Play Me_A Standalone Romance

by Cary Hart

  Score!

  Each and every day ends up being better than the last and today

  feels great!

  I’m not sure why I’m nervous. It’s only coffee or in my case tea, but still. It’s a couple hours of conversation and talking to Lee is easy.

  So, why so nervous?

  “Who are you?” A girl walks in wearing a little too much makeup and a dress that is a tad too short and way too tight.

  “Hi!” I hold out my hand. “I’m Ellie. We haven’t met yet.”

  Ignoring my hand, she puts her personal items in her locker then walks over to the mirror to check her lipstick. “You work dayshift?” She looks at me through the reflection.

  “Yeah, I’m just waiting around for Jake.”

  “Jake?” She spins around.

  “What’s up?” Jake rounds the corner with helmet in hand.

  “Ellie here was just explaining that she was waiting for you.” She shoots him a look.

  “Dammit.” He sets his helmet down and slides his sling pack off over his head, pulling his dress shirt tight, every lean inch of muscle on full display. I knew Jake was hot, but I wasn’t sure how fit he was until now. “Ellie, I forgot to bring the car. It was a nice day when I stepped out, so I decided to ride.”

  “Oh.” I’m sure my disappointment shows. “It’s okay, I can walk.”

  “Chloe? Can Ellie take your car for a couple hours? She has to be back tonight to perform so she won’t be gone long.” Jake sets his helmet down and heads to the restroom tucked away in the corner.

  “No,” she blurts.

  My eyes widen in surprise and Jake peeks his head out. “No?” he asks.

  “I just had it detailed. Sorry, Ellie.” Chloe turns and walks out, leaving Jake and I standing here wondering what the hell just happened.

  “I’m sorry, Ellie. Can you wait until tomorrow and I’ll just let you

  borrow my car for a couple days till you figure out your situation?” he says as he runs his hands through his hair, securing every wild hair back in place.

  “Thanks Jake, but I don’t want to put you out.” I lean against the lockers. “Rain will be able to help out tomorrow.”

  “It’s really not a problem.” He straightens his tie.

  “Let’s just see what tomorrow brings.” I force a smile. Not because I’m not thankful, because I am. His generosity is genuine and refreshing, but now I have to figure out how I’m going to get to Java Talk so Lee isn’t left sitting there, stood up.

  “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He flashes his sexy smirk. “My number, it’s posted over there.” He points to the bulletin board. “And feel free to use any of the phones.”

  “Sounds good. Thank you.” I push off the lockers and head toward the door. “I better get going. See you tonight.”

  There are a couple of things I can do right now. I could use one of the phones and call Java Talk and pass along the message once he gets there or I can head out on foot and hope when it’s time to leave, he will bring me back.

  My feet don’t give me time to make the rational decision. I find myself pushing open the back door and pounding the pavement. Mentally, I calculate how long it will take me to get there. Normally, I would punch this info into my GPS, but since I’m at a technical disadvantage, I have no choice but to math.

  Fifteen minutes via car. That’s with stoplights and traffic. So, by hoofing it on foot, that’s what? Maybe double the time? Maybe less if I

  speed-walk? I got this.

  Lee, don’t leave…again.

  Chapter Nine

  Lee

  After two cups of coffee, a brownie and a glass of water, I finally accepted Ellie wasn’t coming. She stood me up.

  Do I blame her? No. I was the one who ran out on her without explanation. Am I surprised? Yes. Ellie seemed like she was excited about this. So, if that is the case, then why am I spending my Friday evening pushing a shopping cart around the grocery store?

  I’m twenty-four and this is my life, working and taking care of the one person who devoted their time to taking care of me. It’s the circle of life and now I’m doing my part. I have to. I promised my grandfather I would always watch over Grans.

  But for how long?

  I’m mentally and physically drained and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. If I were to be honest with myself, there are days where I want to run away from here. Leave all my burdens and start over.

  Is that who I am?

