Chapter Seven

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I had let Archer drive home, even though he didn't have a valid driver's license. He drove smooth enough to allow me to fall asleep. When I woke up, the sun was streaming through the window and the weather of last night had disappeared. I was home, alone, and aching still. I reached for my phone and found it on the night stand next to me. I dialed Archer's number and got a voice mail. I sighed, and disconnected. I decided I'd force myself up, and into a shower. The water was warm, and inviting. I washed myself clean my hair as well. When I got out, an hour had passed and I had a missed call. Slightly excited, I slid the lock off and looked. It wasn't Archer, it was Cat. I called her back and put it on speaker phone. 

"Hello?" She asked.

"Hey," I said, "you called?" 

"Don't sound so excited," she said, "really."

"Sorry, I'm tired, and half-asleep." I lied. 

"It's acceptable this time," she said, "but don't let it happen again." She was joking and I was unammused. 

"Promise," I said, "what's up?" 

"Get up, shower and get dressed." 

"Why?" I asked.

"We're going bridesmaid dress shopping!" She screeched. "Me and Gavin picked a date." 

"When is it?" I asked. 

"In summer." She said, "Three more months." Fuck! I only had three months to man up and tell my best friend that I was in love with her. 

"Sounds beautiful," I said, "when are you coming?" 

"Gavin's going to drop me off in an hour." 

"Right," I said, "I'll be here." 

"Love you," she hung up before I had time to say anything. I hadn't planned to say it back anyway, it slightly made me uncomfortable. I called Archer's phone again and his voice mail picked up. I debated but left a message.

"Hey," I rambled, "It's me- Cade- Cat called and is making me go bridesmaid dress shopping. I was wondering if you'd come- but you're not answering so you must be asleep still. Call me back AS SOON AS YOU GET THIS. Thanks."

 I remembered threatening him on the first day and saying I was going to use the key to get in. But today, it wasn't an empty threat. I dressed in sweatpants and a tank top, something easy to slid into and out of trying on dresses. My slippers were a nice fit, and I walked across the lawn, still slightly wet to the front door of his side of the apartment. I slipped the key in and opened the door. 

"Archer?" I asked cautiously out loud. "It's Cade." I walked through room after room, cautiously opening the door to each. He was in none of them and I sighed. I re-locked the door and walked out and back across the lawn. I applied my usual makeup, and made sure I looked up to scale in the face and hair region so I wouldn't hate the dresses Cat picked out. My hair dried curly, and Gavin pulled up shortly after. They both walked to the door, and Cat walked in. I sat at the table, pretending it was a surprise that they were both here. 

"Cade!" Cat called, running to me. "Look at this!" She held her hand out and I looked at the tiny diamond in the golden circle. It was hideous, and cliche. I nodded and pretended I was intrigued. 

"Maybe you'll find a boy someday too," Gavin said stirring the usual trouble, "Cat tells me your bitter." Cat's face reddended and I scowled. 

"I did not." She said too quickly. 

"I'm gay," I said to Gavin, "I'm not interested in marrying a boy." 

"I forget that sometimes," he said, "you're always around the guys, so, I figured you've banged a couple." 

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