Can You Keep A Secret?

Chapter Two

       

-Andy's POV-

            "Come on, Andy. You can probably just tell him that you want to spend more time with Liv," Rye said. "The two of you are best friends. He'll understand." It was mid-July, and the heat seemed to be a physical presence in the room. Even walking around half-naked, it was still near unbearable. Rye and I stood in the kitchen, taking turns sticking our faces in the fridge, an attempt to cool down that lasted for the only the few precious seconds that we were there.

            "I'd hate to separate them," I said bitterly, thinking of the two of them cuddled up on his bed. It was hardly noon and almost 90 degrees out – If being attached at the hip on even the hottest of summer days was a requirement for being in a relationship, then let them have at it. "Besides, she's not my best friend, You are," I added. Rye hopped on the counter and motioned for me to go to the fridge.

            "As honored as I am to hear that, I know how much you love Liv. Honestly, they can bear to be apart for a little bit." He pulled a face. "It's getting to be kind of sickening, to be honest."

            "Eh," I said. "Liv who?! I'm all about you, baby." I reached for an ice cream, knowing that we were on a strict diet, but also knowing that I could pass it off as an attempt to cool down. I needed to eat away my feelings.

            "Love you too honeybuns, but drowning your problems in ice cream isn't the answer," he said, even as he reached down for one of his own.

            "It's just hot," I whined, shoving a huge spoonful in my mouth, even though I knew he was right. He simply rolled his eyes in response, and for a few moments, we stood and ate in silence. I was even starting to feel a little better, indulging in the cold chocolate that melted on my tongue, until the door opened and Mikey walked in, Liv following closely behind. It was as if they lost sight of each other that they would literally die – I set the rest of my ice cream on the counter. I wasn't hungry anymore.

            "Let's go swimming," I said suddenly. Rye sped up his eating.

            "Can we come with you?" Mikey asked. "It's hot as balls here."

            "Don't you have editing to do?" I asked, my voice coming out a little sharper than I intended it to. I saw Rye making a cutthroat sign out of the corner of my eye.

            "Okay, okay," Mikey laughed, holding his hands up in a surrender. "Are you going to finish this, at the least?" He asked, pointing to my ice cream, but I didn't answer – I was already halfway out the door. Suddenly, I couldn't stand being in this flat for one more moment. I knew the feeling would follow me wherever I went, but at least I wouldn't have to stare at it head-on any longer.