Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,8

the biggest ever shit-storm of holy shit-storms to ever grace this earth. We’re talking, build your ark now because even Noah is looking down saying ‘holy shit, you’re screwed.’”

My blood starts to boil in anger yet I try to calm myself. This isn’t Eric’s fault. I’m a big girl, and I know what will happen when this gets out. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s me.

“Well, right now, I don’t know what’s happening. I just want to support him.” I take a big gulp of water to calm myself a little, the room becoming hotter than usual. “Eric, this might not go anywhere, so why rock the boat?”

My shoulders droop almost instantly, my stare distant as reality knocks me cold. The thought of it not going anywhere saddens me more than I expected. Stop over-thinking things.

“Will you leave Andy?”

“I’ve spoken to my mom, and she is happy to have him for five days.”

“So, it sounds like you’ve got it all planned out. Just be careful,” he warns.

“Of what?”

“I don’t know, getting hurt. You know how much I like Julian since I’ve gotten to know him. He is practically like family to me since Tristan and I moved in together. But Adriana, he’s recovering, too.”

We see Charlie walking back with a settled Ava. “What did I miss?”

Eric blurts it out. “Adriana’s going to Australia!”

I shoot him an annoyed look for putting me on the spot. Honestly, his behavior is so elementary school.

“Wow! That’s far… why?” she quizzes.

“Uh… you know how I’ve talked about expanding my boutique? Well, there’s a space I want to look at. There’s a lot of demand within the Australian market, and I’ve got many clients who order from the States willing to pay the ridiculous shipping charges.”

I hate lying to my best friend.

“Sounds like a great reason to go.” She smiles, unaware of my extended lie. “When are you going and are you taking Andy?”

“This Friday. And no, Mom offered to take care of him. It’s only for five days.”

“Wait, this Friday? That’s quick. Why didn’t you say something earlier? Or is this one of those things that Lex has known about for ages but forgot to tell me, again?”

And the web of lies spins deepen.

“No, he doesn’t know.” Because if he did, he’d be on the first plane to Australia to murder Julian with his bare hands.

I quickly think of a reason why. “I’m scared of failure, Charlie. Opening the boutique is a massive dream. The other night I was thinking just take the leap, and whatever happens, happens.”

“Adriana, it’ll be fine. You’re so talented, and there’s a huge demand for funky boutiques just like yours,” she says, resting her hand on mine to reassure me. “Just the other day I was reading an article about small boutiques pocketing nice profit from the upturn in the stock market.”

“Nice story, Charlie,” Eric drags. “Can you tell that to me with a menu in your hand? I’m starving.”

Charlie lets out an annoyed huff.

“So, it’s settled, I’m going to Sydney,” I say loudly.

Charlie smiles back at me while Eric smirks.

“Watch out, Australia, Adriana’s coming Down Under!” Eric roars.

Charlie bursts out laughing, but I know the meaning behind Eric’s comment. Muthafucking little shit.

The truth? I’m nervous as hell.

You see, I’ve only ever been with one man. I was never the type to sleep around like everyone else I knew in high school. And to add, the man I had been with had only ever been with me.

Now, I’m kind of seeing—if you want to call it that—a man who has not only been with several, probably hundreds, of women, but has slept with my best friend numerous times and even proposed marriage to her.

Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

But I miss him.

We haven’t seen each other in four months. Will he expect me to jump in bed with him if I fly over to see him? Suddenly, the bile rises in my throat, and I quickly reach for the iced water to calm myself down.

Perhaps I didn’t think this through properly.

Julian is a man, after all, and men have needs.

Needs I may not be able to meet.

And just like always, guilt rears its ugly head when I find a morsel of confidence. I’m sick of this carousel of emotions, desperate to get off this ride and wish the spinning to simply stop.

The furthest I have ever been from the States is Geneva a few years ago when Elijah was receiving chemotherapy.

I remember how draining the flight was, and on top