“Maybe,” Eisen started, pulling his phone out of his pocket and staring at it for a second. “I’ll try. Just give me a sec,” he said softly. He didn’t move, though. Didn’t step away from Lexie because anything he had to say here could be said in front of her. Steeling himself, he hit two on his speed dial to call Rory’s number.
Except it went straight to voicemail. And Eisen’s heart sank. His eyes filled with tears but he blinked them back, Be a man, Eisen. Don’t cry. You made your bed now lie in it, he thought as he hit the ‘end’ button, not even bothering to leave a message, because Rory likely wouldn’t listen to it. Clearing his throat, he turned and looked back at Lexie, sadness plain as day on his face. “No answer,” he lied, not telling her that it went straight to voicemail, though she would likely figure it out on her own.
Shaking his head, he pocketed his phone again and closed his eyes, ducking his head. “This is stupid,” he said softly. “I’ve wanted to be with you for ages. Ages,” he swallowed thickly. “I…” he paused. He knew, deep down, that he had no one to blame but himself. He should have been stronger. Shouldn’t have given in to that little moment. He’d waited so long, why not a little bit longer for the sake of his best friend’s brother? Nicely done, idiot… “I’m sorry, Lex. I wish there was some way to tell you…some way for you to know exactly how much I want this to happen.”
He smoothed a hand through his hair and looked at the ground. “I…I’m sorry. I have no one to blame but myself. I know that,” he swallowed thickly.