More to This

by Tess Keeler

  Another cigarette beneath his foot, twisting to put it out. He nearly choked with surprise. “You really want me there after what I did?”

  “I just slept with another guy. Does that make you not want to stay with me?” She had that “you’re an idiot” tone. It was a teasing one.

  “I always want to be with you,” Henley whispered before wetting his lips.

  “Then get your ass over here.”

  …………..

  Henley waited to change until he was in her living room. She had let him know that the door was unlocked, so he let himself in as quietly as he could. It was almost two-thirty in the morning, and he wasn’t used to feeling so emotional. He was tired. After finding a place for his things, he slipped into the downstairs bathroom and stripped the clothing he had worn through all of the pain. He pulled on a grey pair of sweatpants and went back and forth about wearing a shirt or not. He would rather not sweat in her bed.

  With a clean mouth and a washed face, he had made his way up the staircase, to the room he had spent so many days and nights teasing Everly. The ambiance of her room wasn’t the same when he cleared the doorway, her beautiful features sunken in and pulling downward. She looked stressed out, and he didn’t think he had ever seen her unhappy. The glow of the TV illuminated her slow blinks. She didn’t meet his gaze, even after he crawled behind her in bed. His heart was sounding off in his ears, more than nerves creating a war inside of him.

  “You’re not sick of horror movies, are you?” she asked, scrolling through the movies downloaded to her Xbox.

  “Never,” he laughed.

  His eyes observed the bounce of her curls and followed the curve of her waist in her usual superhero pajamas. They were adorable, and he wouldn’t change anything about her. He flexed his fingers as he forced himself to control the natural urge to touch her. As if on cue, she sighed, “Don’t be weird, Henley. Friends cuddle.”

  “I don’t cuddle with my friends. Do you?”

  “Oh, I was under the impression that you didn’t have friends.”

  “Ouch,” he gasped with a hand to his chest. He moved the same hand to push on her back. “I have Pierson.”

  “Do you?”

  He could hear her smile, and it helped him loosen up a little. “Well, he did leave me face down in the dirt earlier, so you’re probably right.”

  She turned over, finally looking into his eyes. She moved them to study his face, and he felt his lips stick out a little further, almost in a pout.

  “I guess you have me though, right?” Everly was so sweet to him.

  He lifted his eyebrows toward his hairline, “I hope so, since we’re in bed together, with a purpose less than physical.”

  “You’re nearly dressed for the occasion,” she teased, grazing his bare chest with her fingertips. “Tease.”

  A shiver moved through his body in response to her touch, and he tried not to give away how easily she affected him. He was usually better composed. There was a possibility he just thought he was more composed. “Whatever. You don’t want this.”

  “Fine, I don’t then.” Her lips twitched, but she was still having a difficult time looking like herself. “Will you tell me about your parents?”

  Henley hummed, the courage to be vulnerable there and willing. “My dad runs a restaurant in downtown Denver. Ever since he and my mom divorced when we were eleven, he spent almost seventy hours a week there. It makes him good money, but we didn’t get a lot of his influence that way.” A piece of her long hair fell from her ponytail, and he reached out to tuck it behind her ear. “My mom remarried pretty quickly, and she brought a whole new side of family into the mix. I distance myself mostly.” Reading her expression, he asked her for her side. “What about your parents? Why are they never here?”

  “My dad is a songwriter and guitarist, and he tours all the time. My mom is a full-time stewardess, and since I've been old enough, she's either working or spending time with my father.”

  She didn’t seem phased or worried by her statements. It was normal for her, no matter how abnormal it seemed. “Do you ever see them?”

  “Very rarely. My dad tries to convince me to visit him, but I don’t handle the hectic lifestyle of his fame.”

  Henley nodded because it made sense. She was well-reserved and quiet when around people she didn’t know. “How did you meet Mason?”

  “His dad and my dad were best friends before they got famous, so now we live the same lonely life, together.”

