Stepping Away

Welcome Back

I crashed at Bobby's place for the next couple days.  It was uneventful. Billy had given me Riley. Bobby stayed with me the first day, making sure I was okay.

Honestly, at first, yeah, I felt sorry for myself, but now I was just pissed. If I saw Gunner anytime soon I'm pretty sure I would take a swing at him, and with a bat instead of my fist.

It's not like I'm over him, or the relationship didn't mean anything to me, that's the exact opposite. I just figured that the better idea is to turn it into anger. Probably wasn't actually the better idea, but it made me feel better.

Bobby went to work the next day, leaving me alone with Riley. I promised him that I would go with him the next day, but the only thing he cared about was making sure I was okay.

I spent the days usually just watching Netflix. Honestly it was so boring.

Matt texted me a couple times, checking in. Even Joey and Bryan sent me something after awhile. Tanner too.

I was thankful for all of the concern my friends had, but I just wanted to get back to them. I texted Matt, letting him know that I would be in the next day.

(Italics)
T: Can you tell everybody that I'll be back tomorrow? And that I love y'all lol.

M: Really? Are you sure you want to come back so soon?

I looked down at my phone and rolled my eyes. I hated pity and people treating me like glass.

T: Yeah. It'll be rocky at first but if I don't start then I never will and I'm tired of sitting on my ass

M: Alright. I'm glad you've decided to come back. We miss you T. So do the fans lol

The corner of my mouth turned up into a small smile. I tapped the phone against my face and shook my head, placing it on the coffee table.

I turned my attention towards Riley, waiting for Bobby to get home for the day.

An hour later, Bobby walked through the door. He looked exhausted. He dropped his bag in the kitchen and plopped onto the seat beside me. He leaned his head back and sighed, closing his eyes.

I raised an eyebrow and carefully placed Riley on top of him.

Without opening his eyes, he wrapped his arms around the dog and leaned forward, resting his head against Riley's side.

"Long day?" I asked quietly once he let go of Riley, the dog jumping off the couch and running to grab a toy.

He glanced at me and leaned against the arm of the couch so he could face me. He nodded. "You have no idea."

I titled my head, looking down at the floor as Riley brought over a tennis ball. "Oh?" I took the tennis ball from his mouth and threw it.

Bobby shrugged. "Gunner came back today."

I swallowed, thankful that I was able to occupy myself with Riley. He knew that I hated when he said his name. "Oh?" Was all I said as I threw the ball again. My mind flashed back to when I left his apartment with my bag in my hand. The heavy sound that had happened moments before as Bobby struck him across the face.

I bit my lip and threw the ball again.

Bobby nodded. He shook his head. "He looks like hell, but from what I've heard, he isn't really talking much." He shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. "Tanner and Matt haven't said anything either, if you were wondering." He added quietly as he turned his attention to the screen.

"I'm coming back tomorrow." I spoke up as Riley came back again.

Bobby looked at me. "What? Are you sure?" I couldn't read just what expression was on his face.