Out of the Wreckage

by CeeCee James

  Dylan nodded. “You got it. He’s definitely not worth the strife.”

  Miranda sighed. “No matter what’s happened, I want him to be happy.” I want to be happy, too. She looked out the window to control her emotions.

  A few blocks farther they entered a nicer neighborhood. He pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “Miranda, I won’t flake on you like he did. I don’t need to figure things out. I already know what I want.” He leaned over and his lips landed near her ear. “And what I want is you.”

  She pulled away from him and his eyes narrowed.

  “Dylan, you could have any girl you want. Why would you want a confused mess like me? Besides, I keep telling you that I can’t be more than friends right now.”

  “How long are you going to keep playing this friend game? I don’t get it.”

  “What?”

  “You have your guard up and don’t trust me yet, and you should. Because I’m not going to hurt you.” He drew her into his arms. Even under the tailored suit she could feel his firm muscles. She should feel comforted right now, but instead felt like a cat being forced into a bath.

  She gently pushed away and let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I’m just tired and maybe hungry. Can we talk about this later?”

  He let out a groan. “Whatever.”

  Miranda straightened in her seat, her attention caught by something out the window. “Hey, look! There’s that kid again.”

  On the sidewalk across from them sat the homeless boy, eating something unidentifiable. His face hovered inches above a patch of dandelions, his eyes wide and innocent as he touched one.

  “Dylan? Remember him? The one we saw digging in the dumpster.”

  “Where?” Dylan’s head swiveled.

  “Hang on. I’ll be right back.” Miranda climbed out of the car and slowly walked over to the boy. “Hi, there. What’s your name?”

  The teen’s face became instantly wary as he clambered to his feet. His green jacket fell open, the metal zipper broken, revealing a dirty shirt.

  Miranda stopped, afraid to move any farther and scare him. She held her hands palm down. “It’s okay. I just wondered if you needed any kind of help.”

  A shy, simple smile spread across the boy’s face, now slightly pink from her attention.

  Dylan slammed the car door. “Miranda?” he called.

  The boy jerked his gaze toward Dylan. He ducked his head and scurried around the corner at a clumsy jog.

  Miranda watched the teen leave with a sinking heart. The boy was thinner now than the last time she’d seen him. His jacket had a frayed hole in one of the elbows.

  “Aw,” she said as Dylan walked up. “That poor kid.”

  Dylan stared with squinted eyes in the direction the teen had disappeared. “Try not to be too worried. That crisis center is just down the street. He knows where to get help if he wants it.”

  Miranda frowned, and allowed Dylan to grab her hand and draw her away.

  They walked into the restaurant and soon were seated. Before the hostess left them Dylan held up two fingers. “Bring a couple of glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon, and hurry.”

  Miranda raised her menu to hide the blush at his tone.

  Dylan pulled down her menu.“Get the steak salad. You won’t regret it.”

  The waitress appeared with their wine, and they ordered.

  “So,” he said, lifting his wine glass. “A toast.”

  Miranda lifted her own. “To what?”

  “To hopefully not a repeat of what happened in Seattle.” His eyes glittered as he raised an eyebrow.

  Miranda’s mouth dropped open. “Really? Is that necessary?”

  “What?”

  “That’s kind of a nasty toast.”

  He took a sip without clinking her glass. “I’m just making my intentions known so you don’t feel like you have to play hard to get. You’ve made me work harder than I have for any other girl.” He grinned, his dimples flashing boyishly. “I have a confession. I was the one that drained your battery a few months ago.”

  “What?” A cold shiver ran through her. Her mouth dropped open and she set the glass down.

  “Yeah. Kind of crazy, but I thought it would be a good way to get some time alone with you. You’d been so stand-offish up until then.”

  “What am I supposed to think about that, Dylan?” Shock resonated through her in tiny electrical jolts.

  “That I liked you so much I was willing to try anything for that first date.”

  “Hello? That’s weird.”

  “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  “I am completely freaked out.” I need to remember to always trust my gut.

  Dylan sighed. “Honestly, Miranda, I thought you’d be flattered. I feel like you’re out to pick a fight tonight.”

  Miranda pressed her lips together then took a drink from her wine, trying to calm the anger burning inside. Am I overreacting, or is this guy crazy?

  “Wow! Listen to that rain!” Dylan exclaimed, his round face turning towards the windows.

  She couldn’t hear it through the thick velvet curtains and muted conversation. I hope that poor kid found some shelter. The food came, tasting flavorless to Miranda. Dylan droned on and on about a commercial that had been filmed in his warehouse. She tried to remember to nod when appropriate, her thoughts running rampant in her mind.

