Chapter Eight - Annabelle

587 25 1
                                    

Part 8

Annabelle

I know it's creeper 101, but I peek through the open space in the door and watch Nico pack. He tosses clothes, socks and boxers into a duffle bag haphazardly. It's clear to me that he doesn't have a plan. He's just trying to get out of here.

It almost makes me mad.

He'd rather behave like a child running away to manipulate their parents than spend a weekend alone with me.

"Leave him be, Anna," Jesse says. "He's just got to do things his way."

"He really doesn't like me, huh?"

"Why do you say that?"

"He'd literally rather go live in his car for the weekend than stay here, just him and me. What does he think is going to happen? That I'm going to torture him? Make him watch reality television and force-feed him junk food?"

"Anna, I think it's more that he's afraid of having an... episode in front of you," Jesse says. "Nico's a private person. He doesn't like to show weakness or vulnerability to anyone."

"I know."

"I mean, the fact that he even lets me in is a big deal."

"Yeah."

"So, just let him stay with Adamo and Lorena this weekend," Jesse concludes. "He'll be safe there."

I shrug. I guess.

Jesse has a wheeled suitcase that he's dragging behind him and I follow him out to his car.

"I'll be back on Monday. Early," he assures me.

"I wish I could go with you."

Fuck, I hope I didn't just sound too desperate.

"I wish you were too," he says, squeezing my hand. "It's going to be a weekend of weird team building exercises."

"At least the beach will be nice."

I kick myself a little. I'm not asking the question that I really want to ask.

"Do you, um... do you get your own room at the hotel?" I ask, tiptoeing around the issue.

"I doubt it. I'll probably have to share."

"Oh. With whom?"

Jesse raises an eyebrow. "Not sure. Most likely Henry from programming, which means that we'll be hosting a stupid frat bro party in our room. Which means that I will probably be sleeping on a couch in a hallway somewhere."

"Okay, then," I say, unintentionally sounding relieved.

"You like I'm sleeping on a sofa somewhere?"

"No, of course not. I..."

"Anna, what do you want to ask me. Just ask it. Please."

"Fine," I concede. "Jesse, does that woman still work with you? You know... the one from the Christmas party?"

Jesse groans.

"I'll take that as a yes," I say, bitterly. "Sorry I even asked."

I turn around to head back inside, but Jesse grabs me before I get away.

"Anna, I'm sorry about Chloe. She's an evil, ridiculous person who lives in her own reality. I know that I..."

I shake my head. I don't need an apology from Jesse. Another one.

Sharing AnnabelleWhere stories live. Discover now