"I don't have to tell my friends anything," Axton turned to Cedric as if he better not say another word about Chili. Besides, Chili was at the register at the coffee shop and they'd only stopped in for a burger at lunch.
"But you would not take my calls man, what is going on?" Cedric wanted to know as he was checking out the fresh fixings on his burger. Of course, Cedric didn't wait for Axton to answer he bit into the burger.
Axton looked a Chili and he saw that dead stare. It was as if she didn't want him to be here.
"You know," he shrugged. "Just the holidays."
"Just the holidays? That means it leaves nothing for when it's not the holiday?" Cedric gave Axton a look.
Axton practically choked on his cheeseburger. He sighed. Honestly, he was not a good liar. Never had been. Of course, he'd been avoiding Em at all cost. He knew she'd still corner him and ask about his sleepover with Chili.
He did not want to admit it had been more than sleep. It could have been the wine.
"Oh lord," Axton said under his breath shaking his head. "She won't even breathe a word of it."
"Who? Chili?" Cedric gave him a serious look.
"Has that ever happened to you?" Axton wanted to know.
"Um, well, New Years can do that to you. You know, you've been waiting all year to take the plunge and then you do and well, you wonder if you were crazy, afterward," Cedric said as he bit into a fry.
"Uh-huh," Axton didn't think it was that way, but she wasn't the Chili he used to know. It was like a change in the weather and now it was just clear skies and cold. Oh so cold.
"Maybe she hates me."
"Maybe you're just not that good in bed," Cedric let a smile slip. "You be a youngster, man, you should be getting good at it by now." He held in a laugh and went back to his burger.
"What about you?"
"I am truly a monk these days," He took a sip of his soda and then got to his fries.
"I might as well be one myself," Axton decided. "I mean it wasn't like I was misleading."
"I guess it was the other way around, huh?"
"I don't know, but it was good. Really, I like being with her. I just don't know, if..if what happened will let us continue to be friends." Axton sighed. He knew they should be quiet.
"Yeah, take it easy bro, that's all I can say. It's a struggle though, I've never been so slow with a relationship in my life, but it'll be worth it," Cedric nodded as he was finishing up. "I know it'll be worth it for you two." He smiled at Axton as if he would cheer him on.
sometimes people in the relationship have hard times with each other
ReplyDeleteFriendship or love?
ReplyDeleteGood to wish others well
ReplyDeletegood relationship needs time to be built....
ReplyDeleteEllie,
ReplyDeleteI hope that in this new year you continue to tell us many interesting stories like this.
A loving hug!!!
Love and good relationship takes really time.
ReplyDeleteSometimes taking it easy is the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteHis advice might be valid.
Some relationships are worth the wait.
Still, we need to still show we care.
Anyhow, this was a fun chapter to read.
Happy 2024!
Long lasting relationships start slowly but are worth it.
ReplyDeleteOoh so it happened
ReplyDeleteWell, this might be a tough transition for chili, I guess we''ll just have to see where it goes
Genial fragmento. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteFriends with benefits? Who knows, it could be the start to something good, in that true love needs a friendship basis, then again it could ruin a friendship. Only time will tell. Hubby and I were good friends before we started dating, and we've celebrated 50 years of marriage........who knows.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's delicate alright! But as awkward as Axton's post-hookup dealings with Chili are, I'm glad he has Cedric to talk to. Because Cedric knows a thing or two about romantic roadblocks -- even if for opposite reasons! 🤔💖🍔❓
ReplyDelete