The best man

Chapter 1

When I got back home around 6 p.m., my phone rang. It was Conor.

"Hey!" he said as I picked up.

"Hey, what's up?" I replied.

"Not much. Just wanted to let you know I'll be back in two weeks."

"Okay," I responded, pausing for a second. "Anything else?"

"You're still upset with me about yesterday, aren't you?" he asked.

"Not really," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "You did say you'd get me something. What is it?"

"A book," he said. "Because you love books. Maybe one or two."

Ah! So it was just a book after all, nothing else.
Maybe he's keeping the other one as a surprise. I won't ask more about it...

But he can be sweet sometimes, and just like that, my frustration with him started to fade. We spent the next few hours talking and laughing, like we usually did.

Then, his tone changed. "I have something important to tell you."

My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" I asked nervously.

*Is he finally going to ask me out? Is something wrong?*

"I can't tell you now. I'll explain when I get back. I can't do it over the phone."

My blood started to boil. *Why even bring it up now if you won't tell me?* My curiosity was burning. I wanted to scream, *Just tell me already!*

But knowing Conor, I knew he wouldn't budge. He'd keep it to himself until he was ready. Still, I couldn't help but let my mind spiral.

*What if he's sick?* I panicked. *Or... what if it's something else?* My thoughts raced.

"Are you okay, Conor? Are you... sick?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

"No, no, I'm not sick. I promise," he reassured me. "It's something else, but you'll find out when I'm back."

"Okay," I said, feeling a mix of relief and frustration.

"I'll call you in a few days. Gotta go, I need to sleep. But hey, it was nice hearing your voice and seing you smile, Lily," he added with a grin I could hear through the phone.

"Shut up," I said, smiling despite myself.

We said our goodbyes, and I lay in bed, my mind running wild with possibilities. *What could it be? Is he in trouble? Is he going to ask me out?*

I tossed and turned, praying to God that whatever it was, he'd be okay.