by Ivy Kovacs
- What about Friday? We have plenty of rooms so you could stay over. I've been meaning to try my new whiskey with someone. – He said and finished his coffee. – Rebecca is not a good drinking partner. – He teased Aunt Bex as usual.
- I'm more of a wine person. – She commented.
- Sure, she may drink a glass but I can't get her off me if she drinks two. – He whispered to Dylan who chuckled and I rolled my eyes just like Rebecca did.
- Your daughter's lesson just ended so we should be heading out. – Rebecca said standing up from the table.
- It was good to meet you, Dylan. – He said shaking hands with him and grandma led them out.
Dylan looked at me smiling and I narrowed my eyes. – What? Your uncle is cool. –
- We'll go upstairs to do our homework. – I stood up looking at grandma.
- Okay, honey. I have to go to the farmer's market, but I'll be back soon. – She said and smiled at Dylan again. – Come by whenever you want. There's always an extra room for such a gentleman. –
- Bye nana. – I towed Dylan upstairs. As soon as we got inside he sat down on my bed and laughed. – What? – I frowned.
- Homework? – He raised his eyebrows. – You should've just said that you want me to stay. –
- I don't. – I rolled my eyes. – But we should talk about yesterday. – I stood in front of him with my arms crossed.
- Alright. – He leaned back on the bed resting on his elbows and glared at me. – Talk. –
- What? You talk! You were the one who kissed me then ghosted me! – I said furiously. – Dick move by the way. –
- I know. I am a dick. – He agreed calmly which made me even more infuriated. How could he be so arrogant?
- That's all? Why did you kiss me? – I snapped at him.
- Because I wanted to. –
- Can you express your feelings any better? –
- Nope. – He took a deep breath and sat up looking at his hands. His knuckles were swollen and bruised. – I'm sorry that I was a dick to you. I just don't know how to act around you... –
- Why? – I asked raising my eyebrows.
- Because I'm confused, Grace! – He snapped.
- Me too. – I said quietly.
- You said you'd never date someone like me. –
- That's true. And you said you don't date. – I sat down next to him.
- True. –
- Then what are we? Friends? – I muttered looking at him.
- I guess. – He shrugged still not looking at me.
- Just to be clear I'm not one of your girls. If we are going to be friends, we can't fuck around. – I said and he finally looked at me.
- We kissed. That's not fucking around. –
- I know, but this... – I pointed at us. – Sleeping in the same bed. It's not something friends do. – He nodded and looked me in the eye. I got lost in them like I always did.
- I'll head out. Thanks for letting me stay. – He said putting his shoes on and grabbing his jacket.
- It's fine... – I replied quietly.
- Bye. – He said walking downstairs. I lay back on my bed and buried my head into a pillow. Why did this have to be so complicated? I did the right thing by telling him that we should be just friends. I couldn't be happy with someone. What if he’d turn out like my father? I couldn't let that happen.
I studied most afternoon and texted Dom to meet in the café before school but he said he was sick and staying at home for the week. We watched a movie with grandma and I headed to sleep.
On Monday we got our Biology projects back. We got an A on it. I had an English test in the fourth lesson then I ate lunch with Debby who was talking about her night with Nathan. I forgot that they met on Saturday while we were getting drinks. Practice was postponed because Debby had to go home early so I studied in the library. Dylan didn't come to school all day but I decided not to text him.
On Tuesday I had a big Chemistry exam in the morning. At lunch, I sat alone because Debby was sitting with Cameron, Max, and Dylan. We said hi to each other but other than that he ghosted me all day.
Wednesday was an easy day. There were no tests or projects due so I could focus on the cheer choreography. I started teaching my dance to the girls. The fall match was in three weeks and we had to practice a lot. I got home late from practice so I just showered and headed to bed.
Thursday morning Grandma let me drive to school because Seb had to go in early. I picked Lily up at their house and drove to her school. – Mom said you're coming over tomorrow. – She said looking over at me.
