“I’m trying to be a little different.” I’ll shrug it off as me opening my mind and trying new things. “Anyway, the day comes and I show up at the Redbox. I’m nervous and scared and wondering if I made a mistake. I’m ready to leave when someone walks through the door.”
“Was it him?” Hannah slowly sits down in a chair, her eyes still glued to me.
“Yes. But you’ll never guess who it was.”
She ponders this for a moment before answering. “Justin Timberlake! No, Nick Jonas!” She knows she’ll never guess, so she’s rattling off the impossibilities. “Shawn Mendes!”
“I wish.” I stop her before she goes much further because I’ll never finish my story on time if I don’t. “No. It’s Ed.”
She curls her lip and keeps her attention on me, a blank look painted across her face. “Ed?”
“From the coffee shop!” How can she not remember this? “The guy who spilled all my coffee and made me late for work.”
It takes a second, but her aha moment comes. “No way! I don’t believe you.”
“Well believe it. I almost didn’t either, but he was standing right in front of me.”
“You lucked out. What if some sort of serial killer showed up, or even worse, that guy that almost hit you?”
I don’t know what I would have done had he shown up. I guess that’s one of the dangerous things that could have occurred from doing what I did. “He didn’t, so we won’t worry about that.” I’d rather not even think about it. Thinking now about how it could’ve been a possibility, a chill runs through me. “We went miniature golfing.”
“How very high school.”
“It was a Saturday afternoon. What were we supposed to do?”
“I don’t know, but not miniature golfing.”
Hannah may think our date wasn’t sexy enough, but we really got to know each other. That’s what matters. “Whatever. We had fun and were seeing each other again on Wednesday.”
“A second date already? He must really be into you.”
I hope so because I’m into him. Just thinking about him increases my heart rate and I need to catch my breath. “He’s taking me on a nature walk in some park.”
“That doesn’t sound like much fun to me. Too many bugs.” She shivers as though ants are crawling up her skin.
“That’s why they invented bug spray.”
“The scent will go great with your Katy Perry perfume.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Ed’s a nice guy. He’s sweet, successful, and doesn’t play around.”
“Forget all this romance stuff. Give me a guy I can take to bed.”
Oh, Hannah. Six months ago she wouldn’t have reacted like this. Of course six months ago she was still in love with her ex and they even discussed marriage. Still, I shouldn’t feel bad that I’m having luck in love.
I mean, it’s about time something went right for me.
Chapter Six
Wednesday takes forever to arrive. Well, in reality, only another two days, but I can’t get Ed out of my mind which makes the hours drag. The café is opened until two on Wednesdays so I don’t need to wait long to see him. I pass the morning cleaning the apartment. Now’s a good time as any to lift up and dust underneath everything and wash the rugs. I listen to the Happy Hits in Spotify, dancing as I clean. I might as well burn off a few calories while I work.
Today we meet in the parking lot of Perc Me Up, which I think is our official spot to meet. Parking lots. The café has a parking section in the back of the strip mall. It’s great for when the spots in front are all taken. It’s supposed to rain later tonight, but the sun is shining now, a reflection of my attitude in every way. I exit the car, the warmer air hitting my face and the birds chirping around me. Today is a beautiful day.
My grin washes from my face when Ed steps out of the café and offers me a greeting in the form of tight lips and a failed smile.
“Long day?” Please don’t cancel our date. I’m here and I’ve been thinking about you for the past few days.
Even the way he scratches his beard is sexy, from the cocked head to the final scratch he gives it before removing his hand. “Yeah. I’ve been having a lot of those lately and foresee more in the future.” The twitch in his eye concerns me.
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“Nah. Let’s get to the park.” He opens his car door and motions for me to get in. “This is what’s gotten me through the day.”
His face softens and a smile peeks out when he says this. I’m the reason he made it through the day. Me. “Well, if you change your mind, I’m here.” I get in the car and he shuts the door for me. I hope he’ll confide in me soon. I’m a great listener. “Where are you taking me?”
“Pike Lake. Have you ever hiked any of the trails there?”
Should I tell him I’ve never even been on a nature hike? “No. I’m not even familiar with the park.”
“It’s a state park. I go all the time. When I have time, anyway.”
I’m sure owning his own business is time-consuming. Most of his time is spent at Perc Me Up so getting out is a luxury. The fact he’s out with me during a time he could be with friends or family makes me happy. I’m honored he wants to be with me during these moments.
When we arrive about twenty minutes later I recognize the place. “I never realized this was a state park. I used to drive past here to visit my grandmother.” My favorite time was always in the fall. The leaves were a mix of orange and gold and it took my breath away. Right now the trees are in full bloom, their greenery capping the trails, leaving no space to be seen.
“Does she live around here?”
“She lived further north. She passed away last year.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Whitney.” His voice is sincere. I pause for a moment as I remember her, suddenly missing her more than I have in a while. I’m relieved when he opens his door, breaking me from the thought putting a hold on me.
“The trail begins over here.” He leads me through an entryway of trees that opens up to a small field of flowers.
