The Difference

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Full circle.” He smiles.

  “What about you? Did you always want to be an architect?”

  He nods. “Yeah, well, I loved to draw and knew I wanted to work with my hands. My grandfather was a carpenter, and I spent a lot of time with him growing up. I was good at math, so I loaded up on algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. My teacher, Mr. Harris, suggested I consider college and focus on architecture, I promised him I’d check it out.” He laughs. “My parents were thrilled, and Mom got to work finding schools nearby, and the next week, we went on a visit. I loved the campus was close to home, and the rest is history. Well, unless you want to talk about the SAT and Act testing or there’s the GRE and GMAT testing and of course there’s my design portfolio.”

  “Full circle.” I beam at him. “Sounds like at a young age you had it all together. How long have you known Justin?”

  “I guess you could say that,” he says, taking a drink. “We met my freshman year of college. He was in the same program, and we hit it off. He graduated a year before me and helped me get a spot as an intern at his firm, well, our firm.” He takes another drink of his orange juice. “You and Harper are tight,” he comments.

  “Yeah. Pre-school.” I can’t hide my grin. “We were both terrified and got seated next to each other. We had to turn to our neighbor and introduce ourselves. We’ve been close ever since.”

  “Here you go.” Our waitress sets two huge plates of pancakes and bacon in front of us. “I’ll be right back with some refills,” she says, then scurries off.

  “I’m never going to be able to eat all of this,” I say, looking at the huge stack in front of me.

  “Eat what you want. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  “You can’t be serious.” I look wide-eyed at the amount of food.

  He grins. “I’m a growing boy.” He pats his flat stomach.

  He must work out because those abs I saw earlier, those don’t appear from eating big plates of pancakes every day. “How often do you work out?” I blurt.

  He shrugs. “Every day.” He takes a big bite of his breakfast.

  I almost tell him that it shows. I almost tell him that his hard work is paying off. Instead, I shove my mouth full of pancakes and keep my thoughts to myself.

  Breakfast is great. We talk about our jobs, college, our families… the conversation never seemed to fizzle out. It’s why I’m sitting here in his truck, waiting to go inside my condo, but I can’t seem to make myself open the door.

  “What are you getting into tonight?” he asks.

  “Nothing much. I have some laundry and patient charting to catch up on.”

  “Why don’t you let me take you out to dinner?”

  “Luke, you just fed me breakfast.” I offered him money, but he wasn’t having it.

  “Yeah, and I’d like to feed you dinner too.”

  “Thank you for breakfast and for taking care of my drunk ass last night, but I’m going to have to pass.” Reaching for the handle, I open the door and climb out. “I’ll see you around, Lucas Prescott.” He’s too charming and sweet, and easy on the eyes. I can feel myself slipping, wanting to spend more time with him. I can’t let myself fall again. Not yet. I need this break. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

  “You can plan on it, Addyson Stafford.” His voice is husky. Promising.

  I feel his eyes on me all the way to my condo, and it sparks a fire inside of me. I almost turn around and tell him I changed my mind about dinner. Almost. Instead, I keep my head held high. My resolve sets and I disappear behind the door. Once inside, I peer through the blinds and watch him drive away. After dropping my purse on the table, I lie down on the couch, closing my eyes. Everything about Lucas screams “date me.” I wish I’d met him sooner. I wish I’d met him before my heart was mangled into such a web of lies and pain, before I was broken. My phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  “Hey,” I greet Harper.

  “How are you feeling?” She sounds as if she’s whispering. My guess is that she has a killer headache. She always does after drinking too much.

  “Good, how about you?”

  “Headache from hell,” she says, confirming my suspicion.

  “Justin got you home okay?”

  “Yeah,” she sighs happily. “He stayed. How about you? That’s why I’m calling. Justin said Lucas took you home.”

  “He did. He stayed,” I confess. “It’s not what you think.” I rush to tell her. “He slept in the chair in my room. I guess I was throwing up and he was worried about me. Said he was going to stay a little longer to make sure I was all right and ended up falling asleep in the chair.”

  “Is he still there?”

  “No. We uh… went to breakfast and he just dropped me off.”

  “Addyson Grace, are you forgetting to tell me something?”

  “Nope. That’s it. Breakfast. He asked me to dinner, but I said no.”

  “What?” she screeches, then groans from her headache. “Why would you say no?” she asks, back to her whispering.

  “Because,” is my reply. It’s a shitty one, but I can’t seem to put into words that I like Lucas. I can’t admit it aloud. I need this break, this time for me. I need to regroup. You can only knock a girl down so much before she has a hard time getting back up. Looking back, all the guys I’ve dated have been charming and easy on the eyes, just like Lucas. There is nothing different, and I need different.

  “Addyson, you can’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.”

  “That’s just it,” I confess. “He’s sexy and charming and so were they. Lucas is a great guy. In fact, if I had met him sooner, maybe things would have been different.”

  “They still can be.”