- I am. – I nodded.
- She also said you're bringing your boyfriend with you. –
- He's not my boyfriend and I'm not sure he's coming. We aren't on good terms. – I explained to my cousin.
- I'm glad you're coming over Grace. – She said looking at me.
I looked at her and gave her a soft smile. – Have a great day. – I pinched her chin and she got out smiling. I sighed and started driving to school. After I parked Oliver jumped behind me and scared me. – Dude... I hate you. – I said placing my hand on my heart which was pounding inside my chest quicker than usual.
- Sup G? – He asked as we started walking inside.
- Nothing. – I was holding my books in my hands. – You? –
- I'm good. I had to let Maddie give me a head in the bathroom because of you. – He said and I gasped at how inappropriate he was. – The little fight you two had was fun though. –
- Thanks for sacrificing yourself. – I said chuckling.
- Anytime. – He grinned. – Do you know what's up with Dyl? –
- Why? – I raised my eyebrows.
- He's being weird. He doesn't speak to us. He comes home and locks himself up. I thought maybe you'd know since you two are a thing. –
- We're not a thing. We are friends. – I corrected him.
- Ah, I understand... – He said and shrugged. – Well, see you around. –
I watched him walk away in the hall and my mind wondered about Dylan again. Why was he sad? He was the one not telling me about his feelings. I thought he'd be happy that he got this off his chest. I should talk to him... No. He should be the one talking to me!
I packed my books into my locker and walked to class.
The hours passed agonizingly slow. I facetimed Dom and sent him the homework after I ate lunch at home. We talked for about an hour and after we hung up, I started reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It was our English homework so I decided to re-read the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. I always loved her character. She was not the same heroine people were used to back in time. She spoke her mind instead of living in the shadows.
Today was Friday. Dylan and I haven't spoken since Sunday and I guessed that he wasn’t coming tonight. He was late to History as usual. He sat in the back throughout the entire day. Debby sat next to me in most of the classes so I wasn't alone. School ended at 12 and I was heading out of school when someone yelled my name. Dylan was walking after me. – I'll pick you up at five, okay? – He said casually.
- To go where? – I looked at him incomprehensibly.
- Your uncle's. He invited us over, remember? – He asked reminding me but I knew very well what today was. I was only surprised that he still wanted to come after not talking to me for a week.
- Okay. – I said with a low voice.
- I'll see you then. – He added and walked back to the field. I stood there confused for a second, trying to wrap my head around what just happened, but then I started walking home. He was so neutral like nothing was wrong. Well, nothing was, to be honest. Maybe this was how he acted with his friends...
- Nana! I'm home! – I yelled walking inside the kitchen. She made spaghetti for lunch and the kitchen smelled wonderful.
- How was your day honey? – She said wiping her hands into her apron. I grabbed two plates and made the table for us.
- It was okay. My Math teacher said
I was his most hard-working student. He's very kind. – I said and smiled thinking back to his sweet words.
- I know you are! My granddaughter is the smartest girl in the world! – She said proudly and placed the food on the table. – Are you still going over to your uncle's? –
- I am. We're going at five. – I put some food on my plate.
- I really like this boy, Gracie. He'd be good for you. – She said out of nowhere and I choked on my food. – I'm serious! He's very sweet. –
- Yeah, okay nana. – I chuckled and shook my head taking a sip of water.
- You'll have to let someone in eventually. –
- And I will if it's the right person. – I said and took another bite of the spaghetti.
For the rest of the lunch, we ate silently. I walked upstairs to my room and took a shower before choosing a dress for the night. I curled my hair and put some lip balm on.
- Gracie! Dylan is here! – I heard my grandmother yell.
- One minute! – I yelled back, putting my leather jacket on and grabbed my bag walking downstairs.
- Wow. – Dylan stood next to my grandma and his jaw dropped.