“Wow.” I can’t believe how much this reminds me of her again. It’s as though someone took my grandmother’s house and transported it to this park. “My grandma’s house backed up to a field of wildflowers. A small pond was hidden within the field and I’d go there to think sometimes.” One day I hope to make the property mine. My mom and dad inherited it and my plan is to buy it in a few years.
“This is a pretty open area. We start the hike here but in about a half a mile we’ll meet the woods and be deep in them.”
The sun beats down on us, and I’ll welcome the shade when we get to the wooded area. I hope I’m dressed appropriately in my capris (the one pair that don’t look like jeans on me) and my short-sleeve shirt. The temps have been hovering in the low to mid seventies, and I’m taking advantage while I can.
We hike that first half mile in silence. I don’t mind—I’m taking in the aroma of the flowers surrounding us and swatting at the flies and mosquitoes. They’re annoying, but if it means I’m here with Ed, I consider them part of the package.
Once we enter the woods, the sun disappears. It’s almost as if we went from day to night and the temperature drop is significant without the rays of the sun directly upon us.
Some of the leaves have fallen off the trees, no doubt from storms that have passed through. They crunch beneath our feet, and squirrels scurry in the bushes. “How far are we going?”
“Tired already? We’re only about a mile in.” He taps me on the shoulder.
I don’t want him to think I’m completely out of shape. Sometimes I run (okay, jog), or I lift weights (five bags of groceries hanging from my arms at one time), and I eat fairly healthy (I buy the light whipped topping). I don’t want him to imagine me as someone who can’t be comfortable in nature or on a long walk. “Not at all. I’m curious if there’s a particular spot we’re going or if we’re just walking to walk.”
“Th
ere’s a spot I like to go to when I need time to think, clear my head. We’re headed there.”
I pull back a smile. He’s taking me somewhere special to him. We’ve been on one date and he wants to show me something so dear to him.
“Are you chilly?”
I hadn’t noticed I was hugging myself. “No, I’m fine.” I’m not cold at all. I think my shivers are apprehension and anticipation. “Where is this place?”
“I think we have about another mile to go. At the end of the trail there’s a tower that overlooks the lake.”
“A tower?” A branch hits me on the head. I thought I was short enough to avoid that, but apparently not. “How high is it?”
“Fifty-five feet. The view is incredible—a panoramic view of Pike Lake.”
“Oh.” I halt and Ed moves forward a few steps before realizing I’m not right behind him.
He steps back to me. “Are you afraid of heights?”
I don’t have a phobia or anything, but they’re not my favorite thing in the world. Standing on a tower with the possibility of plummeting to my death? Um, no. “A little. I wouldn’t call it scared, but I’m not first in line to ride the Skyglider at the State Fair.” Or the last. I hate that thing. Sure, viewing all the fair attendees way up from the sky may be fun for some people, but for me it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.” Our eyes don’t break from contact for a few moments until voices catch our attention from behind us. A woman and her child speed past us and take the trail in a different direction than Ed pointed we’re going.
The moment was perfect for a kiss if it weren’t for the people who walked past us. Maybe another time. I hope another time. We continue to the tower, stopping along the way to admire some of the trees, flowers, and wildlife running through the trails. So much beauty lies within the acreage of this park, and I’m blessed Ed has brought me here. We turn a corner and in view is a sign with the words “Observation Tower.”
We’re here.
The tower is overwhelming, stairs upon stairs upon stairs, the white wood worn. “Are you sure about this?” We reach the first step. “This doesn’t seem very safe to me.”
He’s behind me, his breath hot against my neck. I’m thankful I put my hair up today or I may have missed this moment. “It’s intimidating, I know. There’s steps, though, and a railing. Don’t look down and you’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine. I won’t have an anxiety attack or anything.” At least I don’t think so, and I’m kind of acting like I will. “Let’s do this.” I forge in front of him and he has to catch up.
“All right, then. After you!”
We start up the tower and the first few flights aren’t so bad. We’re about ten flights up when I’m afraid vertigo may set in. The steps circle all the way to the top and we’re moving up them quickly. I fall back a little to avoid the dizziness. He takes the hint and slows down as well.
“Are we almost there?”
“You sound like my nephew.” Ed turns and widens his eyes. “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” His voice changes from this sexy man whose butt I’ve been scoping the entire trek to a kid. I can’t help laughing, though, because I know he’s right.
“Hey, I’m only asking so I can prepare myself here. This is pretty steep.” I regret the decision to peer over the edge. The people standing at the bottom look much too tiny. I wouldn’t say ants, but maybe bear cubs.
“We have about four more flights of stairs. Can you handle it?”
I feel like Cindy Mancini in Can’t Buy Me Love when Ronnie Miller asked her if she can scale the wall into the airplane graveyard. “Of course I can do it.” If I tell myself I can, I can, right?
My stomach does a few flips, but I do my best to ignore it as I continue on our journey to the top. My legs are heavy and each step proves a little more difficult. Once we reach the top, I can rest. Going down won’t be as bad. Besides, as I make my way up the steps I can admire Ed’s strong legs. This makes it a tad easier to handle.
