Fugly: Book One of the Fenley East Series

by Talie D. Hawkins

  “Tru, so lovely to see you again,” my mom declared as she hugged him. He shook my dad’s hand and we left him to his game on the t.v..

  “Can I help with anything?” he asked. This earned huge brownie points with my mom.

  “You’re our guest. Please, sit down. We’re keeping things casual tonight.” She had set some place settings at the kitchen island and had a bowl of tortilla chips and different salsas sitting out to nibble on. “Help yourself if you’re hungry, or would you like to wash up? I know being on a plane can be so exhausting.”

  “Actually, that would be nice,” he said.

  “Fen, show him where.”

  I walked him to the guest bathroom in the hallway and I saw him check back and forth to see if we were alone before he kissed me again, this time taking me completely by surprise. I had to hold back a giggle.

  “I’ll be right out,” he said before sneaking another kiss. I went back to the kitchen to help my mom with dinner.

  “Is Hunter joining us too, or Monique?” she asked.

  “Oh, no. We might meet up with Monique sometime this week though.” My mom stopped what she was doing because she could always read me better than anyone.

  “Did something happen with you and Hunter?”

  “No. Everything is fine,” I lied. I turned around and saw Tru standing in the doorway and from the look in his face he had heard everything and wasn’t buying my lie.

  “So, what really happened with you and Hunter?” he asked as I rested my head on his shoulder as we rocked back and forth on my porch swing after dinner.

  I groaned before I answered. “Just a stupid disagreement. I was probably more of a bitch than I needed to be. It’ll sort out.”

  “Do you want it to sort out?” he asked. I sat up straight and looked at him.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Maybe he’s part of this past you are trying to leave behind.”

  “It’s not that simple,” I said as I considered a life with no Hunter in it.

  “Obviously I don’t know the whole story or the whole history.”

  “It’s not something I plan on boring you with right now,” I said, hoping he would take my hint to drop it.

  “Then let’s talk about something else...or not talk at all,” he whispered as he leaned in to kiss me. I forgot who I was and where I was until I heard the sound of a car engine as it passed by. I pulled away and sat up quickly.

  “Wow, it would be really easy to get into a lot of trouble with you,” I said as I straightened myself up.

  “Right. I sort of lost myself for a second. Sorry. I should probably get some sleep and so should you. I plan on being here to get you as soon as the sun comes up.”

  “A moment later and I’ll send out a search party.”

  “Understood,” I said, just before he kissed me goodnight.

  I was up before the sun the next day and it left me with time to think about Tru’s comments from the night before. I wondered if my relationship with Hunter bothered him and how I would feel if the tables were turned. I admitted to myself that I would have a hard time and decided I should probably clarify things to Tru to make sure he really understood nothing was going on between Hunter and me.

  “I hope you are ready for a total day of adventure, after an obscene breakfast,” he said as he opened the passenger side door for me.

  “I should be planning the adventures since I’m from here, but let’s see what you have,” I said as I got in.

  “Oh, I think I did pretty well. I looked up the best pancakes in town to start.”

  “And where did Yelp tell you to go?”

  “Something called ‘Big Breakfast’. It sounds promising.”

  “Okay, so far so good.”

  27.

  “Okay, what’s next?” I asked as we worked our way through the massive stacks of pancakes we ordered.

  “Apparently your city has a desert themed botanical garden, so I need to see it. How am I doing with the planning so far?”

  “Really well. That would definitely be on my list of things to see, but can you let me plan an off the beaten path day this week?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “Tru, before we go, there is something I’d like to talk about,” I said, forcing the words out of my mouth as I swirled my fork around my almost empty plate.

  “Okay, what’s on your mind?” He leaned back and got comfortable on his side of the booth.

  “Hunter.”

  “Hunter is on your mind? How am I supposed to feel about that?”

  “That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. It felt weird when we talked about him last night and I just want to make sure you know there is nothing between us.”

  “I do know.”

  “And you’re okay with him? I honestly asked myself how I would feel if the tables were turned and I’m not sure I would pass the cool girlfriend test.” Tru sighed a heavy sigh and shrugged his shoulders.

  “Yes, I guess? I need to be honest. I’m a tad bit jealous. I don’t even think it’s because of who he is. I’m kind of jealous of anyone who gets to spend time with you.” He reached across the table and took my hand. “I trust you. I might act stupid about it sometimes, but I trust you.”

  “Thank you,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Enough of that. We should get to that botanical garden.”

  I rested my head on Tru’s shoulder as we strolled through the garden. It was peaceful and somewhat empty, so we had the grounds to ourselves mostly. We found a bench near the koi pond and sat down.

  “Fall is very different here. Back in the city I would need my parka.”

  “Yeah, fall through spring make up for the horribly hot summer.”

  “It’s pretty perfect. Actually, everything is perfect. The sun is out, the sky is blue, I have my girl. What else could I ask for?” My heart fluttered a little when he called me his girl. He tilted my chin up and leaned in, brushing his lips lightly against mine, sending shivers through my entire body.

