Not Now

Part 3

Stevie's POV

~

"I'll see you, when I get back." I say to Lindsey, who's lying on the couch, switching through channels on the TV. He mumbles something back and I sigh. "I love you."

"I love you, too." To that he responds, but doesn't sound like he really means it. He wasn't going to say, he doesn't love me, so...

I put on my small black leather backpack, which holds my wallet and a couple of other items, and I head out the door. This past week hasn't been easy. Lindsey and I have barely talked to each other and it hurts me. I know that we don't love each other any less, but... I feel us drifting apart and it scares the hell out of me.

Getting into our car, I toss my backpack on the passenger's seat and start the engine. It's not a very long drive, but it's easier to get home after work. I get plenty of offers from men, who'd like to take me home, however, I'm sure it's their home and not mine, so it's good to have a getaway vehicle. 

I arrive shortly and I'm not the first one. Brandon is restocking the fridge and he gives me a big bright smile, when he sees me.

"Hey."

"Hi." I smile back at him and go to put my things away. 

Brandon is my favorite co-worker and our shifts almost always coincide. I'm pretty sure that he likes me, but I'd like to think that I haven't given him any signals, which would make him believe the feeling is mutual. I do like him as a person, as a friend, but I'm in a committed relationship and he knows and respects that. 

I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, feeling tired, I take a seat on the barstool opposite from him. Brandon stops whatever task he was doing and comes to stand in front of me, leaning his elbows on the top of the bar. 

"What?" I ask, he's just looking at me.

"Is everything okay?" 

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

Brandon shrugs. "You don't really seem yourself lately. We've barely exchange any words."

"I'm just... tired." I say, what else can I tell him?

"You sure? Is there anything I can do for you?"

I smile, shaking my head. "Everything is fine, Brandon." I assure him, laying my hand over his for a moment. 

"If you're not feeling too well, you should go home. I'll manage on my own just fine." He insists, but again, shaking my head, I say that I'm doing alright. "You'll tell me, though? If anything."

"I promise." I look down as his hand now covers mine. 

It's a slow night. We don't have a lot of customers tonight, which means that tips aren't good either. I'm a little upset about that, but I don't dwell on it. There's nothing I can do about it. I check the time and we still have half an hour until closing, I sigh.

"You should go home." Brandon says, coming to stand beside me. "I'm sure I can handle these couple of guys on my own."

"No, I'll stay. We still need to tidy this place up for tomorrow. Melanie is working. If she finds one thing out of place, I'll never hear the end of it." I roll my eyes, that bitch. There's a mutual dislike.

"Stevie." He says, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Go home." I open my mouth to disagree, but Brandon continues. "We all have off nights, this is one of yours. Please, I'm asking you as a friend."

I give him a tired smile and nod my head, giving in. "Okay, but if you need to leave early anytime, promise, you'll ask me?"

"Of course." He pulls me into an unexpected hug, which actually feels like exactly what I've needed.

I'm soon on my way. I hope Lindsey is still awake and maybe we could do something together. Having a cup of tea would even do.

When I return, the lights are out, which means Lindsey is in bed already. That's disappointing. I  go to the bathroom to take off my makeup, change into my nightie and brush my teeth. Once my nightly routine is done, I walk into our bedroom, it's dark and quiet. I get under the covers and scoot over closer to Lindsey, wrapping my arm around him from behind. I plant a small kiss to his bare shoulder blade in hopes of some sort of a response.

I get nothing.