Lethal Obsession

Mixed Signals

I look at my phone again and at the text from Chris. I text back before I can even make it through my front door, "I'm ready for tonight but can you hang, lightweight?! 😜" I'm one to talk after last night but he knows I'm just fucking with him. I am always busting Chris's balls and that's probably why he loves me so much, but he does the same to me in exchange! 

I stand at my entryway wanting to ask about Kale but maybe I should just act disinterested. I place my phone and keys on the bare counter top and grab the beautifully wrapped gift with a silk bow. How did he so stealthily get this here without my noticing? Maybe I was just so far off in my head about my parents that I didn't notice. I take the ribbon off of the black box and open it. In lies a beautiful and slimming red dress. A note is at the bottom of the box, 'Halston - Just one of the many gifts you deserve in life xoxo - Nate' Oh My God! I love it!! This was such a sweet gesture. I wonder how he knew my size? At least now I don't have to try and find another outfit to wear for tonight!

I decide to call Chris to find out the exact lineup for this evening. Bookie's Tavern is a pretty chill bar but a lot of the time they have live bands. Chris answers after a few rings. 

"What's up doll face? How did this morning go?" He asks sensing some distress.

"Hey. It was the same, always the same. You know how that goes. I actually went with someone." My heart sinks into my stomach thinking of how I'm going to explain this to my best friend especially after playing off last night as nothing. "I went with Nate, the new transfer into the firehouse. Before you.." 

He cuts me off before I can try and explain myself. "Are you serious? You're fucking joking, right? Please tell me you are joking! You barely know him and you work the same fucking shift dip shit!" Chris pauses on the other end waiting for my rebuttal.

"Dude, I know. I think you will really like him though! He does MMA fighting, really chill, super sweet and hot as fuck might I add. If he was a chick you would be all over it!" I laugh trying to simmer Chris down.

"This was your bullshit 'friend' that you hung out with yesterday, right? Dude, I knew something was up with you! You do know that Kale is going to be there tonight, right?"

"Yes!! I saw your text but-"

He cuts me off again. Motherfucker! "I wanna see how this one pans out! First class Jerry Springer shit right there. Your first love versus this clown. Kale would kick the living shit outta this guy, MMA fighter or not." Chris sighs.

"I know, but he left to go into the military. What was I supposed to do? He left me! The long distance thing didn't work especially when I was a sophomore in high school and he was in training. You know this Christian! He meant and still means so much to me. Every time I see Beck, I think of him. How do you think that makes me feel? Her family has supported me through so much after my parents passed. You all did."

"Kale is here to stay this time. He got a job doing SWAT with Santa Mira Sherriff's Department. No more leaving or deploying to who knows where!"

"I dunno. We will see where this goes with Nate and I. He is great so far but it has literally only been a few days since we met. We barely know each other really." I walk to my room and fall back on my bed to calm my  nerves a bit. "It is going to be awkward tonight, isn't it?" I ask.

"Awkward as fuck! Maybe tell him to bring a friend or two so he doesn't feel so out of place. Female friends only." He attempts to say seriously. 

I let out a laugh and shake my head. "I will tell him that just for you! He's supposed to pick me up at 9. How is everyone else getting there?"

"Tell him plans changed and I will come to yours and we can UBER it over."

I sigh. "Fine."

"Run along and get ready because you are wasting time. I'm getting to yours a little early because you might need some liquid courage for this night of events!" Chris laughs.