  “That’s pretty romantic,” he said almost distantly, imagining a bond that great with someone other than a twin. “In a story-telling sense.” His blue-green eyes fell to her brown ones once again. “I study literature, and I want to teach university English majors one day.”

  “Makes sense why we never crossed paths. I’m a graphic design major. I absolutely love it.” She was becoming more animated with the subject, and she added rather quickly, “To keep me on my feet, I want to teach yoga too.”

  Hours later, they had explored the smallest of details: favorite color, animal, movie, and band. They agreed that Arctic Monkeys was in both of their top threes and promised to take each other the next time they came to town. If that ever happened. They crossed deeper waters by exploring past pains and embarrassments, Henley’s relationship with Victoria, and why Everly never wanted one. When they fell asleep, Henley had his arm draped over her. They were still inches apart, their eyes grew so heavy that they had no other choice but to sleep. It was the first time Henley had ever slept over with someone, and he hoped it wasn’t the last time he shared her bed.

  1

  More to This

  CHAPTER NINE

  Everly

  Cars lined the curbs of Chautauqua park, but the actual space was fairly empty. All of the cars belonged to people itching to hike and explore; natives and tourists alike. Everly looked over the mountains as Henley maneuvered them into a parking spot. They climbed out together, and she took a deep breath to enjoy the mountain air. It was slightly cool, but that made the sunshine even more enjoyable.

  After insisting, Henley gave in and let her help carry something until they came to a partially shaded patch of grass. Being a step behind him gave her a chance to admire his more relaxed outfit. Dark blue jeans, a black Arctic Monkeys shirt, and converse— perfect choice for their outing.

  “This looks good.” Henley stopped, offering her a smile before sitting the basket down on the grass to spread out the blanket. She sat a small bag down next to the cooler and helped him.

  After getting settled on the ground, Henley pulled the woven basket to him and opened it. It had an insulated area in the middle and two dry areas on opposite sides. Underneath the lid, the plates, cups, and utensils were tucked away. It was the cutest little basket.

  She watched as he pulled out small containers with various fruits and veggies, small bags of chips, two sandwiches, and two cans of cherry coke.

  “Aww, you remembered!” The playfulness was evident as she gave him a teasing smile. He lifted his eyes to met hers, and a long moment drifted between them before she spoke again. “What inspired a picnic?”

  Lifting his eyebrows, he replied, “The image of seeing you in the sunlight."

  “What are you trying to say exactly?” She cocked her head to the side after popping open a container to grab a strawberry. Pushing it between her lips, she waited for his clever retort.

  "We've always seen each other in the dark or inside four walls. Am I lying?"

  Her face fell, and she swallowed her food. “Not true. We spoke during the day at the coffee shop.” Her eyes diverted away from his, going to the strawberries again.

  "In the coffee shop." He emphasized as his lips curled at the corners, reaching in to grab the red fruit for himself.

  She huffed. “Maybe you should’ve waited until we were outside to stop me, then.”

  Before he responded, he finished chewing but kept his eyes on hers.

  "Then I wouldn't have an e
xcuse to impress you with my picnic skills.”

  Rolling her eyes, she reached for her soda. “Not bad. The cherry coke is a plus.” The can rested against her lips as she waited on his reaction.

  "I try to remember the little details. You're welcome." With a wink, he turned to look at their scenery. "This is my favorite place in all of Boulder. This and the lookout point just over there." His long pointer finger stretched out over her shoulder, and she knew he was talking about Panorama Point.

  She took a drink and sat it down to grab a sandwich.

  “I understand why, it’s gorgeous up there.” The teasing was over. For now.

  As she unwrapped the sandwich, she could smell peanut butter invading her senses. She took a bite, then proceeded to get comfortable and crossed her legs at the ankle. Her torn up jeans stretched over her legs, showing off the skin between the rolled up hem and the low top converse covering her feet. The sleeveless Black Panther shirt hung comfortably off her frame.

