Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Focusing back on Travis, I want to say something that will help. He needs it. "I know this situation between us all hasn’t exactly been normal, but we’re buddies now, right?" The label sounds stupid but I don’t know how else to describe it.
He nods, a twitch of a smile pulling just one side of his previously grim mouth. "Buddies."
"So, call us. Especially Celine. She’s really sad about this. She’s going to miss you."
He nods, but the way his eyes widen makes me realize he didn’t know.
"I’ll call when I can."
"Okay, buddy."
We both laugh uncomfortably as I stand.
I decide not to tell Travis about the video because he has enough on his plate. If he finds out, maybe he’ll feel like he should stay. He’ll feel torn, and the guy doesn’t need that. Me and Dornan are more than capable of handling shit with Eddie and supporting Celine through it all. It’s what we’ve been doing from the start.
I shift on my feet and drift to the door, but Travis says my name. "Elias. Take these." He holds out a set of keys. "Someone might as well get some use from the place."
I nod solemnly, as though he’s trusted me with his castle rather than a half-empty apartment he never even got the chance to move into.
Maybe we can set the place up for his return. Make it feel lived in. I believe he’s coming back. The alternative just wouldn’t be fair, and Travis deserves a good life.
"I’ll see you in five months." I reach out to shake his hand. We both grip firmly, and he clasps his free hand over mine.
"Maybe."
When I get to the bottom of the stairs, Travis’s mom comes breezing out. "Dinner’s ready. Will you stay, Elias?"
"I shouldn’t," I say, even though I’m so hungry, it feels like I’m digesting my own stomach. Right on time, my belly growls like an angry bear in an echoey cave.
She looks down at my sock again. "You absolutely should."
Bustling away, she leaves no room for me to object. Travis laughs softly, as though this is the usual situation in his house. He claps me on the shoulder, and I follow him into the kitchen, my eyes bugging out at the table that is overflowing with food. It’s like a medieval banquet. "You eat like this every day?"
"Sure."
The guy is so blasé. He has no idea how lucky he is to have the normal things every child should grow up with. Travis indicates where I should sit, and he takes the place opposite. His mom gestures for us to serve ourselves, so I start by spooning small portions onto my plate. She tuts and takes over, doubling the portion of everything. "You’re big," she says. "You need to eat."
"Mom!" Travis shakes his head. "You can’t go around telling people they’re big."
"Why not?" She looks between us, bemused. "Big is good for a man."
I accept the plate, trying to keep my smile suppressed while inside my chest feels hollow. Travis has a great life here. He has so much good that he’s going to leave behind.
"And you eat." She nods at her son. "I’ve made extra for you to take with you."
"I can’t take food through the airport."
She sighs and slumps into a chair before serving herself. Her weariness at the situation scores lines into her forehead. "Elias, you’ll take some with you?"
It’s my instinct to say no, but her need to take care of Travis through me is evident. "Sure. That would be awesome."
We eat, and everything is delicious. Darleen offers me seconds and then tries with thirds, but I’m almost fit to burst. Conversation is light, and rather than feeling like a spare part, I can tell they’re grateful to have me with them to distract them from what’s coming. Halfway through our meal, Gabriella arrives with Kain, Dalton, and Blake. She’s obviously updated them on the situation, and all the men’s expressions are concerned. "Trav, man. You’re seriously going?" Dalton rests his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
"I have to."
"Sit and eat," Darleen says, shoving a plate towards Blake. He accepts it gratefully.
"Dad is coming over in a minute. He’s just washing up."
It’s a hastily organized goodbye meal for a man who doesn’t want to say goodbye.
When I’ve finished what’s left on my plate, I make my excuses to leave, not wanting to invade their privacy any further. I’m handed three large containers filled with food by Darleen, who has glassy eyes. Saying bye feels like a line drawn through an experience I wasn’t looking for and would never have thought I wanted.
At the door, I’m at a loss for what to say, so instead, I slap Travis’s shoulder with my big hand and tell him not to forget us.
As I drive away, I can’t shake the feeling that this is the first step to everything good in my life falling apart.