  That’s what she would do. Am I just like her? Always looking for

  the next big thing? Starting over when things don’t work out according

  to plan?

  She left.

  She left.

  She left.

  You don’t leave.

  I’m not her.

  I’m not. I would never leave my family when they needed me the most. Grans didn’t ask for this, just like she didn’t ask to raise another child, but she did, and she did it because she loves me. Sometimes, your plans are put on hold for the ones you care about and right now, mine are on pause.

  My life, in this moment, is for her. My time, unpredictable. My promises, all used up. That’s why I don’t do relationships. One-nights are all I can handle.

  Why her?

  That’s the question I have been asking myself since I saw her this afternoon. Why her? Is it because Kyle made me think I could possibly have a new beginning?

  I left there on a high, thinking the possibilities were endless. With a promotion in the works and a date with Ellie, I felt like I could take on the world. Today was a good day. Until it came tumbling down.

  Katie called me as soon as I left Spotlight. Grans was outside wandering around, confused. She wouldn’t let anyone help her and the more neighbors that got involved, the worse it became.

  I had a plan in place, people to take care of her. The house is safety-proofed. I’d taken out the stove while I worked on the damage, leaving her with only cold cuts or microwavable food. I took precautions, removing everything from the house that could hurt her.

  A flawless plan—or so I thought. It wasn’t designed to save Grans from herself.

  I was almost there. Then Katie called me back. She was able to coerce Grans inside and calm her down. She reassured me that she had everything under control, but it’s Grans. I had to check on her. Then she said the words I never thought I would hear. “Lee, with you here, I’m afraid it will make it worse.”

  Worse?

  How in the world can I make it worse? I make things better. I’m the one who takes care of her. I’m the one who calms her down. I’m the one who made those promises and if I can’t even keep them, then who am I?

  A failure.

  Why did I ask Ellie to coffee? I don’t have time for this. She is in a profession where leaving is a guarantee and me…well, my life prevents me from chasing.

  But I went anyway.

  She didn’t show.

  So, I left.

  And now I’m here.

  I’m stocking up on a few items that Grans can fix herself, helping her in the only way I know how at this moment. She isn’t a burden.

  She’s my family.

  “Presley, I can’t live like this,” Grans complains on the other end.

  “When are you going to have my kitchen put back together? I need more than microwavable soup and sandwiches.”

  “Grans—”

  “No, Presley. It’s like I’m living the college life without all the drunken nights and unprotected sex.”

  “Grans!” I shout, causing everyone in the aisle to turn my way. “Sorry,” I mouth.

  “Well, it’s true. The only thing I’m missing is that noodle stuff, but wait, you have to boil water for that and you know what it takes to boil water, Presley?” Grans asks, waiting for my answer, laying it on thick to make her point.

  “A stove?” I smile at our banter. Just a couple hours ago, Katie wasn’t sure Grans would know who I was, a
nd now she’s giving me what for. But what she doesn’t realize is I’m taking my sweet time on purpose, because I’m not sure how to explain to the woman who used to cook all my meals that I’m afraid for her to do something as easy as boil water.

  “That’s right. A stove,” Grans confirms, and continues needling me.

  Taking it all in, I go up and down each aisle, filling my cart with Grans’ safe foods. Then I catch someone out of the corner of my eye.

  Is that?

  “Grans, I have to go,” I say in a hushed voice as I park my cart. Stalker mode: on.

  Ellie.

  I nonchalantly work my way over to the magazine stand and by

  nonchalantly, I mean I take off full speed so she won’t see me. I slide

  into my destination and reach for the first magazine that I see.

  “Nice.”

  “What?” I glance over to the young pimple-faced kid standing next to me. He’s flipping through the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

  That out already? Shaking off my thoughts, I try to zone in on my target.

  “Page thirty-two has a nice spread. I mean, for a women’s fitness magazine.”

  “Huh?” I flip the magazine I’m holding around to see what he’s talking about. Damn. The current issue of Shape.

