Finally

11

last one!!

Y/N

The last person you expect at your apartment door is Odessa. You've spent the last several days resenting Rafe for making you feel so stupid, you've forgotten that it takes two to make out.

From the look on her face when you open your door, you know she knows everything. She's here to explain, to apologize on Rafe's behalf, which only pisses you off more. She's better fit for him than you are, and everyone knows it already except for Rafe. It's only a matter of time.

You drop your hand from the doorknob and drag your feet across the floor into the kitchen. Odessa steps inside and shuts the door.

"You seem like you're doing better than he is," she says.

Of course she's seen him. She's probably been at his place everyday since. It's not that you think Odessa is purposely moving in on Rafe or trying to cause problems between you, but right now she's like a pin in yours and Rafe's relationship.

"What do you want?"

She chews the inside of her lip. She looks around. "I know what you think. But it's not like that—really. Rafe and I are not..."

"Don't explain it to me. It's too– I'm too tired to hear it." You grab a sparkling water from the fridge.

"It's never even come close to that, though. You're thinking it's a way bigger deal than it is–"

"It's a big deal to me, Odessa." You press your hand flat against the cool marble counter top to keep it steady. "He didn't tell me. I had to find out from one of your loudmouth friends—that was fun. And he didn't deny it."

"I'm telling you, it meant nothing. There was no feeling there. It was a stupid, drunken thing, and I wouldn't do it again–"

"You wouldn't do it again." You try to keep your voice clear and steady, but it wavers. "There was no feeling there for you."

Her eyes widen. "Did he say...?"

"He didn't have to. It's only a matter of time you two end up together."

She sinks into one hip and rolls her eyes. "Oh, please. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend. I was just trying to loosen up and have fun. You've never kissed a friend after a few drinks?"

Why does she think something like that would suddenly smooth everything out?

"Odessa. He didn't tell me. Even if everything you're saying and he's saying is true, how do I know? How do I really know?"

"I guess you don't. You trust." She tilts her head. "He really likes you. He's at his place fucking losing his mind. I had to put him to bed last night after forcing him to take a shower and put clean clothes on. He's in worse shape than you."

That's not true, but you don't tell her that. Although, it is somewhat of a relief that Rafe is struggling, even a little bit.

"He should feel bad," you say.

"He feels horrible."

"Did he send you here?"

She blinks.

"Did he send you here to check on me, or to put in a good word for him?"

Odessa shakes her head. "I told him I would talk to you."

You scoff. "What's in it for you, huh? What do you want?"

"I want Rafe not to be... disfunctional."

"You care about him."