(AIDEN'S POV)
"Hey, Jesse... Long time no see. Whoa, it's a small town, ain't it? I didn't know you were her landlord. Didn't even know you lived here now." Matt says, very pleased to see Jesse.
"Well, I do, my friend." Jesse smiles while looking a little embarrassed. He shakes his head and walks over to us after taking a deep breath while Danny stays planted a few meters away.
"You're finally here... Are you okay?" Jesse lifts me up in his strong arms to get me off the bike, then puts me down on my feet. He then proceeds to take off the helmet, handing it back to matt before cupping my face with worry.
"I'm fine." I say, still in great confusion as I place a hand on his.
"Thank you, Matt. I really thought you were going to have a hard time bringing her here but you did great." Jesse thanks Matt as he drops his hands to my waist, looking like he is scared to let go of me but also cannot look at me in the eyes any longer.
"I was scared for my life but looks like I found the right words to convince her. Need to go now. Take care, Aiden." Matt winks at me and all I can do is nod at him while keeping a frown. He waves at Danny, starting his bike to ride away.
"You know Matt? And you asked him to come get me? I don't understand what just happened. Do you mind explaining?" I plead in the middle of the driveway.
"Yes, I know Matt. Remember I told you I used to work there? And no, I didn't call him. He called Danny to tell him what had happened and the latter told him to get you here safely. Then you texted to say you were coming back home with him. We joined the dots to have the complete story." He looks at Danny as if he was seeking approval. Danny doesn't usually trust people when it comes to me. If he knew, why didn't he come to pick me up himself? Is he mad at me?
"Oh... I didn't know you and Danny were friends either." I bow my head, trying not to talk too loud.
"We're not. But we both care for you. Let's get you inside now. You need a cold shower and some rest." He walks me back inside while Danny follows, making sure to leave some space between us. I miss him but I can't find it in me to talk to him yet. I must be the worst person breathing on this planet.
We all get into the living room, making our way to the kitchen. Jesse leads the way, holding me by the arm, still worried about my health. I don't dare to look at Danny. He stays quiet, like he isn't even here.
"You should go take a shower. I'll make something for you. You need to eat." He winks, letting go of me. I nod and make my way to the bathroom.
*
I walk back into the kitchen, feeling fresh and much better. I am surprised to find no one here, nor in the living room. Have they left me alone? I walk over to the counter and find nothing.
"He made fries for you. It's in the air-fryer." Danny says as he walks into the kitchen. He was probably outside to smoke.
"Thank you." I nod at him, walking over to the air-fryer and finding the fries in it. Hot and crispy.
I am trying not to shake like a leaf. What do I say to him now?
"Where is he?" I ask, throwing the fries onto a plate, then covering it with tomato sauce.
"He went upstairs. He had things to do. He said he'll be back later." He tells on a plain tone. I can't tell if he is worried or upset. Or maybe both. Poker face activated and working on me.
"Like always." I take a seat and start eating the fries, unable to look at him.
"Yeah. How are you feeling?" He takes a few steps toward me but still stops three meters away.
