The Last Time

Chapter Six

Tyler came into the diner around lunchtime and took a seat at the counter. "Hello, may I help you, sir?" I asked with a smile, biting my lip.

His eyes scanned me up and down, "Yes, I'm awfully hungry. Any clue where I could find some good food?"

I leaned over the counter. "I hear there is this great diner in town," I said. "They have delicious burgers."

"I'll take two," he said.

"And what to drink?" I asked.

"Coke."

I got the drink for him then walked into the back to give the order. I passed Tristan who was staring at Tyler.

"Why are you staring at him?"

He glanced at me. "Don't expect me to just love the guy after last night. You know what, last night when you called I really thought you felt bad about what happened, and then there you are flirting with that dick. Thanks, Aubree. I believed you," he said and backed away,heading out front. I followed him to see Tyler snicker at him and roll his eyes.

Was Tyler right? Did Tristan really like me? I had never known, so how could have anyone else?

I blocked it from my mind and went back to work, taking orders and cleaning tables. After work, I realized I didn't have a ride home because Lei was scheduled for longer than I was. Feeling frustrated, I sat on the curb. Mom wouldn't be off work for another two hours. In that time I could walk home.

I glanced over as a car cranked. Tristan was in it. I groaned and stood up, walking to the car. I tapped on the window. "Can I get a ride?" I asked, my pride in the gutter.

"Seriously?" he asked.

"I have no other ride. Not for like, two hours," I said. "Please, I promise I will make it up to you.

He unlocked the door. "Get in."

"Thank you so much," I said.

We rode in silence for a few minutes. I looked at Tristan, his black hair and pretty blue eyes. He had very full lips. I always liked guys with full lips. "So, the weather is nice today," I said, attempting to make him laugh by making dumb conversation.

I think he almost smiled. "It's very nice. Kind of hot though."

"Well, of course if all you ever wear is jeans," I said. I glanced at my legs, clothed in just short shorts.

He shrugged.

I searched my brain for something to talk about. Surely it should not be this hard. I was never awkward. Never! "Why don't we listen to some music?" I suggested.

"The radio doesn't work. But you can hook up my phone and play my music," Tristan said. I was skeptical. His music likely involved lots of screaming.

"Okay. Where's your phone?"

"Console. The pass code is 0221."

I was kind of surprised he gave me his pass code. "Does it mean something?" I asked.

He glanced at me. "It was my brothers birthday."

"You have a brother?"

He shook his head and took a moment to speak, voice hard. "I was five when he was born. He died two years later. Drowned."

I was at a loss for words. That must have been horrible to go through, especially for such a young kid. I bet he hadn't even understoond at the time.

"I-that's terrible. I didn't know. I can't believe I didn't know. Our mom's are so close-"

"Mom doesn't talk about it much. You probably heard about it when it happened but few people knew and I don't doubt you wouldn't remember," Tristan explained. He stopped at a stop sign and looked at me. "I don't really know why I'm telling you all of this. For all I know, you'll go tell all your friends so they can make my life even worse," He looked down. "I don't trust people, Aubree. That's how they hurt you."

I shook my head. "I don't want to hurt you."

He started driving again and turned onto our street. He pulled into my driveway. I opened my door. "Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow?"

"See you."

I climbed up my stairs and went inside. Mom's face was pressed against the window. "Did you ride home with Tristan? I knew you two would be friends!"

"Not friends, Mom. Just co-workers."