The Stoic And The Beast

Confessions At The Dragonfly

Alicia's POV

I was feverishly pacing the floor of the Dragonfly. Attempting to keep myself busy. I polished the countertops and tables, swept the floors a half dozen times. My nerves were running rampant. The angel on my one shoulder kept telling me to stay calm. Persuading me that all will turn out fine. While the devil on my other shoulder cackled and screamed at me to run for the hills. Telling me to call Tyler and cancel. To make up some excuse like we're too busy for a lunch break. Telling me to say anything to stop him from coming. I was just as scared to talk to Tyler about the recent personal matters of my life as I was to tell my dad. There could be two outcomes when the truth comes out. Tyler would laugh and say it's no big deal. Fat chance. Or he would overreact and scream at me. Telling me how stupid and reckless I have been acting. I'm going to go with the second option.

"He's going to hate me after this," I muttered.

"Who's going to hate you?"

I dropped the broom at the sound of his voice behind me. Then I quickly picked it back up. I swallowed my stomach contents back down and turned to face him.

"Hi... Tyler." I said nervously. "Hows... it going.. hoe?" I stuttered.

He cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brows at me.

"Who's going to hate you?" He repeated.

I sighed.

"There's a teensy weensy remote chance that you're going to hate me Tyler," I said as I looked down at my feet.

Tyler sat at a table and waved his hand for me to come to sit. "Anjda!" (Sit) He ordered in an authoritative tone as if he were my father. I sat. Fidgeting with my fingers. Watching the front door. Hoping Luke would show up any minute. I glanced at the clock and shuddered. Tyler was fifteen minutes early and unfortunately for me, there were no customers.

"Can I get you a mango bubble tea? It's your favorite." I said. Trying to stall for more time. I was about to stand back up but...

"I'm good." He said in a monotone voice. Prompting me to remain seated.

Damn...

"How about a muffin or a sandwich? Maybe some hot tea?" I offered.

"No, thank you." He folded his arms and leaned forward toward me.

Come on! You can't let me stall just a little bit Tyler? Some friend you are.

"Stop avoiding the question, Alicia. Just tell me why I'm going to be mad at my best friend." There was a serious tone in his voice. He was not messing around.

Help...

I ran my index finders along the edge of the tabletop nervously. Tyler let out an exasperated breath. He was losing his patience with me.

"Alicia Rose!" He yelled in annoyance at my failure to produce answers.

I jumped at the sound of his voice. My eyes darted back over to the front door.

Please show up, please show up.

My mind was screaming at Luke stupidly like we had a telepathic connection or something. But much to my dismay, he did not appear. I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out.

Let's just get this over with...

"Tyler.."

"Yes?"

"You know how I told you about wanting to date Luke and Jake?"

Tyler hummed. "Mmm-hmmm." Nodding his head slowly.