Chapter Twenty-Eight - Our Place

Chapter Twenty-Eight - Our Place
Gabe

It's almost midnight, and I'm in bed working. I had planned to sleep, but I couldn’t. I thought I was tired, but obviously I'm not. That's okay; I'll sleep eventually. As long as I get four to five hours, I'll be okay. A text message appears, catching my eye. Who's texting at this hour? 

I glance down to see who it is and am surprised to find the message is from Peyton. I haven’t heard from her since she left the café. I had convinced myself I wouldn’t hear from her again. 

Hey, are you awake? 

I don’t hesitate to text back. 

Hey, yes, I am. Everything okay? xx

Yes, everything is fine. I just can’t sleep, especially with those two being so noisy, ha-ha. Do you want to meet? If not, that's okay. I'll just find some earplugs or something. 

I chuckle as I read it. I would want out too. I am all for everyone having a healthy sex life, but it doesn’t mean I would want to hear them. I know I should say no, since it is late and she should get some sleep, but I won’t. I could invite her over here, but Peyton may take that the wrong way and think I am after something. I am not. I will be happy enough just to have some time with her. 

Eww, I wouldn’t want to hear that either, ha-ha. Yes, we could meet. I could come and pick you up, or would you prefer to meet somewhere? 

I am unsure whether she drove here today or took the train. 

I'm craving apple pie with ice cream. Should we meet at the diner we used to visit when we were hungry in the early morning? 

Many nights, we would go to the diner around two or three in the morning because we couldn’t sleep and were hungry. We did this at least once a week, sometimes more. 

Yes, I will meet you there. Give me twenty minutes? Do you have a way to get there? I don’t want you walking alone xx

I have my car. I will meet you there in twenty minutes. 

Okay, see you then. Wear something warm. It is cold outside. xx

Yes, boss ha-ha x

I smile, shut my laptop, put it aside, and get out of bed. I change into joggers and a hoodie, grab my car keys, and head out. It’ll be a quick drive. If it weren’t so dark and cold, I’d walk, but I can’t be bothered. I’m eager to see her again, even though I saw her earlier today. 

Arriving at the diner, I see only a few cars parked. I don't know what Peyton drives now, so I can't tell if any belong to her. I park and step out, glancing through the window to see if she's inside, but I don’t spot her. She’s probably not here yet. I’ll wait outside until she arrives so she doesn’t have to walk alone across the parking lot in the dark. 

After a few minutes, a car pulls in, and as it gets closer, I see Peyton in the driver's seat. She immediately smiles when she spots me, which I return, and I wait for her to park before walking over to her car. I make sure to keep space for her to get out of the car. 

“You arrived before me,” she snickers.

I raise an eyebrow at her. “I did. I see you decided not to wear something warm?” 

Peyton has a pair of leggings, a tee and a cardigan. She must be freezing. 

“I don’t exactly have much with me. I didn’t plan on coming out after midnight,” she protests. 

“If you get cold, let me know, okay?” 

She nods and locks her car before we make our way inside, finding a table. There are plenty since there are only two more people here, four including staff. 

“I haven’t visited in years. It hasn’t changed much," Peyton smiles. 

"Same here. The last time I was here, it was with you.” 

It was our spot. Even after I returned to the city, I kept my distance. 

“I came once, a couple of years ago, alone.” 

Thank goodness she didn’t come here with Max! That would have annoyed me. Someone approached our table. We ordered an apple pie, ice cream, and a hot chocolate each. I hope it tastes as good as it used to. 

“Peyton, you can stay at my place tonight if you'd like. I have a spare bedroom with a bed where you could sleep." 

I shift nervously in case my suggestion freaks her out. I wanted to be clear, so she doesn’t think I am inviting her into bed. 

Peyton stares at me, clearly thinking over what I asked. “Um, I am not sure that would be a good idea. I will think about it.” 

I smile and nod. I won’t push. If she wants to, she can let me know, and she will be more than welcome. The fact that she has a boyfriend doesn’t bother me at all, as he is a dickhead. 

“Are you heading home tomorrow?” 

“Yes, I'll leave tomorrow afternoon," she says with a smile. 

Tonight will be the last time I see her for God knows how long, unless I can convince her to give me a second chance. I would wait years for her if I had to. I hate the fact that she is going back to that asshole, but I won’t bring him up. 

Our order arrives soon, ending the conversation. It smells good. 

“Yay! I can’t wait to get tucked in,” Peyton gushes, clapping her hands. 

Her excitement over food remains one of the cutest sights I have ever seen. She takes the first bite and beams brightly. I watch her for a moment before trying my own. I groan in delight. The flavour is just as amazing as I recall. 

“It is nice to know that not everything has changed,” she says between bites. 

I understand what she's talking about. She’s referring to everything that has occurred since I ended the relationship. I just nod, trying to keep my mouth full so I don't accidentally say something I shouldn’t. Peyton stays silent on the matter, too, too focused on her food.