  “Tru,” I whispered against his lips. That was all it took for him to put his hand behind my head and press his lips into mine. I gripped the front of his shirt as I tried to keep up, but we both pulled away in a hurry when we heard footsteps on the gravel. I did my best to compose myself and I could see Tru was doing the same.

  “Ready for what’s next?” he asked as he caught his breath. I nodded yes. “A walk along the lake.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  The sun was starting to set as we walked along the waterfront and I tried not to focus on the fact that we were almost done with his first full day in town. Each time we had been together there had always been a countdown in the back of my mind.

  “Are you still considering NYU after graduation?”

  “I am. It’s weird to think about leaving, but I think it will be for the best,” I said.

  “Well, I may be a little biased, but I would love to have you close like all the time.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  “We’ll need to get you a real coat though. I’m not sure if your thin blood will acclimate to the freezing winters.”

  “Maybe you can just keep me warm,” I whispered as I stood on tip-toe and kissed him.

  “Mmm,” he said into my lips. “Now there’s an idea.”

  My night was full of dreamy thoughts of Tru and I tried to picture myself as a full time resident of New York. I pictured us browsing though the bookstore together or flipping through vinyl on the weekends and tasting every french fry the city had to offer. I turned on my side, pulling my pillow in close, and I caught sight of a cartoon poster that Hunter and I had picked up on one of our many trips to the comic book store. I wondered if he was still mad and thought about calling him, but it could wait until fall break was over. I had caused him enough trouble and he probably needed time away from me.

  The next morning it was my turn to show Tru around town. I was excited to experience some of my favorite local places with him at my s
ide. He was at my house bright and early.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive?” he asked as we got in my car.

  “Are you nervous about my driving?” I teased.

  “Not at all. You’re probably way better at it since you do it a lot more. Please tell me breakfast is first.”

  “It is.”

  I drove him to my favorite spot for food, which was a little unconventional, but he seemed excited as soon as he saw where we were.

  “Food trucks! Yes!”

  “So, you approve?”

  He jumped out of my car and ran around to open the door for me, then we found the waffle truck and ordered.

  “This is just like our cofftea dates. Just think of how many of those we could have if you lived in the city. By the way, there is a chill in the air and you’re drinking iced tea.”

  “I am,” I agreed with a smirk. Tru took the last bite of his waffle and wiped his hands.

  “Next on the agenda?”

  “Well, we are going to walk over to that store,” I pointed at the record store across from where the food trucks were parked.

  “Fantastic!”

  I got lost in my own head as I browsed through bin after bin of vinyl. Tru was off looking in a section of new wave records as I took my time in the imports section. I momentarily forgot where I was and who I was with until I looked up and saw the back of Tru. He towered over the bins in his black jeans and cardigan and I had to remind myself that he was here with me.

  “Find anything, Fen?” he asked, not turning around as he continued to look.

  “A few things. What about you?”

  “There are a couple of soundtracks I can’t live without.” He tucked them under his arms and walked over to me. “Know what else I can’t live without?” He asked as he stood over me.

  “What?” I whispered. His only response was to lean down and kiss me before he pulled away and took his records to the cashier.

  “Will this be all?” the cashier asked.

  “And whatever the lady has,” True said.

  “No, I can take care of these. You just get yours,” I insisted, but Tru turned around and took my records from me, paying for them with his. “Thank you,” I mumbled.

  We spent the rest of the day at some of my favorite local haunts and I loved showing him the places I would spend time at when he wasn’t around. The idea of it made our distance seem a little smaller. When it was dinner time I took him to my favorite taco stand that was basically just a truck in a random parking lot with cheap plastic tables and chairs set up.

  “Trust me, it’s completely safe to eat and you will thank me for it,” I said as I took a bite of my carne asada taco.

  “I trust you and I already love it.” He took a bite of his carnitas taco and his face lit up. “Holy shit. I have died and gone to heaven.” We ate our beans and rice with flimsy plastic utensils that almost didn’t hold the weight of the food, but it forced us to take our time. “I could go on adventures like this with you every day.”

  “I’m sure there are more adventures to be had back in the city,” I said between bites.

  “I don’t know.” He wiped his face and sat back a little. “There is a whole hidden world here. I only knew the Arizona stereotypes. I thought everyone here was a cowboy. Little did I know you had some of the best book stores and coffee shops that I have ever been to.”

  “Yeah. It’s sort of hidden, but the right people know where to look.” We finished out the night at the top of the mountain with all the city lights twinkling below. The mental countdown continued and I tried not to dwell on the fact that we only had one more full day together. I snuggled against his chest in the back seat as we looked out of the window. He lazily played with my hair and I was entranced by the sound of his heartbeat. I wanted things to stay this way forever and I did my best to live in the moment.

  “Fen,” he whispered. I tilted my head up to look at him and instead of speaking he kissed me, catching me off guard. My breath caught and I moaned against his lips and that only encouraged him to kiss me harder. His hand pushed at the back of my head and tangled into my hair as his lips relentlessly took over mine. His other hand played at the small of my back, nudging its way under the hem of my tee shirt and the feel of his hands on my skin sent shivers through me.

