I continue to work the bar, checking in on everyone and giving Fletcher some time to think. I know our dynamic is changing but the only other option is for me to stay, and that’s not possible. I want to be with Ajay. I want to grow our family and raise children together. Unfortunately, for that to happen, I need to move. Honestly, I’m looking forward to a fresh start with Ajay, in a place where people don’t know us as a couple, and there isn’t anyone around to give him the side eye for his previous actions.
When I head back to check on Fletcher, he’s in the midst of taking a bite of his burger. I stand there and laugh at my impeccable timing. Contrary to popular belief, we are not trained to approach people while they’re eating.
“Can I get you anything else?”
He nods and wipes his face with his napkin. “Can you ask Dhara how she feels about me?”
“You want me to do your dirty work?”
“I’m afraid of ruining my friendship with her so I’m thinking if I have a little inside information before moving forward, I won’t look like a fool.”
“And what if she doesn’t like you, Fletcher? Then what?”
He sets his napkin down and grips the handle of his beer before looking me dead in my eyes. “Then, I move. I’ve been offered a spot in the DA’s office in Raleigh and I’m thinking about taking it.”
My mouth drops open. “Fletch, that’s amazing and heartbreaking.”
He drinks from his glass, finishing off his beer. “I’d like to give them a valid reason why I should stay here or else tell them I’m coming. I want her to come with me, but what type of friend follows another for a job transfer?”
“None that I know of,” I say sadly.
“So, if you wouldn’t mind asking her or snooping around, I’d know how to proceed.”
I rush around the bar until I’m standing next to my friend and pull him into my arms. “I feel like all these life changes should’ve happened years ago, but they’re all happening now, and everything is moving so fast.” Fletcher hugs me tightly before releasing his grip.
“Will you talk to her?”
“I will, Fletch. I believe you’re supposed to be with each other so yeah, I’ll find out what I can.” I’ll have to work fast, but one way or another, it’ll happen.
33
Jamie
I jolt awake, open my eyes slowly, and reach for my phone to look at time. My heart is racing, and I believe it’s from the loud bang that woke me. I turn my head slightly and look toward the window, not sure what I’m expecting to see, but anything would be better than thinking someone’s breaking in or lurking around the outside of my house. It’s just after seven and far too early for me to be awake, especially with Evelyn staying at my parents. I expected, or at least hoped, that Ajay would surprise me late last night but he didn’t. He called though, to tell me that he was going to be later than planned due to some band thing. I did my best to keep my voice steady and to not let him know that I was upset. If I’m going to have a life with him, I can’t let the little things bother me. He didn’t cancel, he is just going to be late, and it’s not like we had any major plans to do anything. He’s only coming to help me pack and drive the rental truck across the country. Absolutely nothing life altering or major, at least that’s what I keep telling myself.
The loud bang sounds again and again and my name is yelled. Now that I’m awake, I know it’s coming from my door, and the only person
who would do something like this is Dhara. “I’m going to kill her,” I mutter as I get out of bed. As I make my way through my house, I think of all the ways I can maim her and how I know Fletcher will forgive me for hurting the love of his life once I explain to him why.
“What?” I screech as I open the door. My neighbor across the street is out. He’s bent over, retrieving his paper when his head snaps up. I wave, hoping to convey a sincere apology for my outburst before glaring at Dhara. “What in the hell do you want?”
“We have appointments to get our hair done.”
“Since when?” I ask as she side steps me to get into my house. “Come on in, I wasn’t sleeping or anything.”
“You can sleep later,” she says as she makes her way to my bedroom. I follow her with the intent of going back to bed but find her rummaging through my closet.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for a button up shirt.”
“What for?”
“For you. Hair, remember?”
I roll my eyes and crawl back into bed. “You’re not making any sense. Can you please leave or just come lay next to me? I didn’t sleep well.”
“Why not?” she asks loudly.