One Chance (Part 1)(7)
“Sure does and he hasn’t been too nice to people tonight either.”
“Maybe I should talk to him.”
“You can try, but good luck.” I get out of my chair and leave my beer there feeling like I better not put another drink anywhere around Brody right now.
“Hey,” I say as I approach him.
“Hey Hails,” he says sounding anything but happy.
“Can we talk?”
“Sure,” he says but doesn’t move.
“Can we go somewhere else, where there aren’t as many people to overhear?”
“Yeah,” he says as he stumbles slightly. We walk towards the front of the house and sit on the steps.
“What’s going on with you?”
“What do you mean?” he asks like he has no idea what I’m talking about.
“You’re drunk and you don’t really drink. You’re here and Kenz isn’t.”
“She’s being a bitch.”
“Did you tell her that?”
“Actually yeah, I did. I also told her I shouldn’t have dated her.”
“What? Why? You guys have been together for four years.”
“Because you were who I wanted to date,” he says as he stares at me through hooded eyes.
“What?” I ask confused and thrown off.
“The day you came over and Kenzie asked me out, I was going to ask you out.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because you said you didn’t care if I dated her, so I took it that you didn’t like me like that.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah.”
“The day you started dating Kenzie, I lost my best friend.”
“I’m sorry, she would just get jealous when I tried to include you to the point I stopped asking.”
“I know, I was there too. So how do you think she’s going to feel knowing we’re here and she isn’t?”
“Not good, but I don’t honestly care. College is about to come and we’re going to have a blast.”
“W-What?” I stutter.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with me and Kenz, but I miss my best friend. I want us to hang out like we used to. I miss you Hails.”
“I need to tell you something Brody,” I say nervously.
“What’s that?”
“I’m not going to West Virginia with you and Kenzie.”
“What? Yeah you are, we all got accepted.”
“I know, but I got accepted into another school and I don’t want to be Kenzie’s shadow anymore.”
“You were never her shadow.”
“Don’t tell her that.”
“So where are you going?”
“Michigan,” I say softly, nervous about his response.
“Seriously? That’s awesome,” he says surprising me.
“Yeah, I’m pretty excited about it,” I say happily.
“I could tell you liked it there when we went to the football games. It’s a good school.”
“Yes it is. I need to do this for me Brody. I would love to be friends like we once were, but I can’t go to West Virginia with you guys.”
“No, I understand and I’m really happy for you Hails. You deserve this,” he says before leaning in and giving me a hug. “Damn, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a dick.”
“You’re in a relationship, it happens.”
“But it shouldn’t have. She’s your sister and you were my best friend. I shouldn’t have let that change and I’m truly sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“You tell Liam you’re going to Michigan?” he asks changing the subject.
“No, why would I tell him?”
“Because he goes there. He could probably help you out.”
“No, that’s okay, I’ll figure it out on my own,” I reply quickly.
“It’s a big campus; he could give you some pointers.”
“Brody its fine, he doesn’t need to know I’m there.”
“Did something happen?” he asks looking confused.
“No, he just hasn’t been very nice the past few years, so I prefer him not knowing I’m there if possible.”
“You don’t think he wouldn’t recognize you?” he asks while looking at me like I have two heads.
“I know he would and if he does then I’ll deal with it, but he doesn’t need to know now.”
“Okay, if that’s what you want.”
“It is. Do you want me to take you home?” I ask changing the subject.
“No, I want to hang out with you and remember this night forever,” he says as he stands up. I follow suit and we head to the back of the house where the bonfire is. He walks over to the cooler and grabs us each a bottle of beer.