  I was lost. Completely lost in him and just when I thought there was no turning back I pulled back and tried to catch my breath.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, still in a haze.

  “I’m sorry, I need to slow down,” I said as I sat up. He caught his breath and sat up with me.

  “Okay. Sure. It’s getting late anyway.” I looked at the time and he was right. I still had a curfew and I was cutting it close. We got back in the front seat and drove home in silence. I wondered if I had disappointed him by stopping, but I was too nervous to bring it up. The fact that he hadn’t said a word wasn’t helping. I pulled into my driveway and before he got out I stopped him.

  “Is everything okay?” I blurted out.

  “Everything is fine. I think I’m feeling the time difference. It’s like 2:00 am back home.”

  “Oh, right.” I forced myself to take him at his word. We got out and he hugged me goodnight before he left and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different.

  28.

  “How was your day with Tru?” my mom asked from the sink where she was doing dishes.

  “Pretty good. We walked a lot so I’m pretty tired.” I grabbed a glass of water and leaned against the island.

  “You just missed Hunter.”

  “He was here?” I asked, wishing I hadn’t sounded so surprised.

  “Yes, I had him get a few things out of the shed because I hate going in there. Spiders.”

  “Oh, is dad out?”

  “Yes. Conference call overseas.”

  “Gotcha. Well, I’m off to bed.” I kissed my mom’s cheek and went to my room where the day caught up to me. Thankfully there was a text from Monique asking if Tru and I wanted to go to breakfast. I sent him a message and he agreed with one condition. He insisted he make dinner for me so we could enjoy a quiet night in. I smiled as I looked at his words. Everything felt right again.

  We met Monique the next morning and she had a difficult time controlling her enthusiasm. It was hard to be as perky as her so early in the morning, but my cup of hot tea was helping.

  “I will have an egg white omelette, a side of avocado, and multigrain toast,” she said after studying the menu for what felt like an eternity.

  “Two stacks of pancakes for us,” Tru said, handing our server the menus. We both looked at Monique when she let out a squeak like sound.

  “That’s so sweet. He ordered for you. So, what is it like living full time in New York?” she asked as she sipped her juice. “Is it as busy as television makes it seem?”

  “Well, you seem like a pretty cosmopolitan person. Surely, you have been to the city before.” His flattery was getting him everywhere.

  “I have,” she admitted. “I spent three weeks there just before freshman year in a journalism camp, but I’m sure I couldn’t compare that to living there or being from there.”

  “It is busy, but there is a rhythm in all of that movement. It might seem like chaos to the untrained eye, but everything has a flow.”

  “Wow,” she whispered. She was hanging on Tru’s every word and I had to smirk at how easily he had won her over. I wondered if this is what I seemed like when I first ran into him that day at the bookstore.

  “Well, she is a delight,” Tru said after we parted ways with Monique. “How did you two ever become friends?”

  “Well, I didn’t really have a say. One day she was just...there.”

  “Interesting.”

  We spent the rest of our day outside in the sunshine because Tru had checked the weather back home and there was a threat of snow. After we had done just about everything we could do outside, he insisted on cooking dinner.

&n
bsp; “I was supposed to help my dad’s client use up all of the food in the house or it goes to waste and I saw some fresh pasta and all the ingredients for marinara,” he said as we drove to the townhouse he had been staying in.

  “Sounds perfect and I’ll be happy to help.”

  I entered the foyer and couldn’t make my feet move when I saw the elegant view in front of me. It was easy to forget that there were such luxurious homes in Phoenix. I felt like I had stepped into a show room for a high end furniture store. There was velvet, geometrical shapes, and glass everywhere the eye could see. I felt like I was intruding as I stepped all the way in.

  “The kitchen is this way,” he said, motioning for me to follow him. We got to work chopping veggies and putting pots on the stove to simmer and boil and soon it started to smell amazing. Tru snuck up behind me as I diced tomatoes and wrapped his arms around my waist. I got goosebumps as his lips grazed my exposed neck. “I could see this being us. You and me in our own kitchen cooking together, talking at the table…doing other things,” he whispered as he kissed my jaw.

  “You’ll make me cut myself if you keep distracting me,” I said with a shaky voice. He backed up a little and laughed as he got back to work. I started clearing the table once we were done eating, but Tru put his hand over mine and stopped me. “This house comes with a cleaning staff, so you get to do the fun stuff and none of the boring stuff.”

  “Wow, must be nice.”

  “We should watch a movie. They have dozens to choose from.” He walked me over to the couch and dimmed the lights then we scrolled through a few titles and finally settled on an Italian black and white zombie movie. I started to get interested in the movie, but Tru wasn’t paying much attention. I felt his breath on my neck first then his lips started to graze the sensitive flesh just under my ear. I closed my eyes for a moment and enjoyed the feeling before he turned my head in his direction and kissed me, softly at first then harder as he nudged me backwards onto my back. His kisses grew more urgent and his fingers interlocked with mine as he pushed my hands above my head. I could feel myself getting completely lost again as he moved between my neck and my lips.