Chapter 42 You Should Know

Chapter 42 You Should Know
April

Getting ready for my night with Corran, I feel nerves like it's a date, even though it's not. I'm aiming for a casual look that's not underdressed. We're heading to both bowling and dinner, so I chose light blue jeans, a red Cami top, and small heels for a cute yet relaxed style. This outfit feels just right for tonight. I tie my hair into a high ponytail to keep it out of my face while bowling. My makeup is simple—mascara, blusher, and lipstick. 

Corbin’s voice echoes, "Where are you going?" 

He hasn’t been around much today. He was here this morning when I woke up, but only for a minute to check in before disappearing again. 

Sighing, I sit on the bed and scan the room for him. He stands in the corner, only stepping forward when I look directly at him. 

“Bowling and dinner.” 

“With him, I assume? Is it a date?” he asks, sounding more sad than annoyed. 

“Yes, it is with Corran, but no, it is not a date. It is two friends hanging out.” 

Corbin walks over, sits beside me on the bed, and rests his hand on my knee. “April, are you truly just friends?” 

“You should know, since you stalk me most of the time, that I am with him,” I reply.

He would have seen nothing else had happened between Corran and me. 

“I have been acting like an asshole recently, huh?” 

“Yes,” I answer honestly. I don’t want to lie to him. 

Corbin lets out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry. I didn’t realize seeing you with another man would make me jealous. I thought I would be okay with it since he can provide what I can’t. I shouldn’t have behaved like an asshole towards you, April. I truly didn’t mean to. I love you, and it's difficult not being with you in person anymore, only in this way. Can you forgive me?” 

“I love you too. I don’t want to be with anyone else, not in a relationship sense. No one can replace you, Corbin. I promise. And yes, you are forgiven, this time.” 

“That is the thing, though; someone should. Well, not replace me, but you should be able to have a relationship with someone without me getting in the way. I can’t expect you to be alone forever. I can’t promise I won’t act that way again, but I am willing to try.” 

“I don’t want another relationship, Corbin.” 

Maybe someday I’ll be ready for that, but I highly doubt it. I don’t want him to think he's replaceable, because he isn’t—no matter who I meet along the way. 

“One day you will. You are too young to spend the rest of your life alone. I don’t want that for you.” 

“I’ll be fine. Don’t you worry about me.” 

“I always worry about you, baby girl. You should finish getting ready.” 

I try to respond, but he vanishes again. Just then, there's a knock at my front door. Corran is early! He isn’t supposed to arrive for another twenty minutes. Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised; he's very punctual. I check myself in the mirror one last time before heading to answer the door. I take a few deep breaths along the way, trying to calm myself. There's no need to be this nervous. It’s not a date — just two friends hanging out.

“You are early.” I laugh as I answer the door. 

Corran chuckles. “Yes, I’m always early. I dislike being late.” 

“You’re lucky I’m ready. Is this outfit okay? I don’t want to appear overdressed or underdressed,” I ask, stepping aside to let him in. 

“Yes, it’s perfect. You look beautiful,” he says with a smile. 

I avert my gaze from him, cheeks flushing due to his words. “And you look as handsome as ever," I whisper. 

“Thank you. Are you ready to go?” 

“I am, yes.” 

“I will book a taxi for us. We can wait inside until it arrives. Make sure you take a coat. It is cold outside.” 

I nod and take one from the rack, slipping it on. I make sure I have everything in my bag. Corran gets the notification only ten minutes later, saying our taxi is outside. He offers me his hand. I hesitate for a second, then take it. Corran smiles, linking our fingers, and leads us out of my place. 

I glance inside to check if Corbin has reappeared, but it seems he hasn't—at least, I can't see him. With a sigh, I close and lock up behind me. Maybe he will be here by the time I return home. 

“Everything okay?” Corran asks, clearly hearing my sigh. 

I turn to look at him. “Yes, all good.”

It isn’t a lie. It is all good. I wish Corbin hadn’t disappeared so quickly, but for now, I have to focus on the present company and our plans for the night. Stepping out into the cold Scottish night air, a shudder runs through me, even though I have my coat on. 

Corran opens the car door for me and allows me to get in first before he joins me in the backseat. The driver confirms our destination, and we quickly start our journey. I gaze out the window, lost in my thoughts, until Corran places his hand on my knee, bringing my focus back to him. 

“Are you any good at bowling? Should I expect to get my ass kicked?” he says with a chuckle. 

“Meh! I am so, so.” I reply. 

I am good and may beat him, but he doesn’t need to know that. It can be a nice surprise for him, maybe not a nice one, but a surprise anyway, unless he is amazing at it. 

He looks at me suspiciously. “Hmm, I’m not sure I believe you.” 

I smile sweetly and bat my eyelashes at him. “I guess you need to wait and see, huh?” 

“I am going to get my ass kicked,” he laughs.

I stay silent, turning away to look out the window again, smirking to myself. There’s a possibility he will lose, but I’ll keep him guessing. I’m looking forward to tonight—it's going to be fun and a perfect way to relax.