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“See, I told you it’s a stupid question! Sometimes it just feels like your heart’s just not in it like mine is.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know, just forget it, okay?”

“You know, being a believer can look different ways. I may not express it like you do, but I am still a proud follower.”

“I know,” he says quietly, averting his eyes back to the ropes course.

We walk in silence for a few more minutes until Donovan opens his mouth to drop another bomb on me.

“Can I ask you another question?”

“I’m not so sure I want to say yes this time, but go ahead.” I laugh, trying to ease the tension.

“What happened with you and that girl you were cryin’ ‘bout in the restroom the other week?”

My chest sinks at the sound of Donovan asking about Drew, like my two worlds are colliding, or at least acknowledging each other.

“What?” I say, using every ounce of my breath to do so.

“I don’t know, I’m just checkin’ up on ya. Ya seemed pretty distraught.”

My breathing quickens, and I try to calm it down, hoping hewon’t notice. “Well, it's exactly what I told you when you found me. We just became friends a little too fast and then had a normal friend fallout. That’s it.”

“Are ya sure that’s it? Ya know you can tell me if somethin’ else is botherin’ ya.”

I really can’t, I want to say. Instead, I bite my tongue and shake my head.

The rest of the walk feels unbearably long and heavy with uncomfortable tension.

******

After my walk with Donovan, I realized how badly I missed Thom’s presence. He was the one person besides Drew that I felt like myself around when I first moved back. I liked the girl I was with him, and it feels like I lost her. Since Drew is out of the picture, I only have him now.

Thom’s smiling face brings me comfort as I walk up to his table at our cafe. He’s wearing a ridiculous trench coat again and carrying the briefcase I’ve become all too familiar with. There are two cups of tea and my favorite muffin already on the table, only furthering my appreciation for his friendship.

“Heya, Laine! Been a while.”

“Thom!” I hug him, startling him out of his seat. “Good to see you too!” He laughs.

I take the seat across from him. “So, what’s new with

you?”

“Eh, not much. Business has been booming, so that’s

always good! Actually, ma Pops and I were able to buy all

ma little siblings Christmas presents this year.”

“Oh my gosh, Thom, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for

you.”

Thom’s grin spreads ear to ear. “Thanks, Laine. Pops

worked really hard this past year, so I’m mostly just glad he was able to see their lil’ faces light up Christmas morning.