  “Possibly, but I need to do me for a while. Blake….” I trail off, knowing I don’t need to explain what he did to me. He was good to me, doting in fact. I thought for sure my bad luck had been broken. Then we ran into his wife. I’ve never been more humiliated. Obviously, my judgment is not the best when it comes to men. So, no matter how good of a guy I think he is, there is always that chance he’s just putting on a show like the rest of them.

  “Take some time. I get it. Promise me you won’t stay closed off forever.”

  “One day,” I tell her, unable to make any promises. I refuse to lie to my best friend. We talk for a few more minutes, until Justin gets back to her place with lunch. They’re spending the day together. Although I feel a pang of jealousy, I’m so incredibly happy for them. One day I hope to find that. Find trust again and open my heart to love.

  One day.

  Chapter Eight

  Lucas

  * * *

  It’s Monday morning and I’m at the office early. Over an hour earlier than usual. Other than Saturday morning with Addyson and my trip to the gym both days, I stayed around my house all weekend. Not that there is anything wrong with that. In fact, I love my house. I’ve lived there for about three months now. I designed it and had one of the crews build it. It’s my dream house. My mom tried to convince me to wait until I find my future bride, as she called it, to build. I considered it, but I was tired of wasting money on my condo rental. I was ready for my own place, and I refused to stop life while I waited for the woman of my dreams to walk into my life.

  Little did I know I would soon meet the one and only Addyson Stafford. I can’t help but wonder if she would like my house. Maybe one day I’ll find out. My mom would love her.

  “What are you doing here so early?” Justin asks from the doorway of my office, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  “Just getting a jump start on the week.” It’s not a lie. I just leave out that I sat around all weekend thinking about Addyson and how I can convince her to give me a shot. Pathetic I know, which is why I’m keeping that sliver of information to myself.

  He gives me a look that tells me he’s not buying what I’m selling. “So, I heard back from Tabitha,” he says, stepping inside my office and taking a seat acr
oss from me.

  “And?”

  He grins. “Four tickets, backstage passes, meet and greet.”

  “Yeah? The girls are going to be stoked.” I pull out my wallet. “How much?” I don’t care what it costs. She wants to go, and I want to be the one to get her there.

  He waves me off. “They were free.”

  “Come on, man, I’ll pay for me and Addyson.” No way am I letting him foot the bill for this.

  “I’m telling you they were free. It’s amazing what money and a prestigious last name will get you. Some people bust their ass and scrimp and save to afford to go to a concert. I make a phone call, and we’re hooked up like celebrities for free.” He shakes his head in disgust. Justin doesn’t like to use his family’s money to get a leg up. The fact that he reached out for these tickets tells me exactly how much he likes Harper.

  “I know you hate using the family name,” I comment. Justin works hard and has a trust fund that will make your head spin from counting all the zeros. He hides it well. At least he tries to, that bitch Amy knew what she was doing. He dodged a bullet with that one.

  “Yeah, but Harper really wants to go. I can’t wait to tell her. We should tell them together.” I can already see he has an idea brewing in his head.

  He’s not going to get an argument from me. “When is the concert?”

  “Next month.” He rattles off the date. “I guess he added this date so the ticket sale date and the event are close. Hell, he sold out in ten minutes.”

  Grabbing my phone, I add it to my calendar. “When do you want to tell them?” Please say tonight, I chant in my head.

  “I was thinking about having everyone over to my place this weekend, throw some burgers on the grill.”

  That means I have to wait all week to see her again. It’s not tonight, but it’s sooner than I would have seen her otherwise, so I’ll take it. “I’m in. You tell me when and where.”

  I know I answered too quickly when he asks, “What’s going on with you and Addyson?”

  “Nothing. Not for lack of trying. She’s been burned so many times, she’s closed off.” She’s so fun to be around though. Our banter excites me, just as much as her smile or the sound of her laugh.

  “What? The Lucas Prescott charm isn’t working?”

  I can’t help but laugh. “She likes me. I can see it in her eyes. But she’s not budging. I tried to get her to have dinner with me Saturday night, and she said no.” I don’t tell him that I texted her a few hours after, but she turned me down again. I even offered to bring dinner to her. No luck.

  “I can’t really say I blame her. Don’t you remember her stories that first night? She’s had some pretty shitty luck. Not just that, but I’m sure there was more she wasn’t telling us. I mean, she was laughing and joking about it, but it’s deep, especially if she’s closing off like she is.”

  “Yeah, I have my work cut out for me, that’s for sure.” The thought of all those guys, using her like that pisses me off. Were they really that blind to what they had right in front of them? How could they have just used her and thrown her away like that?

  He studies me. “You’re still pursuing her?”

  I nod. “Yeah. She’s so laidback, and… normal, for lack of a better word. She’s just Addyson. She’s not afraid to order what she wants to eat and makes no apologies for eating it. She’s got a great personality. She’s sexy as hell.” I stop, realizing I’m rambling on about her. I could go on and on about how she has me twisted up in knots. She’s genuine and beautiful, and hopefully one day she’ll be mine.