  His voice caught her attention. "How does it taste?"

  There was something alluring about the tone in which the question presented itself. She looked down at it then back to him. “Delicious. Thank you. This was a really great idea. It’s incredible out today.”

  The wall inside of her chest used to be so impenetrable. Henley had chipped away at it for the past few months. Her heart throbbed at the realization, and she turned her eyes to the mountain.

  "It really is. Do you hike?"

  She shrugged, “I’ve never had anyone to go with me. Mason isn’t exactly the hiking type.”

  He took out his own sandwich and began unwrapping it. "How do you stay in shape then?"

  Rolling over to rest on her stomach, she stuffed the small amount of her sandwich into her mouth. Once she swallowed, she looked up at him. “I honestly don’t know, because I can eat.” With a small laugh, she added, “I do yoga, and I’m really good at Just Dance. Remember?”

  "Hm, that's right. I remember you kicking my ass." A smile through chewing shown through. Everly offered him a big smile, her lips pulling apart to see all of her teeth.

  “You seem to be in decent shape. How do you manage yours?” Her fingers plucked the bag of chips from their spot on their blanket, and she popped one into her mouth. “Fast metabolism?”

  He leaned on his arm to get closer to her. Their torsos had gravitated towards each other, but the basket stayed between their legs. His light eyes twinkled as he responded to her. "I rely mostly on cardio."

  Brown eyes studied his face, and she huffed again. “It’s been a while since you worked out then, hasn’t it?”

  A playful, dramatic gasp fell from his lips. "Are you saying that I'm losing shape?"

  “I’m saying if you don’t exercise any other way, it’s no wonder how badly I beat you at dancing.”

  He held his chest, pretending to pout. "Ouch, Ev. That hurts."

  “Ya know,” she started, picking up a strawberry before moving closer to him. “I could help you with your lack of exercise.” They were good at teasing each other, and she could see it as his eyebrows lifted in her direction. She extended the strawberry out to him, waiting for him to take it from her fingers.

  “And how do you intend to do that?” He countered, his face amused as he leaned in to take the fruit from her fingers. Right before his lips touched, she pulled it back and popped it in between her teeth instead.

  “Like this,” she said, standing up and backing away. “Come and get me.”

  After a few seconds, she slowed to look back. And that’s when its arms wrapped around her. Her laughter was uncontrollable as he picked her up and spun her around. Her fingers gripped his forearms, holding on tight even after her feet found the ground.

  “Gotcha,” he whispered against the back of her ear, and she felt her heart throb against her ribcage.

  Comforters and blankets were covering the main space of her open living room, providing makeshifts forts in front of the TV. As the last roof was in secured, she looked over at Henley.

  “You’ve really never made blanket forts before?” She felt her lips part in dismay. “Well, I’m glad I could be the one to share your first time with.” Winking at him, she drifted towards the stairs. “I’m going to get changed. Be right back.”

  Henley hummed pleasantly at her comment. “I’ll meet you back here.”

  Quickly, she changed into her dark grey night romper and brushed her teeth. She wanted to beat him back down there so she could ensure they had drinks, and that the movie was ready for them.

  Upon returning to the living room, she heard the bathroom water running and she knew she had a few moments at least. She quietly moved into the kitchen to grab them a couple of waters, then headed back into the living space. It was silent, and she knew he would be joining her any minute.

  As soon as the television came on, Henley was walking into the room again. The black tank top fit him well, and his pajama pants were Spiderman themed. She covered her mouth and giggled a little.

  “I didn’t know you had a crush on Spiderman, too!”

  “Oh, these old things?” He dropped his gaze momentarily. “I definitely got these a few hours ago. Since you want him so badly, I figured this would help me win you over.” He lifted his eyebrows. “Is it working?”

  She shook her head, trying not to smile as she focused back onto the TV. “You’re ridiculous, you know that right?”