My heart is about to beat out of my chest, and I’m reaching the point of exhaustion when we finally reach the top of the tower. I can’t believe I reached the top.
I did it. Me.
I hold in my tears of excitement as Ed moves forward to the railing. “Careful!” I shout as he leans forward. I’m sure the fencing is stable enough, but I’m afraid he’s moments from doing a flip and hitting the ground. That’s how my mind works. And it’s my luck.
“I’ll be fine.” He reaches his hand toward me. “Come join me, won’t you?”
My body flutters as I grab onto his hand. This is the first time I’m touching his skin, and it’s so soft. He tightens his grip and leads me to the railing, being careful to keep a firm hold. He understands how frightened I am but wants to help me through it like he did at the club.
The view is nothing short of spectacular. We can see the entire shoreline of the lake tracing the area. Ripples form in the water where fish swim. “This is beautiful.”
“I come up here to think. Sometimes there’s a lot of people up here, so I just hang out in the corner until they’re gone. It’s peaceful.” His thumb grazes my palm. “What do you do to get some peace and quiet and think?”
“I’ll never complain about a day at the spa, but when I need to destress, I stop off at the Humane Society and visit with all the dogs.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. You should try it sometime. Is there anything better in the world than petting dogs and giving belly rubs?”
Ed pauses and stares beyond into the view and then turns to me. He lets go of my hand, and I sigh inside, until he puts his hands on either side of my neck and pulls me in, kissing me. His lips are warm against mine and his mustache tickles right under my nose. I catch my breath when he breaks long enough to open his mouth and slide his tongue in. I touch the fence with my hand to make sure I don’t fall off.
His hands slide down my arms and he interlaces his fingers with mine. “I can think of a few things.” I close my eyes as he kisses my forehead. “One.” Then my cheek. “Two.” Our lips touch again, and I’m almost floating on air, only my tip toes grazing the ground. When we part, he whispers, “Three.”
Chapter Seven
I can’t believe he kissed me. He kissed me! Gosh, after that kiss it feels like it’s been forever since it last happened. In all reality, my last kiss was about seven months ago, but with a kiss like Ed planted on me, it might as well have been forever. I got it all—the weak knees, the tingling everywhere, the out-of-body experience looking down on him doing it. He’s warm, gentle, and utterly amazing. And I can’t wait to do it again.
I’m sad the date is over, but I have a long day of work ahead of me tomorrow so coming home to soak in the bathtub is the perfect way to relax prior to that. The bubbles cover my entire body, my head rests on a bath pillow, and even though it’s just me in the tub (how nice it would be to have Ed here), candles are lit (lavender, of course) and soft music is playing. I keep replaying the kiss in my mind and waiting for the next time he can kiss me again. Or more than kiss me.
We didn’t set up another date yet. I’m a little sad about that. Obviously he’s interested in me or he wouldn’t have kissed me. I wish he had indicated if he wanted to go out again. I like to know what’s coming. These romantic moments, though, shouldn’t be planned. If they are, then they aren’t passionate, and Ed can’t sweep me off my feet. Here I am daydreaming again. Tomorrow I have three consultations scheduled and inventory begins. That, combined with overtime, should help keep my mind off him. But it’s time with Ed that will get me through the day.
I finish up in the bath and blow-dry my hair. It takes so long to dry. I pull at the ends, stretching them and scrutinizing the split ends. No. My hair has always been long. I’m not ready for that sort of change. Luckily when I soak in the tub, the ends only tend to get wet so it doesn’t take too long. After a shower in the morning, well, t
hat’s another story. I’ll schedule an appointment for a trim to get rid of the damaged hair.
I flip through the latest issue of Fetch sitting in my big pile of mail. The pictures of the pooches are so adorable and make me wish I had a dog. At least on these nights I feel so alone, I would have someone with me. Though my apartment building allows dogs, an animal is a commitment for many years. Not to mention it would require rearranging the apartment. I like everything where it is. And I’d have to take him or her to obedience classes so I could eliminated a crate. No dog of mine will be locked in a crate, but at the same time, I don’t need a puppy destroying my furniture.
I can’t concentrate, finding myself thinking about Ed so much. Is it okay if I text him? I could call, but if I do that I’m forced to think of things to talk about on the spot. At least if I text I can think over what I’m going to say. I pull out my phone and send a quick message telling him I had fun. I stare at my phone for at least a full minute before tossing it aside on the bed next to me. He isn’t going to text back. Darn it. I stuff my face into my pillow and scream. Finally. A decent guy—an older guy—and he’s non-responsive. Am I bad kisser? Great. I used too much tongue. Or not enough. Shoot, I don’t know. Why is dating so difficult?
My phone dings. I jump up trying to remember where I tossed it. It was on the bed next to me. I scratch through the sheets, tossing them aside. Where is it? I must know what he said! I whip a sheet over and my phone goes flying off the bed and crashes onto the floor. When I pick it up there is a huge crack through the screen. Spectacular. I unlock it and there’s a message there waiting from Ed.
I had a great time, too.
Lipstick & Lattes Page 6