Chapter 14

232 13 2
                                    



I had been spending a lot of time with Jared lately, not that I was complaining, he was being so sweet and going out of his way to make sure I was kept entertained, but still, I missed Shannon. It was so ironic because I was saying the exact same thing not too long ago, just the other way around. Was this like a game to them, to take turns avoiding me? Jared assured me it wasn't, but it certainly seemed that way.

Shannon was still showing up for band appearances and was even seen out in public with his friends, so what was I supposed to believe? It seemed to me that I was the only person he was avoiding.

With nobody to confide in about my dirty little secret, I was forced to keep everything bottled up and it was starting to make me crazy. What happened to that smart ass who chased me? The one who did romantic things, like taking me to that amazing spot with the spectacular view of LA? A few tears rolled down my face, remembering that night and the pink champagne he knew I loved so much. The man who, after treating me to such a romantic dinner, well thought out evening, gave me one of the best nights of my life. It was such a unique feeling to love two men, to be completely content with one and miss the other so badly.

I picked up my keys and paced back and forth, debating on going over to Shannon's, but ultimately talked myself out of it. I didn't want to be disappointed like I was the other night. Instead, I opted for a movie night and after making some popcorn, about ten minutes in, I lost interest. I was just about ready to turn the movie off and go to my room to get on the computer when I got a text from Jared. He said that he was leaving a friend's house and was only a few blocks away.

I asked him to come by, and he agreed. I figured that at least one of my relationships was thriving and he wanted to see me. I raced to the bathroom in a sad attempt at making myself look a little more presentable. My messy ponytail and flannel pajamas weren't very sexy by any means, but just as I entered my room and picked out something a little more acceptable, I heard him knocking. Shit! Flannel it is. I yanked the hair tie out of my hair and fluffed the back of my hair a bit.

I opened the door to see him leaning against the frame. "Awww, don't you look adorable. Going to bed already?"

"No, I was just...." I shrugged.

He stuck his head in and looked around.

"I smell popcorn... oooohh Halloween!" He came in and plopped down on the couch, picking up the bowl of uneaten popcorn that I was about to throw away. He grabbed a handful, shoving a few pieces into his mouth. "Why are you watching scary movies all by yourself? You could have called me, you know I love this stuff."

I sat next to him, twisting my fingers around a few strands of his long hair. "We've been spending so much time together, I just figured you were sick of me by now."

Frowning, he squeezed my knee. "You should know better than that, besides, a night of popcorn and scary movies sounds amazing."

I got comfy, leaning into him and watching the rest of the movie. I had to admit, it felt good to have him there. He was mostly quiet, lacing his fingers with mine and watching the movie both of us had seen a hundred times. I loved to watch him when he wasn't paying attention, the way he looked so serious. God, he was sexy just sitting there and I smiled to myself before looking back at the TV screen.

I was really expecting him to spend the night, but he shocked me when the movie was over by kissing me goodbye and going home. He promised to call the next day so that we could make plans to do something.

I locked up and after throwing a load of clothes in the wash, I went to bed. Lying there wide awake, my mind went crazy, spinning up all kinds of scenarios of what happened with Shannon. I was frustrated as hell, but sat up at the sound of my phone buzzing with a text. I was sure it was Jared, just wanting to tell me goodnight, but no, to my surprise it was Shannon.

He apologized for how busy he had been lately and asked if we could get together Friday night. Smiling, I let out a heavy sigh, part of me wanting to respond right away and the other part wanting to do to him what he had been doing to me, avoid him. Without typing a single word, I dropped the phone back onto my nightstand and laid back. Smirking, I closed my eyes, enjoying the way my shoulders relaxed, knowing that everything was okay.

I responded the next day with only a "sure," but didn't hear anymore from him. On Thursday, Jared called while I was out picking up supplies for my next job and asked me to come over when I was finished. I agreed, but ran into my neighbor just as I was trying to hurry in to change. She was an elderly lady who liked to chat and she had a lot to say.

It wasn't until almost five that I finally made it to Jared's. Just as I was coming in, his friends were leaving. He introduced us and after an affectionate greeting, he informed me that his mother invited us over for dinner. This made me slightly uncomfortable and he knew it. I knew that he saw it in my eyes and he reassured me that things would be fine.

We arrived and I was all smiles, happy to get to know her a little better, but hating that we couldn't be completely honest with her. Jared tried to steer the conversation away from anything Shannon related, and I squeezed his hand in appreciation. She told me a lot about Jared as a kid, throwing in bits about Shannon too.

She was an amazing cook and by the end of the night I had mixed feelings about everything after bonding with her. It was just the guilt of having to lie, knowing that she probably wouldn't like me if she knew the truth.

Jared and I parted ways at the end of the night since he had to get up early for a meeting. I slept in on Friday morning and had a lazy day at home. Shannon never gave me a time for our date, so I was ready to go by five.

By seven, there was still no word from him and I opened a bottle of wine, pouring a glass and checking myself in the mirror for the hundredth time. Sipping slowly, I patiently waited, but when another hour passed, I knew he wasn't coming. Pacing back and forth, I was fuming mad.

I had enough, I grabbed my keys and walked to the door, determined to tell him to fuck off.

Opening the door, I walked out and made my way over to my car. Just as I unlocked it, I heard him calling my name. "Carrie." He had just parked and was rushing over to me. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had to take care of something at the last minute."

My scowl faded as he shoved a bouquet of roses at me. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I didn't mean to keep you waiting." He placed his fingers under my chin and tilted my head back. "Forgive me?" How could I stay mad at that face?

It's The Perfect Denial Where stories live. Discover now