𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. « 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘯 »

› 20 › safe space

"richard?"

"oh, sorry," i say quickly, a bit startled at kourtney's voice coming from my phone.

"i'm going to pretend i'm not offended that you didn't tell me about your dad and miss jenn's wedding earlier," i hear her chuckle. "but where are you? i can come over to your dorm if you want - help you choose outfits because heaven knows your fashion needs work - as long as your roommates aren't there."

roommates.

they've probably kicked all my belongings out after i messed everything up.

i don't even know what to make of the recent events that took place... it all hasn't sunk in yet.

"actually kourt," i start hesitantly. i look to my left, where nini is talking to big red's mom with a slice of pesto pizza in her hand. "i'm already at salt lake."

"what?! you're kidding!" she exclaims in shock. "you didn't wait for me? we could've gone back together! i—"

"i'm with nini."

those three simple words silence kourtney immediately.

for awhile i hear nothing on the other end until she speaks up again. "were you with her these past few days?"

"...yeah," i reply. "is there anything wrong with that?"

"ricky—"

"i know you two haven't been on the best terms lately," i cut her off. "but you shouldn't give up on her so easily, kourt. maybe whatever happened between you two... is just a misunderstanding.

kourtney scoffs. "for the record, i'm not the one who gave up on her. she did that all on her own."

i scrunch my eyebrows. "meaning?"

"and no, there isn't anything wrong with being with her," she continues without acknowledging my response earlier. "but answer me this - are you taking care of yourself?"

"um, yeah? i mean i'm talking to you now, i survived the flight if that's what you're—"

"no you idiot, i—"

"ricky! come here, i have to take a picture to prove to big red you were here when he comes back from school!" mrs. red calls out.

"sorry kourt, gotta go," i say hurriedly. "see you in a bit."

"wait—"

i end the call before hearing what she has to say, rushing over to the booth nini is sitting in.

"was that your dad?" nini asks after swallowing a bite of pizza.

"no, it wasn't," i reply simply. i'd rather not bring up kourtney in front of her.

"okay you kiddos, sit together and smile for the camera," mrs. red chimes gleefully, pulling out her phone and aiming at us.

i sit across from nini and bring my hands up to do the peace sign when big red's mom takes the picture.

"okay, i'll stop bothering you two now," she grins with a wink. "have fun!"

the moment she's out of earshot, nini asks, "did something happen?"

"hm? why do you ask?"

"you've been a little out of it for awhile," she says simply.

"it's nothing," i lie, aimlessly rotating the straw on my cup around. "it's nothing to care about at least."

"well sorry to burst your bubble but i care."

i look up at her with surprise written all over my face, causing her to laugh lightly.