Jeremy and I went shopping for the clothes the next day.
"How does this look?" I asked him, holding up a green and black striped shirt.
He laughed. "What are you, five? My parent made me wear shit like that in elementary. How about this?" He pulls a purple and black flannel from a rack and holds it against himself.
I shrugged. "It's not really me." I tell him.
He rolls his eyes and pulls out his phone. He texts someone something and lifted his head, "I told Greg we'd be a while. This is going to take some time."
He slides the phone back into his pocket.
He grabbed a few things he wanted me to try and I head towards the fitting rooms.
I don't hate what he picked out, but I feel I can't complain or be picky.
I ended up choosing most of what he picked and a few basic tees and pants as well.
He was still busy texting away.
I wonder if it's still Greg he's messaging.
At the checkout I hand them the money and give the change to Jeremy.
"He said that's your to keep, don't worry." he told me.
I put it in my pocket and grab my bags.
This feels weird. I guess it's them trying to make me feel like family.
I feel my phone vibrates so I pull it out.
"Hey! How are you?" from Luke.
I smile and reply, "I'm good. I got some new clothes, so I can return what you let me borrow."
I sent the text and put my phone back into my pocket.
"Whoever sent you that text sure made you smile." Jeremy said bitterly.
I looked confused. Why the tone?
"It was Luke. He asked how I was." I told him.
He shook his head and we headed home.
I didn't comment on his texting moods or question who texts him.
I doubt it was still Greg.
When we get back to the apartment we hang and listen to music.
He doesn't hold my hand, but he does hold me.
I feel distant, but okay with it.
He kisses me and we relax.
I feel my phone vibrate but I ignore it.
Slow songs are playing and I start to doze off. Comfort is setting in.
I wake up to Jeremy laughing. I look around and he isn't there. It sounds like it's coming from the living room.
I get up and go to the living room and I see James there.
"Hey!" he says excitedly waving.
I wave and say to Jeremy "So is this who you've been texting all day?"
I said it jokingly, and James laughed.
"Are you fucking serious Andy? I have plenty of friends, what are you trying to say? I'm cheating?" Jeremy said angrily.
"N-no, I-I didn't mean that." I said to him frantically.
He stormed off to his room where I'm sure I wasn't welcome right now.
"Don't worry about it Andy, give him some time to cool off." James laughed.
"Oh! By the way, can you do me a favor and not mention I was here?"
I nodded, too upset to say anything.
"Thanks!" he said walking towards me to give me a hug.
It was a nice hug and it was nice to have him as a friend.
"I've got to get going, but call me sometime, come hang with me and Luke!"
He waved, the he was off.
I then remembered my phone going off earlier. I looked at it and had two messages.
"You can keep the clothes. It's not a problem. Glad you're doing good. How's Germ?" from Luke.
I replied, "Jeremy is good, and thank you."
I then read the second message.
"Have you seen James today?"
Shit. I don't want to lie, but I am James' friend too, I should respect what he asked.
"No. Why?" I replied.
I sat on the couch and waited for a reply.
It came in.
"Just asking." from Luke.
Sighing, I put down my phone and sunk deeper into the couch.
