Always Adam

Chapter 16

As much as I hate to leave my cozy spot, I slip out and join Ava in the kitchen. "He was having some type of dream or nightmare and woke me. He wanted me to stay," I tell her in a whisper. "It's cool Carly. I'm fine with it. I'm actually going to encourage it," she whispers back. "It's not my place to tell you about Adam. He's had a really bad year. I think you could be good for him if you are up to the challenge," she says as she pushes the button on the coffee maker.

I look over at Adam sleeping on the couch. "Do you think I stand a chance with him." She follows my gaze. "He has some serious baggage, but I can tell he likes you. You'll have to be patient with him. I need to get Donnie to back off. Otherwise, he won't even consider you. He won't step on Donnie's toes." I move closer to Ava and say "I like Donnie, but not in that way. What can I do to discourage him?" Ava gives me an evil smile and says "Let me handle Donnie." The smell of coffee fills my apartment and wakes Adam. I watch as he stands and stretches. I get another look of those awesome abs.

"Coffee smells good," he says giving both of us a smile. He walks to the bathroom and closes the door. I turn to Ava. "I am so interested," I say and she busts out laughing. "I know he's my brother, but he is pretty hot." Ava pours three cups of coffee as Adam comes out of the bathroom. He walks over and takes a cup from her. Everything about him is hot. The way he walks, the way he talks and the way he smiles. He also seems genuinely nice. He's the total package. I feel really excited about something for the first time in a long time.

After coffee, Ava and Adam decide to head home. I put on sweats and a sweatshirt to walk with them. I plan to go running once they are home. "So what time are we supposed to be at the club tonight," I ask Ava as we walk. "I'll check with Nat and text you. We can take my car and swing by to get you first," she says zipping up her hoodie. It's rather cold out. I want to run really bad, but continue to walk with them. Adam hasn't said a word since we left. Ava talks about a school assignment while I think about Adam.

I know I'm attracted to Adam. I just don't know how to get to know him. He seems so closed up most of the time. I mean he's nice and friendly, but doesn't talk much or say much. Ava says he has baggage. I wonder what kind of baggage. I think it's odd she told me to be patient with him. I think about how patient I was with Mike. I know I can't wait three years for Adam to notice me as more than a friend. I don't have three years even if I could wait. School would be out in seven months. I'll be going to off college somewhere. So most likely that will be the end of anything regardless. It's not likely we will end up at the same college.

I'm still walking when both Ava and Adam stop. It takes me a second to realize they are no longer walking next to me. I stop and turn to them. "This is us," Ava says climbing onto the porch. Adam is still standing on the sidewalk watching me. "Text me later and let me know what time," I say as Ava waves bye and goes inside. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Adam is still standing on the sidewalk watching me. Unsure what to do I say "See you later," and take off running in the direction we were walking.

I run for about fifteen minutes and turn back. When I pass Adam's house, he isn't outside. I cross over to the playground and go a quick workout. A few cartwheels and some easy walk overs. Then I run all the way back home. I take a long hot bath and read. I fall asleep on my bed once I brush out my hair and put on a robe. I wake up two hours later. I have a text from Ava. She says they will pick me up at nine thirty. I hang out and watch television until I need to get ready.

I slip on the catholic school girl outfit and laugh. I can't believe I am going to wear this. And wear it to a club. I pull my hair into the two side ponytails. I pull on knee high socks and slip on the saddle shoes Ava found at a second hand store. They are a half size to big, but I can manage. I go light on the makeup until I do the mascara. That I put on thick. My eyelashes look long and dark. I stick a pencil above my ear. I'm satisfied with the look so I hang out and wait for Ava and Adam.