Back in the Saddle

Telling Stories and Watching Movies

Nick's POV:

I really almost just kissed him. I almost just kissed him. What is wrong with me? I could've ruined everything, could still ruin everything, and for what? He didn't outright say anything that made me think he wanted it. How could I have been so stupid? But now he's pretending like it's fine, so maybe I should, too, until he's ready to talk about it.

"So, Clay and I have practically been friends since birth because our parents were--and still are--friends. When we met Alex, it was freshman year, because up until that point we hadn't ever lived close enough to each other to go to the same school. We met George when he moved here in Sophomore or Junior year, one of the two, and he didn't have any friends so we invited him to sit with us. After that we were friends pretty easily.

"After graduation, Clay got a job at the ranch, and he came to all of us, saying that they were still looking for employees, so any or all of us could apply as well. Alex and I agreed because we were desperate for money, but George said no because it 'isn't his scene', as you know. So he found another job, but we remained friends all the same. I suppose that's pretty much it... no! It isn't. Because throughout the remainder of highschool up until today, it's been clear as day to everyone that George and Clay like each other."

"Good, so I'm not the only one that's noticed that."

"You'd have to be literally blind not to. Which, I guess means that Clay and George both need extremely high prescription glasses, because they still fail to read the signs from the other and see that the feeling is mutual. I want so badly to just do it for them but I know it's not my place and-"

"You like to see how the story plays out," he finishes.

I nod slowly, giving him a curious look. "Exactly. How'd you know?"

"Because I feel the same way. It's the best form of entertainment I have because it's just so unrealistically stupid, yet somehow it's real. George invited Clay over tonight since I would be gone, and you should've seen how his face lit up when I said something about the two of them sleeping in the same bed. And when I saw Clay at the store one time the first thing he did was ask about George. How are they so dumb?"

I burst out laughing, knowing that is exactly like my two best friends. They're like a dog chasing its own tail: too eager about what's in front of them to realize the situation and take in the surroundings so that they can know for sure what's going on. Maybe if they stopped for a minute they'd get over themselves and realize they're in love.

However, it seems that the more time goes on, the more I understand them. It's not easy to admit feelings when the signs you think you are picking up from the other person aren't blatantly obvious. It seems so much simpler to let things continue as they are, as friends. Yet it's torture having those feelings and not be able to act on them or express them at all.

"Nick, are you okay?" he asks, bringing me away from my mind's rambling. "You're pulling a Me right now."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm fine, just got lost in thought, is all. I know that you more than anyone can understand that."

"You're right, I can. It happens to me a lot: zoning out for no particular reason and annoying the crap out of everyone I'm around," he mumbles with a small smile. It's adorable to me.

"You can zone out all you like with me. I like to watch you." We both stop for a second before breaking into laughter. "I didn't mean it like that," I manage to get out in between laughs. "I meant that it's interesting the way you get so absorbed in whatever you're thinking about and how you ignore everything so people have to say your name several times to get your attention."