  “But its hotness factor doesn’t even touch this. In this, if you look really close, you can see through her swimsuit.” The kid flips through the pages trying to find the one he wants to show me. “See. You can see her—”

  “Kenny? I told you to get a gallon of milk.” A woman comes speeding down the aisle with a cart full of groceries.

  “Oh boy!” The kid, who I’m willing to bet is Kenny, turns to me. “Ready for a show?”

  “Oh my God. Put that porn down!” She yanks the magazine from poor Kenny’s hands. “Do you know what will happen to you if you

  look at those things?” she scolds before putting it back on the shelf. I let out a small snicker, which grabs her attention. “You will grow up to be JUST. LIKE. HIM.” Kenny’s mom jabs her finger in my direction and continues, “You should be ashamed of yourself.” She yanks poor Kenny by the arm and I’m left wondering what I was doing in the first place.

  Ellie!

  Thanks to Kenny, I decide that hiding out only gets you into trouble. So, I put the magazine back where I got it and start to slide my phone into my front pocket when I see Grans’ face pop up.

  I slide the phone alive to see what she wants. “Yes, Grans?”

  “Katie just informed me I’m almost out of those pads. Can you pick me up some? But don’t get those diaper ones. I’m not that old and my bladder isn’t that bad. I just need those thin things that stick in your drawers. Katie knows what I’m talking about.” I hear her pull the phone away and yell, “Katie! Can you tell Presley what kind of pads those are?”

  “Grans.” I try to grab her attention. I’m back at my cart now and if I’m going to pull this off, I need to get off the phone with her. “Grans, I’ll get your pads.”

  A woman snickers besides me.

  Great. Just great.

  I cup my hand around the phone and raise my voice a little louder. “Grans, I don’t need to talk to Katie.”

  “Well, then you better get the right ones. Those others—”

  “I gotta go.” I cut her off, pressing end and heading toward the front of the store where I know I’ll find Ellie.

  Four lanes down, I see her bending over, plucking cans from the shelf, examining the labels before she puts them in her cart.

  “Excuse me.” The same woman who snickered just a few seconds ago tries to get by. Moving my cart over to the side, I wait for her to pass before I make my move.

  Sliding up behind Ellie, I lower my voice. “Baby have you been

  eating your Campbell’s Soup?” I pause, letting it sink in. “Because you

  are…” I bite my bottom lip, trying not to laugh at the cheesiness of this one. “…mmm-mmm good.”

  “Lee!” She jumps up, knocking me right in the chin since I was leaned over her trying to be all sexy and stealth.

  “Shit!”

  “Oh my God!” She reaches up, hands on either side of my face. The feel of her skin on mine, so soft and smooth, is a touch I could get used to. “Are you okay?” Ellie turns my face side to side. “I can’t believe you are here. I started to walk, but gave up—”

  “Walk?” I cut her off. “I’m not sure I understand. Why would you walk?”

  Dropping her hands, she looks away and mumbles, “I forgot I don’t have a car.”

  I can’t help but laugh a little. “Oh, is it in the shop?”

  “Not exactly.” She turns and begins pushing her cart. “It’s a long story.”

  I reach for mine and pull up beside her, thankful the aisles are wide enough for us to walk side by side. “I have time.”

  Stopping in the middle of the soup aisle, she looks up at me and confesses. “I dropped out of school to follow my passion. My parents basically disowned me and left me with nothing but a bag of clothes.”

  “Okay.” I nod. “That’s kind of a big deal.”

  “Luckily my friend knew a manager at Spotlight and they hooked me up with not only a job and regular performing schedule, but also a place to live.”

  “Why didn’t you say something? I would have picked you up after

  work.” We continue our stroll down the next aisle. Neither of us is shopping anymore, just enjoying the conversation.

