What If Just...

14 Aiden

"Things are going great, even despite the recently disrupted meeting," Leo informs.

"Very well," I reply with satisfaction, "Our offer is in growing demand. We need to think about how we can inform even more people about the product."

"Ethan's already solving this issue through his own channels."

Leo pauses, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

I can see he wants to say something, but he doesn't dare.

"You know you can tell me everything without hiding," I try to make him be honest, "We've known each other for too long not to notice the slightest details. You're acting weird."

"I don't know how to tell you, so as not to wake up the volcano," he begins his excuse.

"Say it the way it is. The volcano will eventually become extinct," my encouragement sounds.

"Yeah, but by this time only ashes might remain from me," he laughs.

Leo, like no one else, can put up with my temper. That's probably why he's my oldest and most treasured friend.

"Don't make me beat it out of you..."

"It's not right that you left that girl," he blurts out, "You should have taken her home. I don't think everything that's going on will turn out to be good for her and for you as well. You remember..."

"Yes," I say shortly, "I remember everything."

"You can't keep an eye on her like a nurse, day and night, and without supervision she can get into serious trouble."

"I'm aware of all the risks, Leo. You suppose I didn't think about everything before I did it?"

"Well, that night when we met her, it definitely didn't look like a balanced decision. You just followed your instincts."

"I repeat once again - I know what I'm doing. It won't affect you in any way, so sleep well."

"I'm just saying..."

"I prefer you not saying anything right now."

Leo falls silent, staring at the road.

"I'm sorry. You know I don't like it when someone questions my actions."

"No, you just don't take into account anyone's opinion except your own."

"No arguments," I smile and gently nudge him from my side.

Leo laughs, dodging.

"I'm driving, you asshole," he complains.

"Drop me off in this parking lot - I left my car here," I ask my friend.

"Are you going home or to Grandma's?" he asks, looking at me sideways.

"To Grace. Vivian...," I hesitate to share details, but Leo is my best friend after all, "Vivian doesn't sleep well at night because of nightmares."

"And...?"

"And that's why I sleep with her," I answer frankly.

My friend bats his eyes in surprise.

"Since when have you become such a gentle and caring daddy?" he mocks.

"Since I realized she needed help, perhaps even psychological. She is severely traumatized, you can't look at her without pity. She's like a hunted animal...well, little animal," I correct myself, remembering Vivian's soft appearance and size. "You would have done the same."

"Probably. But unlike you, I wouldn't go down the same road again," Leo says, stopping the car.

I open the door abruptly.