Shining My World

Chapter 30

Hiro nodded. "Anyway, he's not going to bother you anymore."

I gave a nod. "Good." I looked out the window for a moment. "Hiro?" I said softly as I looked towards him as he shifted gears.

He glanced at me for a moment. "Hm?"

I wanted to tell him how I was feeling, but when I opened my mouth, the words didn't come out. "Uh... Nevermind." I said softly.

He raised his brow for a moment. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." I assured him. "I had a question... But I lost my train of thought."

Hiro gave a small nod. "I've had that happen before. It will come back to you, just give it time."

I let my eyes drop to my hands as I thought a lot about what the girls were saying. I took a deep breath and shifted my eyes to Hiro. He was focused on the road, and his face was soft and unbothered. Like he was perfectly content. I could stare at him all day. Even from the side, he looked beautiful. His smile made butterflies in my stomach. I can't explain it, but his eyes... I could get lost in them, even though they were dark brown, almost black, I could get lost in his big dark eyes. His black hair is perfect, not because he styles it, but because it looks silky soft, and I actually have been dying to touch his hair to see if it is, in fact, silky soft.

"Why are you staring at me?" Hiro asked as he came to a stop light.

I let my eyes fall quickly. "Sorry."

Hiro chuckled. "Don't be sorry, baby." I shifted my eyes towards him. "You can stare at me whenever you like." He winked.

I giggled as I shook my head. Once we pulled up in front of my house, we got out, and Hiro walked to the door with me. "Thank you for inviting me to one of your shows."

Hiro smiled as he shoved his hands into my pockets. "You're invited to all my shows from here on out."

"Well, then I can't wait until the next one." I smiled and turned to the door. I unlocked the door, pushing it open.

"Have a good night." Hiro said softly.

I turned slightly to meet his eyes. "Have a good night, Hiro." I smiled. He stepped closer to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders, giving me a hug. I hugged him back and then walked inside the house as he walked back to the car. I closed the door, leaning back against it with a smile. I locked the door and then made my way to my room. I changed into a baggy shirt and shorts to get ready for bed.

The next morning, I got up and dressed in some jeans, a crop top, and boots. I put my hair up in a clip, put on some eyeliner, and then grabbed my bag as I walked out the door. Luckily, the store was close by my house so I could walk. I grabbed a few things to stock back up the house. After I put all the groceries away, I turned to the door as Riley came in.

"Hi." Riley smiled. "I brought the girls with me." She gestured to Lila, Layla, Amy, and Kat walking inside.

"Hi, and that's cool." I smiled. "What's the occasion?"

"Just thought we all could hang out for a bit." Riley smiled. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good." I nodded. "But, since you all are here..." I said softly.

"What? What's wrong?" Kat asked.

"Nothing... I just realized that I like Hiro." I said softly.

"Oh... We knew that." Kat smiled.

"I think it's more than just liking him." Riley smiled.

I gave a small nod. "There are strong feelings..."

"Did you talk to him about it?" Lila asked with a warm smile.

I shook my head. "No."

"Why the hell not?" Riley placed her hands on her hips. "You'll never know if he feels the same if you don't say something."

"Wouldn't he say something to her?" Layla asked.

"Not if he feels like she's only wanting to be friends. He's trying to respect her needs." Riley looked at her.

"Ah, true." Layla nodded.

I took a deep breath. "I still want to take time for myself and really fully heal, though. I don't want a lingering feeling of doubt."

Riley nodded. "Remember what I told you last night. Only you know what you need and what you don't need. I'm positive Hiro would understand if you needed time."

"I know he would." I nodded.

"So, what did Hiro and Brody talk about?" Amy asked.

"Me."

"You? Why?" Lila asked.

"Brody told Hiro that he wasn't going to bother me anymore. But, he apologized for being an ass. Hiro told him how he wanted to bash his face for what he did to me."

"Damn." Riley smiled.

I giggled. "Yeah."

"Well, we are just glad you're smiling again." Amy smiled. "How is your mom doing?"

"Oh... I don't know... I was going to find a way to check in with her today."

"Good. I hope everything works out." Layla smiled.

"I do too." I nodded.

We chatted for a while longer before they left. I called the rehab facility and was able to talk to my mom before she had a meeting. She sounded so happy and upbeat. It made me feel so relieved though, she apologized for not being there for me due to the alcohol, but when she comes home, she and I will really catch up and hopefully mend our relationship. I couldn't wait to tell her about Hiro. Hell, I can't wait for her to meet him. I think she would get a kick out of his humor.