Tropesville

Chapter Fifteen

Syverson POV

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath. I dropped my bag and looked at Liza. "Sorry, I just didn't expect you to be here. You shoulda called."

"I did, twice the last hour," Liza said.

"I was driving," I said, still staring at her. "You shouldn't have let yourself in."

"I was worried, Sy," Liza said. She sounded sincere, and my anger softened. Lord knows there were times when I had needed to be worried about and she had helped me through it. "I just... I just wanted to make sure you came back ok this time."

I nodded, "I'm ok. I mean, it was bad as all the other times, I just deal with it better now."

Liza smiled, "That's good, Sy." She glanced towards Mika's house and her smile turned into a smirk. "I see you found someone to help you... readjust."

Despite myself, I laughed, "Hey lay off, before I start givin' you shit about, what's his name again?"

"Aaron," she said warmly.

"Yeah, Aaron," I said. "How's that goin' for ya?"

"It's good. Really good."

"I happy for ya, Liz," I said. I meant it too.

"How's things with Mika?" she asked. Liza pointed at my bags and said, "You two already spending weekends away together?"

"Yeah, but it was Matt's wedding," I said.

"Oh my God, I completely forgot about that," Liza said. "How was it? What did Olivia wear?" I made a face and she laughed, "Of course you wouldn't pay attention to what the bride wore."

"I don't even know where to begin, the whole thing was a shit show. If it were a movie people would say it was unrealistic."

"Make me a cup of tea, Noah, you gotta tell me everything!"

So, we went to the kitchen, and I told her. "Wait, Mikaela and Matt? You're shitting me."

"Yeah," I said. "I don't know who was more shocked. But it gets worse." I gave her the run down of events, leaving out the gory details of what happened between Mika and myself. I also avoided the virgin stuff, Liza didn't need to know about that.

"Jesus, Noah," Liza said shaking her head. "That is the craziest shit I ever heard."

"Yup," I said. We were quiet then, finishing our drinks. It wasn't awkward, but it felt strange. She was my best friend in so many ways, she knew more about me than anyone. We grew up together, had always been there for each other. I guess I still cared about her in a way, but seeing her confirmed what I already knew, I wasn't in love with her anymore. That part of my life was over.

As if reading my mind, Liza stood up, "Well, you seem good. I'm sorry I barged in. I won't do it again. I'll return the key if you want."

"Nah, keep it for now. Ya know, in case of an emergency or somethin'." I smiled at her as I walked her to the door and said, "Thanks for checkin' up on me, you didn't have to."

"Of course, I did," she grinned. "Looks like I won't have to anymore though."

I followed her out to the porch and we kind of stood awkwardly with each other, looking at our feet. Eventually I thought, fuck it, and gave her a hug. I think it was the right thing to do because she sighed, seemingly relieved. "I'm real glad you're home safe Noah," Liza said looking up at me.

"Thanks Liz," I said and gave her a kiss on the cheek and let her go. "Now you best scoot, Mika is on way over any minute."

Liza laughed, "I knew you would end up with her." She looked over at Mika's house and added, "She seems good for you. I'm happy for you." She went then, waving as she got in her new car. I waited until she drove off before going back inside to wait for Mika.