Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) (16 page)

Suddenly, I hear someone clear his throat, and we both separate to look behind us. “I’m sorry to interrupt you both, but I just need to see about getting checked in to my room.” 

“Sir, I am so sorry about that. Here, let me get your information and I’ll get you in right away.” I feel so embarrassed and quickly wipe the tears from my cheek.

Brian walks down the hallway towards the lobby bathroom, and I finish checking in the guest, apologizing to him once again.

Soon Brian returns to the front, and we spend the next several hours talking. He tells me about sleeping in his car again this week, moving around to different parking lots hoping not to be discovered by the police again. I feel so bad for him, and even play with the idea of offering my place to him. But after all, I am still getting to know him, so I just allow the thought to linger in the back of my head.

“I’m not going to get you in trouble hanging around here am I?” He asks me as he glances down at his watch and sees that it’s nearing five in the morning. I can’t believe we have spent the entire night talking.

“No, you’re fine. It’s actually been nice having someone to talk to, especially you. I must admit, it gets really lonely being here alone every night. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much studying done tonight, but I would much rather have you here to talk to than not.” I can’t hide the happiness he brings out in me.

A few minutes later, Sylvia walks in the front entrance. I can tell Brian feels uncomfortable being here now that my co-worker has shown up for work. I make introductions between them, then walk behind the counter and retrieve my keys from my purse.

“Brian, why don’t you go ahead and go to my apartment and get us some breakfast started. I’m going to help Sylvia for another hour, then head on home.” He looks surprised at my offer.

“Are you sure?” He asks me.

“Only if you are okay with it. I know it’s the weekend, but if you’ve already got plans today…” He can see I’m hesitant to say anything more.

“No, none at all.” He adds quickly. “So, I’ll see you in about an hour?”

I nod and then walk him to the door, hoping my excitement doesn’t show. He pulls me in for a hug before he walks out.

I pull up to one of the parking spots outside of Jennifer’s apartment. As I sit here reminiscing the events of last night and how well everything played out, a subtle smile comes across my face. I am so thankful Jennifer and I are headed back in the right direction again. I’ll be honest, I never anticipated meeting someone so soon in this new town, and actually getting involved in a relationship again so quickly after my sudden breakup with Macy. 

But, there is something about Jennifer that I’m attracted to. Not only is she sweet and considerate, we also had a lot of fun together last Saturday. When I bailed out on her Sunday morning, I hated it from the moment I left. I knew it was the wrong decision, and I thought about her all week long.

I get out of my car and head inside the apartment. Opening the door, I notice some of Jennifer’s books laid out on the coffee table. While I’m nervous being here alone, the apartment has such a welcome feeling to it. I open the curtain covering the sliding glass doors and allow the sunlight to penetrate the room. Hoping she won’t mind, I decide to take a shower and get cleaned up. I stopped several times this week at gas stations and washed myself from the sink. I don’t actually get all that dirty at work since I am using water all day washing cars, but there is nothing more refreshing than a nice, hot shower. I would give anything to be able to take daily showers again.

I step out of the shower and use the towel hanging on the back of the door to dry myself. I take a few minutes to shave and notice the brown pockets under my eyes. I definitely want to spend all day with Jennifer, but I could really use a nap after being up all day and all night. Thinking back though, I still wouldn’t trade a single moment of last night.

I quickly scan the contents of the kitchen cabinets hoping to find something I can prepare for breakfast. I’m not an expert in the kitchen, even though I did cook us a pretty good steak last weekend. I get the coffee started and settle on making us some blueberry muffins from one of those pouches that only needs milk. If we eat a light breakfast, maybe I can suggest taking her out for a nice lunch since I received my first paycheck yesterday. I know I need to see about opening up a bank account soon, so I make a mental note to see if maybe Jared will let me off early one day this upcoming week, since most banks are now closed on weekends. If I keep cash on me, I’ll be apt to spend it more freely. Hopefully, a bank account will make me more responsible with my money. In the meantime, I’m going to also have to get a post office box to establish a residence.

I hear a knock on the door and figure it’s Jennifer needing me to let her in since she gave me her key earlier. I open the door and see her standing there. “
Mmmmm
, something smells delicious.” She says as she walks in, taking her shoes off by the door.

About the same time, I hear the timer beeping on the oven. I check to see if our muffins are ready and sit them on top of the stove. I go ahead and fix both of us coffee, since I remember from last weekend how she likes hers, and place the muffins on a plate, making it easier to bring them in to the living room. Jennifer joins me in the room after changing out of her work clothes.

“Aww, you made my favorite. I love blueberry muffins.” As she tells me this, she walks over to the couch where I have everything set up in front of us and takes a seat next to me.

I look over at her and see the sparkle is back in her eyes once again. “Jennifer, I just want to tell you again how sorry I am for bailing out on you last weekend. The more I look back on it, I realize I was a complete jerk for leaving you without saying anything.”

“I know we weren’t planning on what happened between us but it shattered my heart thinking I had done something terribly wrong or that I was just that bad.”

I know this is a sensitive area with her so I am careful with what I say.

