Reckless (Reckless #1)

Reckless - Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Why did he leave without a goodbye?

That is the question that’s been going through my head all day.

I’m sitting on a bar stool, tapping my foot against the floor - deep in thought. It’s almost six, meaning that my shift is almost over.

Why did Nash just leave this morning without telling me? I mean, I’m glad he left because then I wouldn’t have to deal with that urge that I had to kiss him. But I’m also upset because I wanted him to say goodbye.

I woke up to an empty couch, a folded blanket, and pillow - no note. My heart dropped to my stomach at the emptiness and heartache that I felt. I know I shouldn’t feel it, but I couldn’t help it.

I jump when I feel a hand clamp down on my shoulder. Placing a hand over my rapidly beating heart, I turn to face Chris who has a concerned look on his face.

“Are you okay?”

I nod, a little too ecstatically, “Yeah. I’m great.”

He grabs my hand, “Alright. Let’s head out to the restaurant. Our reservation is at six thirty and if we’re late, our table will be taken.”

I give Chris a smile, although it feels too forced.

“Okay.”

***

Once we get to the restaurant - which seems to be a casual place - we are seated almost immediately.

The restaurant is a quaint place; fairly big but not overwhelming. The whole interior is decorated in analogous shades of blue, purple, and splashes of white. The colors give the place a nice, calming feeling. I let my eyes wander across the room as we walk to our table.

“I called in last night, before I called you, to reserve a table,” Chris says as we sit down.

I give him a wary look, “How did you know I would want to come out?”

My question comes out a little harsher than I wanted to. I see Chris’ eyebrows scrunch up, obviously shocked at my outburst.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize. “I had a long night, and I wasn’t feeling any better when I woke up.”

“No, it’s okay - I really should’ve asked you before I reserved. I just thought that I would do something nice for you, I mean… you are my girlfriend."

For some strange reason, his words spark a little irritation in me. I have no idea why I feel this way. Chris is never anything but nice to me. I should be thankful, but all I feel is exasperation.

Reaching out, I clasp his hand, “You’re always doing something nice for me. I’m just… not feeling well.”

“Why? What happened last night? You seemed fine when I called you.”

The words get stuck in my throat. I can’t tell him that I was with Nash all night; that would crush him, and I would feel terrible. It would be as if I betrayed him.

“It must have been the pizza I ate,” I say, covering up my slip.

Chris gives my hand a gentle squeeze before the waitress walks up with menus in hand. She hands them to us and talks about the specials that the restaurant is having. I nod at her recommendations, but I’m really not paying attention.

My mind is focused on something - someone - else.

I shouldn’t be this worked up about him leaving. I mean, he’s just a friend. There isn’t anything between us. Yet, why does my stomach get all twisted when I see him or hear his name?