Evening Promises

Twenty-five.

Last night I'd planned to spend my evening with Sebastian but after our disagreement, the only plan I had was to be dropped off at home. I could see his eyes try to reach mine as I exited the car but I never looked, I just wished him a safe drive and shut the car door. Entering my home as quickly as possible so he could be on his way.

My problem doesn't lie with Sebastian having a friend who's a woman, my issue is the fact he's doing all this in spite, but why? My friendship with Alec isn't forced at all, the fact he needed to befriend a woman just to get back at me is one of the lowest routes to take. I mean he already has a gorgeous friend, Celeste that he could've easily used as a jealously technique. I bet she wouldn't play his foolish games is why he found his newest bait.

Perhaps this all is just broad assumptions and Sebastian has found a friendly connection in his job at the expense of my absence, our absence at that. I'm not the only one who hasn't made as much time for the other. Sebastian claims I've made a promise for every evening with him but where's his end of the deal?

"Ughhh" I groan to myself as I slouch back in my seat.
I close the book in hand and remove my earplugs from my ear, pausing the playlist. I'd been reading and listening to music for the past hour but I can't recite anything I've read in the last three chapters.

"Aren't you off today Avery, why are you here?" I turn my head towards the direction of the voice, giving Holly a quick grin. I nod not saying anything while I push the book to the side. She sits beside me and eyes my expression sighing, "What did he do?" She questioned, seeming to know exactly where my suffering stemmed from.

"Who?" I ask looking her directly in the eyes, it was obvious that she could tell I knew who she was referring to but she decided to play along and act delusional.

"Notes guy." She'd answered swiftly.

"Sebastian hasn't done anything to me. Today is just one of those days" I refused to invite Holly into my broad assumptions.

"Are you sure?" Holly leaned into her seated position, attempting to read my expression. Knowing how protecting and caring Holly is, I wouldn't want her taking anything out on Sebastian.  I can't agree that she'd stay quiet if I confided in her; I also can't fathom anyone who doesn't know Sebastian personally, having a negative opinion of him. I need someone who knows him nearly as much as I do, and who can understand both parties in our situation. I need to speak to Celeste.

"I'm positive, I was just about to leave, what time do you get off?" I pack up my things as she answers me grinning ear to ear. Holly has a date with Damien tonight. I always knew they crushed on each other but never to the extent of taking action.

"That's amazing, you guys would make a lovely couple" I smile heading towards the exit. All Holly can manage is constant giggles and a spiral of her happiness. In every emotion that I felt, I still managed to smile for Holly and Damien.

After making my way to the car, I decided to call Celeste, I refuse to sit here in my thoughts, overthinking everything that has to do with Sebastian, I need someone to talk to, someone to help ease my worries. Someone who knows Sebastian and can see both sides of such a conflict. Celeste is that someone.

Celeste finally picks up on the third ring leaving a bit of relief for me, "Hey Celeste, what are you up to?" I didn't want to seem like the kind of person I was letting off to be. Contacting someone at the concern of a man, but I led myself to believe that we know each other through Sebastian so there's no harm in doing so.

"Nothing much, was just thinking of grabbing a bite to eat. My boyfriend somehow isn't free, care to join?" I smiled to myself saying yes to her question, taking off in my car once she texted me the deets to the lounge cafe.

After arriving, I make my way into the cafe and scan the area. Celeste sits mid left smiling at me as she waves me over. Smiling wide and just as captivating as before.
Celeste stands to her feet, giving me a partial hug before sitting opposite of me.

"You smell amazing, what are you using?" I question getting a strong whiff of her intoxicating aroma.

"Thank you. It's a homemade body oil, I'll send you the recipe when I get home" She smiled widely pushing her short hair behind her ear. She looks over, awaiting the waitress. Celeste and I order our food and as we await its arrival, Celeste notices my demeanor and makes a comment.

"V, I glimpsed the difference in your personality the minute you walked in the room. What's on your mind?" she asked leaning in and sipping the iced coffee she ordered.

The entire point of my meeting with Celeste was discussing Sebastian and my relationship but I couldn't bring myself to say a word. It's like my tongue had got caught in my throat and all I could do was breathe.

"Is it Sebastian?" I looked up, meeting her gaze and nodding, my eyes glistening and my heart feeling stiff. I never felt more dramatic than I do now but the overwhelming thoughts and jealousy push me toward the edge.

"Did he do something wrong?" The confusion in Celeste's eyes is exactly how I view the situation. Is Sebastian doing something wrong? There's no way, he's the perfect guy. The last thing you'd think of him to do is something wrong.

I shake my head, jumping to his defense. "No, it's just my skepticism, and I needed someone to talk to. I thought since you're his friend and also a woman- you were the best person to confide in." I fiddle with my fingers with every word as Celeste watches me carefully.

"Of course Avery, I'm all ears" Celeste's hand had guided to her ear as a way of showing me she was listening. A cheeky smile crawled to my lips as felt my body relax enough to talk.

"I need advice," I answer sitting upright, Celeste does the same and nods her head- allowing me to continue.

"There's this guy, his name is Alec and he's been my best friend for almost three years now. Sebastian has met him and luckily they approved of one another- as I thought" Celeste keeps her eyes fixed on me and her brows raised while trying to keep up.

"Sebastian hasn't complained about our friendship once until last night, I visited him at work and noticed this girl oddly close to him, touching his arm and laughing at his jokes. I don't mean to sound dramatic but I felt appalled" I continued as Celeste nodded her head, staying focused and looking as if she was ready to jot things down.

"Mind you, I have never met this girl. Never even heard of her. Imagine you notice your boyfriend swaying a woman and all of a sudden he's defending her saying she's a friend. And I can't complain because it's the same as my friendship with Alec and I spend too much time with him, even though we've been friends long before I met Sebastian. It's malarkey." I groan tossing my arms in the air as I slouched back in my seat. All I wanted was for Celeste to tell me I'm crazy, I'm overthinking, misunderstanding, and need to stop jumping to conclusions. That it is the same and I'm behaving as a toxic jealous freak.

"I completely understand you, Avery." I lift myself, looking back at Celeste as she sighs.

"As much as I love Sebastian, your feelings are completely valid. But so is his Avery. Yes, you and Alec have been friends for a while but Sebastian is still your boyfriend rather he came first or last. Spending so much time with another guy/ girl would have anyone assuming. You both just need to talk things out. Seriously. No unwanted emotions, just talk." Celeste says, bringing slight tears to my eyes. I'm no good at relationships and the thought of fucking things up with Sebastian sends me underground.

"Sebastian shouldn't befriend another girl despite you but just be honest with each other. Set boundaries and understand that you both are entitled to friendships outside your relationship. Just learn to respect and trust one another." Celeste continues and walks to my side to console me.

"Don't let your thoughts ruin what could be fate" Celeste says as she places a kiss on my forehead and resides back in her seat. Celeste almost feels like the big sister you never had, the one you run to for protection and who makes you feel safe and at home. Her energy, the way she cares and understands just brings a smile to my lips.