He crossed his arms. “Yeah, me.”
“I found another one. So if you’re here to tell me you’re ready to leave, go ahead. I have a ride.”
“I’m not leaving without you. And, anyway, that’s not why I’m here.”
I shifted, finally lowering my arm. “Then why are you?”
“Because you’re my friend, Isla.” He sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. And just tell me, is there something I can say or do? Or is this it? Have I screwed this up beyond repair?”
Though I went for indifference, the thought of not having Colby in my life in any capacity was almost too much to bear. “Is that what you want?” I whispered, not sure if I wanted the answer.
He shook his head. “Never. But I care about you enough to do whatever I can to make you happy again. If that means leaving you alone, I can do that. Not because I want to, but because I can respect that.”
And my charade dropped. He was my friend first and foremost. “No, Colby. That’s not what I want. And this back-and-forth has been stupid. Look, if you can put it all behind you and try to go back to where we were, so can I.”
A little smile ghosted his lips. “Yeah. Definitely.”
I nodded. “Okay. I’m ready to go when you are.”
“I’ll get Matt and Taylor. Want to, uh, walk with me?”
I glanced at Gabe who looked annoyed with the lack of attention.
“I’m going to finish my beer and, you know, tell him bye and stuff.”
Colby gave Gabe a once over, then looked at Landon before finally nodding. “Okay. Be right back.”
I watched him walk away, then turned to Gabe. And when I smiled, it was genuine, thankful Colby and I were finally moving forward. Unfortunately, my happiness wasn’t intended for Gabe but he didn’t know that.
His hand moved up my back then settled just above my waist. “The band wants to hit the beach after this. Have a little bonfire. What do you think? You up for that?”
Though I loved beach bonfires, going might give him the wrong idea.
“We can swim, have a late-night jam session—”
But that made up my mind. “I’m sorry. I’m riding home with some friends.” And didn’t do the whole guy-with-his-guitar-on-the-beach thing.
“Bring them along.”
“I’ll, um, ask.” I stood, making it clear I was ready to leave, but he joined me.
“Cool.” He reached down and hooked one finger around mine. “I enjoyed hanging with you tonight.”
“Yeah.” I took a little step back.
“Talk to your friends, see what they say. You know where to find me later.”
I nodded. “Yep.” And my back tensed, because I sensed it coming even before he started leaning in. But before he could officially go in for the kiss, I blurted, “Thanks for the beer.” Then spun away, and came face-to-chest with Colby.
“Ready to go?” Though he was asking me, his eyes were glued to Gabe. They slowly drifted down to where our fingers were still linked.
Gabe, who’d rebounded from the failed attempt, said, “I was just telling Isla that we’re heading to the beach for a bonfire. You interested?”
Colby’s tone was friendly but his posture was rigid. “Nah, I’m ready to call it a night.”
Gabe lightly tugged my finger. “Well, I can give you a ride, Isla.”
I slid my hand free. “Actually, I’m pretty tired too.”
“Oh.” He looked from me to Colby and back again. “Maybe another time.” He lifted his chin in a quick goodbye, then took off, back toward the stage.
And as Colby, with his shoulders stiff and eyebrows slanted down, tracked his movements, that little voice in my head stirred up all the things we were supposed to be moving past. I’d fully intended to move forward and restore our friendship, but something about Colby’s stance suggested so much more than a friend watching out for a friend.
Then again I’d had a couple beers. Maybe I just wanted to see more there. I shook it off and waved bye to Landon.
“I get off in an hour. You gonna be hanging out at my place later?”
Taylor’s car was over there but I didn’t really know if we’d stay longer than the time it took to get it. I shrugged. “Not sure yet. But I’ll see you there if I do.”
As we made our way out, Taylor hung back a little with me. When the guys gained a bit of distance in front of us, she finally asked, “Everything okay?” Her gaze drifted to Colby.
“Yeah. It was just a misunderstanding. We’re all good now though.”
“Glad to hear that.” She smiled. “Would you mind if we hung out at his place for a bit? I’m in no rush to get home considering my roommate’s boyfriend is in town for the weekend. He’s incredibly obnoxious, and Matt can’t stand him. Unless you need to get home, of course.”