  “Ah, that means it is. Watch out, Tom Holland.” His throaty voice was low, and her heart did that annoying thing it did when their eyes met.

  “Alright, lover boy, whatever you say,” she teased, moving to turn off the only lamp that was on and crawling into the tent. “You coming?”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  It didn’t take long until they were both settled and ready to start the movie. The eerie beginning of IT began to play, and she looked over at him in the dim glow of the TV.

  “Have you seen this before? Either version?” She asked quietly, and his eyes moved to hers long enough to answer the question.

  “Nope. Neither.” He was chewing his lip, and she admired him silently as his long eyelashes framed his focused blue-green eyes.

  She shifted slightly, adjusting to being a little closer to him without seeming too obvious. She had never felt such a pull to be close to someone before.

  “This movie is the reason I couldn’t walk or ride bikes over drains when I was younger.” With a soft laugh, she fought with herself whether or not to cuddle into him.

  He finally turned his head to look at her. “Oh man. Should I be nervous?”

  “Maybe a little.” She offered him a small smile, reaching out to caress his wrist a moment. “I’m right here to protect you.”

  "Are you now? Who's going to protect you from any slugs you see?" His lips were pulled into a thin, amused line as his eyes danced over her face. Slugs had nothing to do with IT, but he was pulling from the information she had given him from a previous night.

  She cringed. “Ew. Thankfully, there are no slugs in this movie.” Shuddering a little bit, she added, “But if there were, I guess tonight, it’d be you.”

  His head pulled back a little, his eyebrows collecting low on his forehead. “Only tonight, huh?”

  “You tell me.”

  A long pause filled the small amount of distance between them for a few moments. Quietly, he finally responded. “I'm here as long as you want me.”

  Her face felt softer as she processed his words. Her heart was aching to taste his lips. It was like torture being this close and not getting lost in him.

  Forcing herself to look away, she focused on the movie in front of them. She took in a slow, deep breath to try to gain some willpower to stay on track with their friendship. It’d be a step backward if she slipped up now.

  Her phone vibrated between them, and they both looked towards the interruption. Mason’s name was on the screen, so Everly paused the movie to answer the call.

  “Hey,
Mace,” she said, flashing an apologetic smile at Henley.

  “Eve, can I crash there tonight? I’m particularly buggered and need to be around someone sane.” He sounded exasperated, and she felt her lips curl down.

  She chewed her lip as her eyes met Henley’s again. “Of course. Henley and I are enjoying IT in blanket forts.”

  “Oh?” He paused a short moment. “Henley’s there, hm?” More silence. “I won’t trouble you. I’m pretty wiped anyway.”

  Everly knew that Mason was more skeptical of Henley than she was after the bonfire. Their effortless, blooming friendship had come to a screeching halt. No matter what Everly said, Mason stayed strong on his distrust of Henley— no matter how close he was getting to Pierson.

  “Alright, Mace. If you change your mind, you’re free to join us.”

  “Thanks, be there soon, Eve.”

  The call disconnected, and she felt her lips pull together in concern.

  “He okay?” Henley whispered, studying her face.

  She nodded, shaking her head to snap out of her thoughts. Clearing her throat, she lifted her hand as she answered him. “Oh, yeah. He just wants to crash here.”

  Henley’s eyebrows went up and she wondered if he was worried about Mason’s presence at all. “He’s coming here. Is he joining us?” He spoke cautiously, making Everly rest her hand on his forearm once again.

  “No. He said he’s tired.” She shrugged, trying to not give away her true concern.

  “Because I’m here.” Henley was to the point, and Everly grazed his skin with her thumb. “I don’t blame him. I’d hate me, too.”

  Everly shook her head. “He doesn’t hate you. I promise you that.” Offering a bright smile, she added, “He’ll get over it. Give him some time. If I can move past it, I know he can.”

  "I'll prove it to him." Henley’s light eyes were a deep shade of blue as they gazed at her. “I’ll prove it to both of you.”

  1

  More to This