High Hopes

Nineteen - He likes me?

I get out of my bed, ready to explain. "Tanner this is Gabe, Gabe this is Tanner." They both glance at each other and don't say anything. Tanner was always the friendly one, I don't understand what the problem is. I sigh. "Tanner is my best friend from Wisconsin. Gabe is uh- a friend and neighbor." I carefully say.

Gabe looks over at me and raises his eyebrows. I shrug. 

"Anyways, Tanner what are you doing here?" I walk over and hug him.

"I talked to your brother and he said you weren't doing so good. My parents said we could come down  here for a week." He says, squeezing me tighter. 

I laugh and pull away. "Well I'm glad you're here."

"I'm gonna take off." Gabe interrupts, walking in front of me to kiss me. He deepens the kiss and I wonder whether or not this is him being jealous. Gabe pulls away and strides out of my room.

"Friend eh?" Tanner teases.

"Shut up. It's under the radar." I push his shoulder.

"Be careful. He seems like on of those guys." Tanner frowns.

"Why do you care? Hey, how's Elena?" I fold my arms. Elena is the most popular girl in my old school. Tanner has had a crush on her since I could remember. Before I left, he was working up the courage to ask her out. You see, Tanner is more of a jock than like me; a smarticle.

"I care about you and fine. It didn't work out."

"She rejected you?" I raise my eyebrows, surprised.

"No. I didn't ask." He said, obvious.

"Did you get a lil scared?" I teased.

"Nope." Tanner says, popping the 'p'.

"Then what?"

Tanner grabs my hand and strokes the top with his thumb. Shit. "You."

"Uh. You know, I think we should go get some ice cream." I say, changing the subject.

"I know you're kind of with Gabe and all but, he's a tool." Tanner continues.

I mentally face palm myself. I literally just started whatever this is with Gabe and now it's crumpling. It's not even his fault. It's mine.

"I think this is too fast." I feel like I'm stepping on egg shells. I still want him as a best friend and nothing more.

"We've been best friends for so long, Alyssa." He steps closer to me and I take a step back.

"Sure, but I just left. You're going back to Wisconsin and I'll be here."

"Do you know why my parents and I are down here?" Tanner walks around and sits on my bed.

"To see me?" I guess.

"Well yes, but my dad got a job offer. We are looking for a house."

The words hit me like a wrecking ball. He's coming down here too? I don't even know what to do about this 'thing' he has for me. I really don't like him like that. Tanner is like an older brother.

"Wow. I guess that's uh good?" I stammer.

"Yeah. It just means we can spend more time together huh?" He steps closer. I turn away and look at the clock. It's now dinnertime. 

"Uh Matilda will probably be calling us down at any second." I say abruptly.

"Who's Matilda?"

"Our maid."

Right on cue, she yells my name. I mentally take note to thank her later. I walk around Tanner and go down the stairs with him trailing behind. I reach the dining room and see Aunt and Uncle already eating.