- You look beautiful, honey. I haven't seen this dress on you since... – Since the weekend before the accident. I wore this when grandma visited us a week before the accident happened. – Anyway you look lovely! – She smiled at us. – Have fun tonight! –
- Thank you, Mrs. Smith. – Dylan smiled at my grandma and I walked out to his car.
- Bye. – I said and got inside the car not letting Dylan open my door for me.
He got in and started the engine. – I was trying to be nice. –
- Sure. – I kept smiling until he drove away then looked at my phone.
- What's wrong? – He looked over at me then back on the road.
- You are. You were butt hurt all week and now you act like nothing happene!. – I snapped at him.
- I wasn't feeling well. – He lied and I rolled my eyes, not believing a word he said. – I was looking forward to today, though. –
- Sure. –
- I was! What's up with your attitude? You don't want me to come? –
- I would if I'd know what's up with you! –
- Nothings up with me! –
- Stop lying! –
- You friend-zoned me, that's what the fuck is up with me! – He pulled over on the side of the road and yelled at me.
- But... you said you don't want to date. – I lowered my voice and looked at his hands grabbing the steering wheel so hard that his hands turned white.
- I never said I wasn't willing to try. – He sighed and started driving again. – It doesn't matter anymore. You're still grieving. You're not ready. – He stared at the road.
Dylan wants to date me... I was so embroiled. Why was he acting like he was only trying to hook up with me then? Why did he agree on being friends if he truly liked me? But one thing was certain...he was not lying now.
twenty-three
He was silently driving towards my godparent's house. I was still in shock and I had no idea what to say. I did feel some sort of connection between us but I didn't know if I could trust him. I wished mom would give me a sign and told me what the right thing to do is.
He parked in the driveway of the large two-floor house that Seb built a few years ago. His facial expression said everything: he was shocked about the size and the look of the modern house. He probably wondered why I chose not to move here.
I got out of the car and the cold wind brushing against my bare legs made me shiver. It was the start of October and it was already less than 70 degrees. I wasn’t use to the weather and the dryness of the state. Florida was always so humid and warm.
I walked up on the stairs leading to the front door and knocked on it. – Grace! – Lily's smile brightened the room and she hugged me tightly. She was getting so big, I was 5'4 and she was almost my height.
– Hi Lils. – When she pulled away her eyes met Dylan's. Two gorgeous ocean blue sets of eyes. – Lily this is Dylan. My... –
- Friend. – Dylan finished the introduction instead and Lily smiled.
- I'm Grace's cousin. – She smiled at him and I could already tell that Dylan got her wrapped around his finger with his charm. Lily led us to the kitchen where Rebecca was taking plates out of the cupboard.
- Oh, hi guys. Dinner's almost ready. Sebastian is in the office if you want to say hi. – Rebecca said and I took the plates from her to make the table.
- I can show you where the office is. – Lily said politely and Dylan followed her. I watched them leave and Lily soon walked back to the kitchen.
- You seem stressed. What's up? – Rebecca always knew when something was up. She always cared about me like a friend and not like a godmother, which made it easier for me to be open with her.
- My thoughts are all over the place nowadays, that's all. – I answered shortly but deep down I knew she wasn't going to let it go this easily. She looked at me suspiciously and I chuckled as I shook my head. – Fine... – I grabbed the silverware and placed them next to the plates. – Dylan and I kissed last Saturday. – She fake gasped and I rolled my eyes at her mockery. – We had a fight about what we should do, and I told him that we should be friends. –
- Oh no. – She said while cutting the dessert up.
- Yeah... he's been ignoring me all week and I don't know what to do! He's never been in a serious relationship before and he's the ladies' man of the school. I don't know if I'm ready for someone yet. I'm still… broken... – I sighed and stood next to her.
- Your dad was a ladies' man too. That's probably why I disliked him from the beginning. – She said and I narrowed my eyes. She never talked about my dad before. – That doesn't mean Dylan is like him. I'm sorry, I'm babbling. –
- Why did you bring him up? Do you know something? – I asked curiously. I never wanted to meet my father. I despised him for leaving mom alone and I never wanted to meet him. I was glad I didn't know anything about him.
