Shadows Read Free Page B

drops at the sound of his news. A
horrible feeling comes over me. I can't explain why, but it does. I
look over at Kayla and she doesn't make a sound. She's shocked, it
is plainly written in her expression. The conversation lulls as we
finish our dinner. No one really wants to speak about Matt's news.
Kayla and Matt head to the small dance floor next to the bar.
Feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket, I swipe the screen unlocking
it. Anne has sent me a text letting me know she will have to cancel
for tonight. So this means, it's just us three tonight. I guess I’m
stuck babysitting.
    Kayla plops down on the chair next to me.
"Whew! I'm done. These shoes are killing me. Who's
that?"
    "Anne. She had to cancel.”
    “ Well, we will have to make do
without her than. I’m going to go get another pitcher."
    "No, it's cool I'll get this one." I stand and
make my way to the bar. Waiting for our beer I take in my
surroundings. What is it about alcohol that makes a person lose
their inhibitions? Why do we feel so brave and invincible with it
running through our veins? I'm watching Matt dance with some girl
who's looking at him like he is a feast, I fear she may actually
try to bite him. Kayla catches me watching him as I set the pitcher
down. She nudges my shoulder as I take my seat.
    "So, Matt is going to leave us. Where does
that put us with a roommate situation, and more importantly where
does that put you two?" There's no attitude in her tone. She's dead
serious and I'm dumbfounded by her question. He hasn't even moved
out and she's already worrying about replacing him. What does she
mean by where does that put us two? I mean, we are friends, right?
My brain isn't thinking logically. It's in a slow alcohol induced
haze. All I can offer her is a shrug with my shoulders as I turn
back to watch Matt.
    "Come dance with me."
    "I thought you were done."
    "Well, I recharged. Come on. It's got to be so
boring sitting here watching us all night."
    "It's not and I don't want to. I'm fine."
Kayla gives me a knowing look and I brush her away with a wave of
my hands. She's always trying to make me step out of my comfort
zone, but I like it here on the sidelines. Between the three of us
we have finished off two pitchers of beer, which to some might not
seem that much, but to me it is. It doesn't take much to get me
buzzed. Looking up, I see Matt coming towards our table. He leans
over me, his arms stretched and locked on each side of me, with his
palms flat on the table. He's out of breath and his blond hair is a
sweaty mess. Taking a deep breath, he runs his hands through his
hair.
    "What are you doing? I mean I know right now
you’re sitting here, but I mean what are you doing in a few
minutes? Can we talk? I just really want to talk to you." He's
nervous and trying to come off as it's no big deal, but I know
better.
    "Matt, what do you want to talk about? I'm
right here. You're right here. Sit down and take a breather. You
are a sweaty mess."
    "Do you like it when I'm all hot and sweaty?"
He raises his eyebrows at me and I can't help but laugh. Who is
this guy? He's definitely not the Matt I know. Taking a big breath,
he blows it out through his mouth puffing out his cheeks. He smiles
a huge grin at me. I notice the dimple in his left cheek. It suits
him perfectly.
    "So?" Look at him brings back the bad feeling
in the pit of my stomach. I'm chewing the inside of my cheek. Now,
I'm nervous.
    "Don't say anything, just listen for a minute,
okay?" My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest.
Nodding, I look around for Kayla, but I can't find her. "Eve? Are
you with me Eve?"
    "Yeah, I'm here. I just don't understand." My
cheek chewing has now moved onto lip chewing. If I bite down any
harder, I might draw blood.
    "I love you."
    "What?" My mouth is hanging wide open. He
can't possibly be serious.
    "We've known each other since elementary
school and I've loved you since the first day we met. I thought if
I grew up, finished school, and