Omission by Taryn Plendl

She raised her eyebrows at me.
    “Really?”
    “He just sent me a text saying he had to drive up North to take care of some things.” I wondered what it was that he needed to take care of. I guess if it was my business, he would tell me. When you have things you don’t want to talk about from your own past, you seem to learn to not pry for answers from someone else.
    “Hmm.” Shelly frowned and walked away.
    ***
    The night flew by. Shelly and I had just finished closing up when Lucas walked in the door. He shook hands with Rob and came to the bar.
    “Hey , Payton.”
    “ What are you doing here, Lucas?” I was a little confused, and he just smiled.
    “Well, unless I want a repeat of the movie theatre parking lot incident, I’m here to walk you home.” I groaned and rolled my eyes.
    “Are you serious? Garrett did not ask you to walk me home, did he?” I shook my head.
    “No, he d idn’t ask me to walk you home. He told me to walk you home,” he laughed.
    “This is ridiculous, Lucas. I’ve been walking home alone for a long time before Garrett. It really isn’t necessary.” I crossed my arms.
    “Payton, please don’t fight me on this.” Luca s cocked his head to the side. I knew it wasn’t his fault, he was just doing what Garrett had asked, but it still pissed me off a bit. I didn’t like being made to feel like the damsel in distress. I had been taking care of myself for a long time, and even though I’d been through some heavy shit, I’d like to think that I came out on the other side.
    “Fine, let me get my stuff.” I walked to the other side of the bar to grab my purse from underneath. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Garrett.
    Me : Not cool making your friend escort me home!
    There! No w he would know I wasn’t happy. I should have added a frowny face. I knew I was being such a child. I headed back over to where Lucas stood—completely engrossed in a conversation with Shelly. She was smiling and laughing with him. Hmm. Maybe some interest there? Well, I would dig a little on the walk home.
    “I’m ready when you are.” My mood had taken a shift for the better at the thought of playing matchmaker. Just then I felt my phone vibrate. I looked at it and saw it was Garrett. Shit! I expected him to text, not call. I walked away from Lucas and Shelly and answered.
    “Hello , Garrett.” I did my best to sound annoyed, but in truth I was happy to hear his voice.
    “Hi , Payton. Are you upset with me?” I could hear the laughter in his voice.
    “Yes. Why would you make poor Lucas come over here at two in the morning to walk me home?”
    “He offered , Payton. I told him I was going to try to make it back in time, and he told me not to rush, that he would take care of it. I honestly didn’t mean to upset you, but I do feel better knowing you aren’t alone.” How could I argue with him? I knew he just cared and wanted me safe.
    “ Fine, I’m not upset with you.” I smiled. “How was your trip?” I was still curious what it was about.
    “Good. I’m on my way back. I’ll stop by and walk with you to class in the morning, okay?”
    “Okay. Drive safe.”
    I hung up and walked back to Lucas who was now ready to leave.
    “Bye , Shell.” I waved. I headed over to Rob and leaned up to give his cheek a kiss.
    Lucas said goodbye to Shelly and Rob , and we headed across the street to the park. It was freezing tonight. I could see each breath as we walked.
    “Thanks for doing this , Lucas.” 
    “It’s not a problem , Payton. Garrett really cares about you, you know. He just wants you safe. He would do the same for me.” Just the opening I needed.
    “Oh? Do you have someone special that Garrett may need to walk home?” I raised my eyebrows at him.
    He laughed. “No , Payton.”
    “Just curious.” I smiled back. I would have to see if Shelly was interested in him. They would make a cute couple.
    “Did Garrett say how things went with his brother?”
    “His