Without You

“We’re planning our next mission trip. We’re heading to Oklahoma to help rebuild some places that were destroyed by the latest round of tornados that moved through that area.”

Callie and Joe were probably two of the kindest people I’d ever met.

“You want to go with us, Hayes?” Joe asked. “It’s over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.”

I smiled. “I wish I could, but I miss my family. Miss my girl, ya know? When is the next one?”

“Spring break! We’re going home for a couple of days and then heading to Florida to help a church build a new schoolhouse.”

I shook my head. “Y’all are good people. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“That’s better than a no!” Joe said.

I laughed as I shook Joe’s hand again and said good-bye. I headed to my room, and I spent the rest of the afternoon waiting to hear back from Lex.

“Alex is going to be so surprised that you’re showing up a day early to pick her up,” Libby said with a giggle.

I smiled and nodded my head. “I hope so. Hey, are you sure you want to drive home with Luke? You seemed uncertain the other day.”

“Nah, it’ll be fine. I’m going to bring back my car, I think. That way I don’t have to depend on you two.” Libby looked around. “Where is Luke?”

“At the gym. He’s been going a lot lately. Something has been weighing heavily on his mind. He hasn’t even gone out in the last month. He’s been here every night.”

I sighed and shook my head. Lex and I hadn’t been able to have our FaceTime fun because both Luke and Grace were always in our dorm rooms whenever Lex and I could fit in a chat.

“Give Alex a big hug for me, and tell her I’ll see her tomorrow night.”

It was Sunday, and I wasn’t supposed to be in Austin until tomorrow. The plan was to pick up Lex and Grace and head to Mason on Monday. I’d booked a hotel room in Austin for Lex and me for tonight to surprise her.

I walked out to my truck and turned to face Libby. “Lib, what’s going on with you and Luke? Y’all used to be the best of friends.”

Libby’s eyes glossed over, and she looked away as she shrugged. “I don’t know, Will. I guess Luke doesn’t want to be friends with me. I think he likes his fuck buddies better.”

I closed my eyes and sighed. “Lib, he hasn’t even mentioned Abigail in so long. I don’t think he’s seen her since that weekend on the coast.”

Libby sucked in a deep breath and let it out. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve tried to figure it out, and I’m done with it. I just have to get through the drive home. Then, I’ll have my own car, and I can see less and less of Luke.”

My heart hurt for my sister. I knew she cared about Luke. She might even be in love with him. I’d also seen the way Luke looked at her. He had strong feelings for her, and he was fighting them. I needed to make sure it wasn’t because of me.

“Have a safe drive. Let me know when you get there.”

“Will do. Love you, Lib.”

She smiled. “I love you, too, Will.”

An hour and a half later, I was in Austin. I pulled over and parked my car in the parking lot, and then I sent Lex a text.

Me: Hey, baby. What are you up to?

Lex: Hey, handsome. Nothing. Just finishing up lunch with a few people. What about you?

Me: Not much. Where are y’all eating?

Lex: Just across the street from my dorm at the Littlefield Patio Café.

Me: Text me when you head back to your room.

Lex: Okay. We are finishing up and leaving now.

I smiled and jumped out of my truck as I made my way to Duren Hall, Lex and Grace’s dorm. I knew where the café was, so I sat down on a bench where I could see when Lex would be walking up. The moment I saw her walking and laughing with Blake, it felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.

I sat there and watched them. Two other people were walking behind them. Lex turned and said something to one girl, and then everyone started laughing. They all stopped and talked for a bit.

I pulled out my phone.

Me: Are you back at your room?

I watched as Lex pulled her phone out of her back pocket before reading my text message.

Lex: Nope, not yet. Just saying good-bye.

Me: Who are you with?

Lex: Couple people from the study group.

Me: That study group is really starting to become a regular thing, isn’t it?

Lex: What does that mean, Will?

Me: Blake with you?

Lex: Are you angry with me?