- What? No! – She said and placed the brownies on a plate. – You just reminded me of your mom. She always worried that he was cheating on her. It wasn't true at first but you know how it turned out... –
- I'm glad he's nowhere to be found. Not like any of us are searching for him anyway. – I shrugged and filled our glasses with wine.
Sebastian and Dylan walked inside the kitchen chatting like girls. – Hi Grace. – He kissed my head and sat down at the table. Dylan sat down next to me and I looked at him, studying his facial expression but he smiled like nothing was wrong. We didn't even know each other and yet we were always arguing.
We packed our plates with the mashed potatoes and chicken and began to eat. I wasn't that hungry because grandma and I ate only a few hours ago.
- The meal is very delicious, Mrs. Smith. – Dylan complimented politely.
- Please, call me Rebecca. I'm not defined by this guy. – She replied sassily and we laughed. - So Grace said you're from Spain? – She asked as we continued eating.
- Yeah, I was born in Sevilla. – I adored the way he said Spanish words. His accent wasn’t that noticeable when he spoke English but when he said something in Spanish... it was music to my ears.
- Seville is beautiful. I've been there once on a business trip. – Uncle Seb explained.
- It is, Sir. I haven't been there in a few years, though my father still lives there. – Dylan opened up to my family. I was surprised that he did because he kept things private in front of his friends.
- And what are your plans after high school? – He questioned Dylan.
- Well, I haven't really looked into anything yet. The fall match is in three weeks and the school invited a bunch of chancellors. – Dylan said taking a sip of his bourbon.
- You play? –
- I'm a quarterback. – He nodded.
- I love football. Which team do you support? – Uncle Seb asked as he finished his dinner. I never liked football.
&nb
sp; - Gotta be the Falcons. – He chuckled.
- So you wanna be like Matt Ryan, huh? – Rebecca asked playfully.
- I wish. – Dylan laughed and finished his meal. – Thank you for the dinner, Rebecca. –
- I'm glad you enjoyed it. – She smiled at us and leaned back against her chair while sipping her wine.
- This might be the best bourbon I've had. – Dylan commented, looking at my uncle. I haven't said anything all night, I just sat there silently and listened to their conversation.
I enjoyed seeing Uncle Seb talking to Dylan. It made me feel like my dad liked my boyfriend. Even though Sebastian wasn’t my dad and Dylan wasn’t my boyfriend.
- I can give you a bottle if you want. My friend has a distillery in New York. –
- That would be great. Thank you, Sir. – He gave my uncle a soft smile.
- Call me Sebastian. – Uncle Seb never allowed anyone to call him by his first name. It always had to be Mr. Smith or Sir. My jaw dropped as he asked Dylan to call him by his first name.
- I'll help with the dishes. – I stood up, picking up the plates and Uncle Seb nodded.
- We'll be in the living room. – Lily, Dylan and Uncle Seb walked out from the kitchen leaving us alone again. Aunt Bex started packing things into the dishwasher and I chugged the wine from my glass.
- There's another bottle in the cooler. – She said looking at me. She knew I needed it. I opened up another bottle and filled my glass halfway through. – He seems like a nice guy. –
- He is. But he has another side that I hate. – I rolled my eyes and sipped my wine.
- I think you should agree on trying to get to know each other better. Then you'll see if you want to get together or not. – She was right. I should give him a chance but when I was alone, I felt guilty that I was letting him make me happy. I almost died five months ago and now I was considering dating a guy?
- She'd tell you how happy she is for you. She'd want you to fall in love and live a happy life. – Rebecca looked into my eyes and brushed my hair gently away from my face. – It's not a bad thing to heal. Don't feel guilty. – It was like she heard my thoughts.
Mom and Rebecca were always best friends. They offered to lend some money to my mom when we were moving but she never let them. I remember that they called each other weekly and talked for hours.