Chapter Thirty - I Changed My Mind

Chapter Thirty - I Changed My Mind
Peyton

When I woke up next to Gabe this morning, my first impulse was to run for the door and leave. I almost did, but I wasn't sure why. We didn’t do anything last night, or rather, early this morning — just slept. There was some cuddling, but only while we were sleeping, and not even a kiss. However, I changed my mind. Instead of running away, I decided to get us some coffee and breakfast — extra strong, because we’ll need it today. We only fell asleep a few hours ago. I could have slept longer, but once I woke up, that was it for me. I left Gabe to sleep, but I plan to wake him when I return. I want to say goodbye, even though I really should stay away from him. 

I wait aside for my order. It shouldn’t be too long. My cell vibrates in my pocket. My first thought is that it will be Gabe, unamused that I ran away again. I take it out and see it is Max calling. I sigh, staring at it. I don’t want to answer it, but I didn’t answer his call last night. 

I take a deep breath before answering. “Hey, babe.” 

“Hey, gorgeous. Glad to hear you're alive.” 

“Sorry, I fell asleep early last night. Everything okay?” 

“Yes, I just wanted to check in. Did you end up staying with Kaitlyn and Anthony last night?” 

“Yes, I did. I will be heading home this afternoon.” I lie. 

If he knew where I had really slept last night, he would end up killing Gabe. I know Kaitlyn and Anthony would never tell him the truth either. 

“That is good. I need to stay an extra day. I am sorry.” 

I roll my eyes, hardly surprised anymore. He's always gone longer than expected. For all I know, he might have someone else, and honestly, if he did, I probably wouldn’t care. It reflects poorly on our relationship, but this is just how it is. 

“It is fine. Business comes first.” 

Max sighs. “No, it doesn’t.” 

I refuse to get into this with him again. He is convinced he puts me first, but he doesn’t. I am not even in his top three. 
“Anyway, I need to go for now. I am getting some coffee and breakfast for us. I will call you later when I get home.” 

“Okay. Goodbye.” 

I quickly say goodbye and hang up. A moment later, I receive my order, pick it up, thank them, and leave. The walk back to Gabe’s place isn’t very long. I borrowed one of his keys to get back in. After breakfast, I plan to go to Kaitlyn’s and Anthony’s to spend some time with them before heading home. 

I arrive at Gabe’s place and let myself in. As soon as I step inside and close the door, Gabe rushes in. 

“You never left,” he whispers. 

I shake my head. “No, I went to get us some coffee and breakfast.” I smile. 

He doesn’t need to know that I was about to leave without saying goodbye. 

Gabe smiles brightly. “I am glad you didn’t leave without saying goodbye.” 

I nod, and he takes the breakfast from me. I follow him to the kitchen to sit at the table. Gabe grabs some plates for us before sitting down beside me. I serve the food onto the plates, then take a sip of my coffee. 

“I got extra shots in each coffee. I thought we would need them.” 

“Did you sleep well? I know we didn’t get much sleep.” 

“I slept well for a few hours. You?” 

A smile forms on his lips. “I’ve always slept better with you beside me, Peyton. That hasn’t changed.” 

“Gabe, please don’t,” I sigh. 

He looks down at his food. “Sorry.” 

An awkward silence develops between us. Neither of us speaks, and we eat quietly. We had been doing so well being together until that moment. It will eventually pass. There are reasons we shouldn’t be near each other, and what Gabe says is one of them. He is single and free to speak and act as he wishes, unlike me. His feelings are still there, and he isn’t trying to hide them. I am confused about how I feel and would rather keep it to myself. 
“What time are you going home?” His words break the silence. 

“Late afternoon. After we have eaten, I am going to see Anthony and Kaitlyn before I leave. What are your plans for today?” 

“Not much at all," he shrugs. 

“Sounds like a good way to spend the day.” 

We are engaging in small talk. It isn’t ideal, but it’s an improvement over the previous silence. 

Gabe finishes his food, leans back in his chair, and takes a sip of his coffee. “Peyton, will I see you again?” 

I draw in a breath and run my fingers through my hair. “I don’t have the answer to your question, Gabe. It is better if I stay away, but that may not always be possible, as we have the same best friends.” 

He lets out a loud sigh, a look of disappointment crossing his face. “Okay, thanks for being honest.” 

I don’t have a chance to say anything else. Gabe gathers the plates and walks away to wash them. Did he expect another answer from me? I glance over at him at the sink. He is staring out of the window, lost in his thoughts, his hands resting on the sides of the sink. A moment later, I notice water starting to overflow onto the floor. 

“Gabe, the sink,” I yell, rushing over to pull the plug.

I hiss as I dip my hand into the hot water, but manage to pull out the plug. 

The hiss I make snaps him out of it. “Shit, Peyton, I’m sorry about your hand. Are you okay?” 

He turns on the cold water, takes my hand, and places it under the water. 

“I am fine. It was only for a second. Are you okay?” 

“Don’t worry about me," he shrugs. “I need to take a shower. Will you still be here when I come out?” 

He is trying to put some distance between us, but I know that if I leave while he showers, it will upset him, too. 
“I’ll be around for a little longer." 

He smiles and nods before heading to shower. If he takes too long, I'll leave, but he’s likely aware I'm waiting for him and won't. I can’t stay much longer; I don’t want to drive home late. I sit back at the table to finish my coffee, waiting for him to return.