“Really? You just got engaged and this is what you want to talk about?”
“Are you at least getting laid?”
“What? No.”
“Well, you should be. Don't waste that gorgeous body.”
I laughed. “Shut up. Now, when are you coming out to visit?” I asked.
“I have a week off coming up, and I would love to fly out and see you for at least a few days.”
“That would be amazing! There is a lot of testosterone out here and not enough estrogen.”
“Awww, you do miss me?” she cooed.
“You know I do!”
“Well, we shall remedy said affliction. By the way, do you know how many people I called before I thought about getting your number from Charlie’s phone?”
“You crack me up.” I laughed into the phone.
“It’s my job. Okay, I have to call like my mom and stuff,” she laughed. “I'll call you later this week and give you the details of when I can come out.”
“Awesome! We can stay in Portland for the day and see everyone. Granddad says you’re always welcome there.”
“Aww, I love that man. Is he okay now?”
“As crazy as ever. He wanted out of the hospital the day after.”
“Yup, that sounds about right. Tell them I said hi when you get a chance.”
“I will. Hey, I'm sorry I haven’t called much.”
“Girl, please. I know how you are when you get a new grant. There were weeks when we lived together that you didn't speak to me. I miss you though.”
“I miss you too. Love you, talk to you soon.”
“Love you too, bye.”
And she was gone. I was a shitty friend, but at least she knew me and my quirks. This was another reason why I never dated. There would be times where I was so focused on work that I didn't pay attention to anything else around me, and while that hadn't necessarily been the case, I was going to let it be at least for now. She would understand when she got here and saw my neighbors.
***
I worked more than usual over the next two weeks, and I avoided Luke as much as possible. We were always friendly and talked a little here and there, but he kept his distance and so did I.
When Friday rolled around, I drove to Portland and picked up Rachel. We spent the weekend with my family, and then I brought her back to the house Sunday. We stayed up until midnight watching Harry Potter and drinking wine then crashed.
When she heard the yelling and chopping the next morning at seven a.m., she stumbled out of bed and shouted at me, scaring me half-senseless.
“You lying bitch!” she pointed at me.
“What?”
“You have two of the hottest men ever, shirtless and sweaty chopping wood in your backyard.”
“Yeah, and?”
“Why didn't you tell me they were Magic Mike hot?”