Alfredo's - Pretentious Volume 1

Chapter 11

Danny worked Saturday night, asking Mark to trade shifts the following week instead. Mark agreed, far too happy about it. Danny knew he hated working the front desk, but a little sympathy would have been nice. Well, at least he made someone happy. His chest ached at the thought. Aryn had the night off and the time dragged. Even when it was busy, he thought about her. Was she out with someone else? Justin maybe, or one of her girlfriends? He tried to focus on something else, anything else. Normally Aryn would be here sitting at a table smiling when he passed by, waiting for him to have a minute to sit with her, or to walk her home. Was it over now? His heart pulsed rapidly, and eyes teared. He blinked them back, then picked up the phone and tapped the buttons again. There was no answer.

On Monday, Danny couldn't help but look at the planter. Aryn had met him there every day for the last five months. He knew she wouldn't be there, and she wasn't. He imagined burrowing into her hair and kissing her neck, holding her and letting her go, so they could walk hand in hand like they always did. Managing to stuff the memories, he walked into class.

Aryn chatted happily with Katie and Tanya. At least she wasn't crying anymore. He made his way to his desk. Brianna smiled, but Aryn didn't look at him. Justin entered the room and raised his voice so Danny could hear as he asked Aryn out, again. Danny looked away. Cold fear chilled him as he awaited Aryn's response.

"I have to check my work schedule," she said. "I'll let you know tomorrow."

Danny knew she already knew her schedule so what did that mean? Aryn had a strong work ethic, she always knew her schedule an hour after he posted it. He turned back to find Aryn watching him. She seemed to be measuring his response. He shifted uncomfortably as she turned away, then forced himself to sit up when Mrs. Sandoval strolled into the room.

The week moved slowly. Aryn still wasn't talking, but her anger seemed to be dwindling. Defeated, Danny stopped calling. It was over; he had to accept it. When Saturday morning came, he realized he had the day off. He picked up his phone looking at the photo of Aryn on the screen. He swallowed hard. One last call. This time, Aryn answered.

"Hello, Danny." Her voice was guarded, but it still made his heart flutter. He exhaled in relief.

"Please talk to me, Aryn." His voice broke, but he didn't care. "I know what you think you saw, but it wasn't like that. I wouldn't do that to you. I'll do anything you want me to, to prove it.

"Why was she sitting so close to you then? You were enjoying the moment just as much as she was, Danny."

"I was, but not for the reasons you think."

"Explain."

Danny closed his eyes. This was his one reprieve. The only opportunity he would ever have to absolve himself. There was such a mix of emotions flowing through him that he wanted to curl up in a ball in the corner. One opportunity to earn forgiveness, and this was it.

He took a deep breath. "When Carly moved her desk, I should have thought about it but she's always been that way, so I didn't. We were talking about Becky and Stacy and old times. The memories were good ones. That was why I was laughing. It wasn't anything more than that. I put my arm around her, but I do that with my friends a lot. I do it with Grace and Michelle too; it's affectionate, but not the same thing, you know that."

Tears pricked at his eyes. "Aryn. You flipped my world upside down when I saw you in that doorway." He paused to take a ragged breath. "If you'll forgive me, I promise I'll be more careful in the future. I've never wanted anybody else. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was raised to be affectionate. I never even thought about it."

He stopped talking, but Aryn didn't respond, so he pushed forward, afraid if he stopped, it really would be over because he screwed up the only chance he would ever have at reconciliation. He couldn't let her go. "My heart is broken too, Aryn. Please don't go out with Justin. If you knew how much I love you, I know you wouldn't do it." He couldn't hide the desperation in his voice. He couldn't think of anything else to say.

The line went quiet for so long that sharp prickles of fear stabbed through him. He looked at the phone. They were still connected. Groaning he stood and paced the floor.

"Aryn, are you still there?"

"Yes," she said.

Danny sighed in relief. "Please, Aryn."

"Maybe I overreacted," she said tenuously.

She sounded so small; Danny had no idea why. He let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding.

"I have the day off if you want to spend it with me," Danny said.

"I can't, I made plans to go to the mall with Katie."

Danny's shoulders slouched, another day without her.

"You could stop by later if you want, when you're done at the mall, I'll be home," Danny said. He tried not to sound needy, but he wasn't successful.

"Okay," Aryn breathed. "I'll do that."

Danny rubbed his forehead. "Aryn, what about Justin?"

"I said that to hurt you." She sounded embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

"Thank you," Danny said heaving a sigh of relief.

"I never had any intentions toward him. Told him I was still seeing you. I have to get ready to go, I'll see you tonight.

"Okay," Danny said. "Tonight."

Danny threw the phone on the nightstand. He felt better but couldn't get his head together until he could look into Aryn's eyes and see that things were really okay. Maybe he should work through lunch since he had nothing else to do. It hurt him, knowing Aryn had the day off and chose to spend it with someone else. That wasn't exactly the case, she had plans before he'd called, but it still felt that way. He went to shower and get ready for work. Instead he showered, dressed and sat down at his keyboard.