  “You’re hooked.”

  Rubbing my hands over my face, I exhale. “Yeah, looks like it.”

  “Is it just the chase?”

  “No.” I shake my head adamantly. “She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

  “Going to be an uphill battle, my friend.”

  “Don’t I know it. Hey, you have to help me. If you get any intel from Harper, send it my way.”

  “Not unless Harper says I can tell you.”

  “What? Where’s your loyalty?” I razz him. Not that I blame him. Sure, he’s my best friend, but I know him well enough to know he’s in this for the long haul with Harper. While I’m his best friend, she’s his future, his heart. You stay loyal to that.

  He shrugs, holding up his little finger. “She’s got me, man. It’s fucking terrifying with my past experiences, but Harper…” He smiles. “She’s worth the risk, you know?”

  Yeah, I know. “So you setting this little shindig up with your girl?”

  “Yeah, I’ll text her now. It’s getting your girl to agree to tag along that we have to worry about.”

  My girl. If only I could be so lucky. “Why don’t you text Addyson first?” Surely, it will be hard for her to say no to Justin.

  He ponders the idea. “That could work. I could tell her I want to get to know Harper’s best friend a little better, which is true. I’ll just leave out the fact that you’re going to be there.”

  I hate that I agree with him. Not that Addyson is avoiding me. But knowing I’m going to be there might sway her decision to pass on the invitation. I just don’t know at this point.

  “Let me know,” I say as he stands. I want to tell him to text her now, here in my office, but I hold back. He’ll tell me.

  “Send me her number,” he says before walking out of my office.

  Grabbing my phone, I send him a text with her number, then pull up her name and send her a message as well. Can’t have her forgetting about me.

  * * *

  Me: Have a great day, Addy.

  * * *

  Addyson: Thanks. You too, Luke.

  * * *

  I decide to press my luck a little.

  * * *

  Me: Dinner this week?

  * * *

  Addyson: I have a crazy week.

  * * *

  Me: This weekend?

  * * *

  Addyson: Probably not the best idea.

  * * *

  Me: I’ll change your mind.

  * * *

  Addyson: You think so?

  * * *

  Me: I know so.

  * * *

  Addyson: You’re relentless.

  * * *

  Me: What can I say? I know what I want.

  * * *

  Addyson: I take it you’re talking about me?

  * * *

  Me: Yes.

  * * *

  Nothing like laying it all out on the line. I’m not going to hide because she’s not ready. I just need to prove to her that when she’s ready, I’ll be here. I meant what I told Justin. I’ve never met anyone like her.

  She doesn’t reply, and I’m sure I’ve stunned her speechless. Good. She needs to know where I stand.

  I hope she’s ready soon.

  I’m pursuing her.

  I’ll show her I’m the difference.

  Chapter Nine

  Addyson

  * * *

  I was surprised to get a text from Justin earlier this week asking me to his place for a cookout. He claimed he had a surprise for Harper, and that he thought it would be nice if the two of us got to know each other better. I must admit that won him some major brownie points. I get that they’re together, but one fact remains, she will always be my best friend. So for him to reach out, how could I say no to that?

  He assured me it’s low-key at his place. He also has a pool, so he told me to bring my suit. I wanted to ask him if Lucas was going to be there, but I held strong. Part of me wants him to be and the other part, the part that finds it increasingly difficult to ignore my attraction to him, that part hopes he’s not there. Don’t ask me which one is stronger.

  After shoving my swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and cover-up into a bag, I’m ready to go. I text Harper and let her know I’m on my way. Grabbing my purse and keys, I lock up and head out to my car. I punch the address Justin sent me into the GPS on my phone and I’m on my way. It’s a beautiful d
ay. The sun is shining and sitting poolside with some burgers and company sounds like the perfect day.

  I turn down the radio when my GPS tells me I’m arriving at my destination. A weird habit I’ve picked up over the years. Turning into the drive, I’m in awe of the two-story home. It’s well landscaped and exactly what I would expect for someone like Justin to be living in. He seems as though he has it together. No games. No dishonesty. For my best friend’s sake, I hope he’s the real deal, just as he seems to be.

  Tearing my eyes off the house, I focus on where I’m going. That’s when I see it. Lucas’s truck is parked in the drive, Harper’s car next to it. Nerves take flight, and it’s as if there are a million butterflies dancing around in my stomach. I shouldn’t be excited to see him. I don’t want to be excited to see him. That’s the lie I continue to tell myself.

  After pulling in behind Harper, I put the car in park and pull the keys from the ignition. I take my time turning off the GPS on my phone and checking my email. I’m stalling, hoping the butterflies calm down before I actually set eyes on him. I take a slow deep breath in and gradually exhale before gathering my bag, and climbing out of the car. Harper told me to come on around back when I arrive, so that’s what I do. I follow the manicured sidewalk around the side of the house.

  “There she is,” Harper calls when she sees me. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”

  “Not my fault you’re early,” I fire back.

  “Nope. I woke up here.” She grins.