Taking a bite of her muffin, she looks over at me. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in a relationship with anyone, especially a serious one. I’m not exactly sure if you are ready for anything more, given your recent situation back home. I hope you do decide to stick around and make your home here, though.” She hesitates before continuing. “I would like to see where this takes us, but please don’t feel like I’m forcing anything on you.”

Wow, talk about throwing everything out in the open
. Being honest and vulnerable is really not my strong suit. I finish my cup of coffee and lean towards her, planting a light kiss to her cheek. “Thank you for allowing me into your life. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I believe we were put in each other’s lives for a purpose.”

She yawns, and I can tell by the look on her face that she is tired. “I’m sorry.” She says as covers her mouth. From what she told me earlier, she, too, didn’t sleep very well this past week. I clean up our plates and mugs, and then head back to the living room. I see she has decided to lie down on the couch.

“Mind if I join you?” I ask her.

“No, not at all. Will you grab another blanket from the hall closet?”

She allows me to crawl in behind her on the couch, and within minutes, we are both sound asleep. 

I wake up hours later to an empty couch. Not sure of the time or how long I’ve slept, I see the television is on but there is no sound coming from it. I get up and glance around the apartment. I hear running water coming from the direction of the bathroom and realize Jennifer must be taking a shower. I go into her bedroom and pull out from my bag the nicest pair of jeans and shirt I own. Looking down at the few clothes I have, I realize I really need to pick up a few extra things, especially since the weather is going to be changing very soon. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stop by the mall again this weekend and see if there are any sales. No, my paycheck is not burning a hole in my pocket, but I do need to think ahead for the coming months.

I am zipping up my pants as she walks into the bedroom. She is wearing a nice top and jeans as well. Her hair is still wet, but she has a fresh, clean look since she hasn’t had time to put on any makeup. 

“You decide to finally wake up?” She asks, smiling at me. “I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

“No, actually I probably needed to get up. I would hate to know I slept this beautiful day away. What do you say we get out of here and see what we can get into this afternoon?” I cross my fingers hoping she’s up for doing something together.

“Sure, I don’t have any plans. I’m not due back to work again until Monday night. So hun, I’m all yours.” She sounds excited to be spending time with me.

I reach over to her, pulling her into my arms. I look down into her brown eyes and our lips meet for a passionate and meaningful kiss. I don’t want to let her go, but I know she needs to finish getting ready if we are going to go anywhere.

“Go ahead and finish up, and I will wait for you in the living room.” I tell her, giving her some time alone.

A few minutes later, she walks into the room, and I can’t believe how pretty she looks with her hair straightened since I’m so used to seeing it pulled back in a ponytail. “You ready to get out of here?” She asks me.

“Damn, baby, you’re looking pretty good.” I wink at her, and she knows I’m definitely flirting with her. “Anything in particular you want to do this afternoon?”

“Yes. Come on, let’s go.” She grabs ahold of my arm, and I follow her out the door. 

We take her car, for obvious reasons. She hasn’t said very much about the condition of mine, but I know she prefers hers, as would anyone for that matter. I admit my car is somewhat embarrassing, but right now it’s getting me where I need to go. 

“Where are we headed?” I ask after we’ve been on the highway for about fifteen minutes.

“You’ll see.” She tells me, not eager to reveal our destination.

Minutes later, she pulls into a place that has miniature golf and what looks to be go-carts and an arcade. “You up for a game of putt-putt?” She asks me.

“Sure, you bet I am. It’s been years since I’ve played. How ‘bout I challenge you to a game?”

“You’re on buddy. Loser has to buy the winner ice cream. Deal?”

I look at her and grin. I lightly punch her on the arm, in a friendly way. “Deal.”

We take turns putting the ball into several of the holes lined up throughout the course. We are laughing and teasing each other, having a really good time. I don’t think I ever had this much fun with Macy. She was always so bossy, and everything had to be so perfect.

We get to the last hole with our scores tied. It’s all or nothing. I let her go first, and she makes it in with one shot. I know there is no way I can make it in one, but I’m willing to give it my best try. I take aim, and at the same time, she reaches over to tickle me. Naturally, I miss. She jumps up and down wrapping me in a hug.

“I beat you. I beat you.” She teases then puts her arm through mine as we walk back to return our putters.

“You so cheated. You know that’s not fair.” I tell her even though I would do it all over again, just to see that huge smile of hers.

“Hah. You just don’t like losing,” she teases.

“You just wait. I will get you back when you least expect it.”

We turn in our putters, and I walk over to the ticket booth to see about purchasing tickets for the go-carts. Instead of riding in the same cart together, I opt for each of us to drive separately. We both get buckled in, and she takes off without waiting for me. 

I catch up with her rather quickly, and we take turns passing and cutting the other off. After we have made several laps around the track, the attendant motions for our ride to be over. When we park our carts, I extend my hand out to help her out of the go-cart, and she doesn’t let go. Together, we walk towards the arcade holding hands. Kids of all ages are running around, having a blast. I stick a couple of bills into the money changer and pass some of the tokens to her. I’m not much into video games, but I’ve been known to rack up a pretty high score playing ski ball. She puts her tokens in the game beside mine, and we take turns aiming the ball up the ramp. I ring the middle hole several times while she barely makes her ball jump the bottom ring.