was almost crying.

“Love you too man,” I laugh out.  I strap myself into the car.  When Olivia’s name pops up on my phone, I smile to myself.  I’m actually going for what I want, and I have no extra baggage holding me back.  It’s been a long time since I felt this happy.