  “Remember the part of me forgetting? Well, I literally forgot. I haven’t had a need to leave Spotlight since I moved in. They have everything there.” She pauses and slows down the cart. “Except for this.” She reaches behind me to grab a couple boxes of brownies. “I love the corner pieces.”

  “Good, we won’t have to fight over the pan then. I love the center ones.” I turn to grab a couple boxes for myself, hoping that I will eventually have the chance to lure her over to my place. Even though I stay at Grans’, I have an apartment above the garage.

  “Lee?” She stops the cart, but this time she doesn’t turn.

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m really glad I ran into you.”

  “Me too.”

  “Good.” She continues on, grabbing a few items off the shelves here and there. “Well, looks like I’m done.”

  “Me too. Let’s go get you checked out.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Ellie breaks away first and heads to the front of the store, finding a check-out without a line, and begins to unload her groceries.

  “Are you guys together?” The cashier questions when I start to place my items on the belt.

  “No.” Ellie beats me to it.

  “Yes.” I put down the divider, making sure our items don’t get mixed together. “I mean that’s her order and this is mine but put it all on one.”

  “Lee! You are not paying for my groceries,” she protests, digging through her purse, pulling out a wad of cash. “I have tips.”

  “Yes, you do, but I’m still getting it,” I argue.

  “Miss, if a man offers to do anything nice, just say ‘Thank you’ and take it.” The cashier nods toward me. “Those kind are hard to come by.”

  Glancing up at me she does as the cashier suggests and thanks me.

  “Don’t forget my pads!” Grans hollers.

  “Wh-wh-what?” I look around.

  “Who was that?” Ellie spins around.

  “I think they are checking out,” I hear Grans whisper loudly.

  I look down at my phone then hold it up to Ellie. “I must have pressed speaker instead of end.”

  “That’s hilarious!” The cashier snorts.

  “Grans? Have you been on here the whole time?” I ask.

  “Presley Aaron Scott, that doesn’t matter, but what does matter is if you got your grans some pads,” she demands.

  Taking the phone off speaker, I bring the phone up to my ear. “Yes, Grans, I did.”

 
; “Good boy. Now, listen closely.” She pauses. “You listening?”

  “Yes, Grans.”

  “Good. I want you to take that girl home. Then come straight here. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars. Do you understand me?”

  “Love you, Grans.” This time I actually make sure I end the call before I slide the phone into my back pocket.

  “That was…fun?” Ellie says, asking in a way that tests if I’m

  amused or irritated.

  “Interesting. For sure.” I smile as I slide my card through the little machine. “She wanted to make sure I took you home.”

  “You don’t have to,” she quickly responds.

  “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”

  “Here you go.” The cashier hands me the receipt and smiles. “You aren’t just a pretty face, you are a keeper.” She looks at Ellie. “Keep him.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Ellie looks over at me and pulls the cart out so I can get through.

  “Have a good night you two!” the cashier calls after us.

  “She thinks you should keep me.” I walk beside Ellie as she pushes our combined cart of groceries out.

  “Maybe I will.” A slow grin appears right before she hops onto the back of the cart and pushes off. “Last one there!”

  “Ellie!” I call after her. “My truck’s over here.”

  Braking, she stops and looks between me and the truck she was heading toward. “I thought this one looked like you.” She nods toward the older, slightly worn truck.

  “Why’s that?” I open the back door and motion her over.

  “It just looks like it’s well taken care of. You know?” She begins to push the cart across the lot toward my truck. “Whoever owns it sure does love it,” she says, moving to the front of the cart, handing me one bag at a time. “It’s one of those trucks you keep forever. You know.”

  “Yeah, I know just the ones.” I put the last bag in back and help her in. “They have staying power.”

  “Yeah.” Ellie nods. “Staying power. I like that.”

  Me too.

  Chapter Ten

  Ellie

  “He’s a keeper.” Those words, spoken just minutes ago, run through my head on repeat. The clerk noticed what I knew the first night I met him. Lee Scott is someone special. A keeper.