  Dylan paid and led Miranda out to the sidewalk. The rain had puddled on the pavement, transforming it into a giant smeary mirror that reflected the streetlights in long wavy ribbons.

  As they walked up to the Audi something yellow caught Miranda’s attention. Stuck in the passenger door handle was a bouquet of dandelions. She scooped up the flowers, still damp from the rain, and glanced around quickly for the teen, but didn’t see any sign of him.

  “You keeping those?” Dylan arched his eyebrow. Miranda nodded and brought them to her nose to smell.

  On the car ride home, Miranda sat quietly, her thumb gently ruffling the flower petals. Just get home. I’ll talk to Dylan then. Maybe I really am destined to be a nun.

  At her house, they both climbed out of the car. Miranda waited on the porch instead of opening the door and inviting him in like she normally did.

  “You’ve sure been quiet tonight.” Dylan wrapped her into his arms and tucked her head under his chin. He squeezed her tightly before patting her on the back. Each pat annoyed Miranda deep in the pit of her stomach.

  “So, what are we doing this weekend?” he asked, touching her cheek. She closed her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  Miranda cringed inside and stepped away from his embrace.“Dylan—”

  He frowned at her tone and reached for her hand, still clutching the flowers. “Don’t do it.”

  She sighed. “We have to talk.” Be careful, be cool. You still have to see him at work.

  “Don’t do it. You don’t want to do this.”

  Miranda bit the inside of her bottom lip. The wind blew a leaf past them up into the trees. “I can’t give you more than friendship.”

  “You seemed to do pretty well when we kissed. Or are you just leading me on?”

  “Wow, Dylan. You kissed me!”

  “Is this still about the car battery? I told you, I thought you’d be flattered. The whole ‘extreme lengths a guy will go,’ kind of thing.”

  “I just think I need some time alone to figure things out.”

  His brow raised in hurt skepticism. “What? You want your old bum boyfriend? The one who left you? That’s some prize.”

  Anger cracked inside of her at his words. “Leave Jason out of it.”

  “It would have been nice if Jason really could have been left out of it. Maybe then I would have had a real chance.”

  “I tried.”

  “He’s not here, in case you didn’t notice.” Dylan took as step closer and his face flushed darkly. “He left you. He didn’t want you.”

  Miranda flinched at his words. “I don’t know what’s g
oing on with him. But he did want me. I just didn’t want him because he was acting like such a jerk.”

  Dylan took a step back in surprise. “This is the first I’ve heard of that. You told me he left.”

  “Well, he came back. He has a new life now. You should look him up. He seems to run in your circle.”

  He snorted. “That kid could never run in my circle.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Keep pining away for him. You’re never going to be happy.”

  She didn’t answer.

  Dylan smiled at her sardonically. “You’re going to regret this, girl.” He twirled his keys around his finger and looked up the driveway. Glancing back, he gave a mock salute. “I’m out of here.”

  Miranda nodded. As he walked away, she let out a deep sigh. Her hand rested on the newel post of the porch, hewed into the silhouette of a swan. Jason had carved it last summer to surprise her. Her heart clutched with grief and emptiness. Had she made the right decision? Was she going to regret this? Jason was never coming back, and at this rate she was never going to move forward.

  Then she shook her head. Are you crazy, Miranda? That guy killed your battery. For. A. Date. I don’t need a man to make me happy. I’ve got this.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Winter

  The grocery store was busy when Jason entered. An escaping toddler with bright red cheeks careened into his legs as he reached to get a cart. The harried mother chased after her, shooting him a quick, “Oh, sorry.”

  “No worries.” Jason answered as he finagled his list out of his jeans pocket. His partner at the Crisis Center, Chloe, had written it in her usual chicken scratch. Jason squinted to read it. Peanut Butter, bread and gobbleygook…

  He sounded out the last item, trying to make sense of it. Giving up, he reached for his phone.

  “Hello?” Chloe answered, out of breath.

  “Everything okay?” he asked, as he wandered down the bread aisle. He’d never understand why there were fifty thousand different kinds of white bread, and only one kind of good kielbasa.

  “Yes, fine. I just dropped you. But I caught you again. Now what’s up?”

  Jason grinned. She’s a cute girl. “What’s this last item on the list?”

  “Baggies! Don’t forget the baggies!” Her voice held a tinge of panic. They’d discovered they were out yesterday when it was time to hand out the meals. The team had to make do by wrapping the sandwiches in plastic wrap from an old box someone had dug up. It had been a nightmare.

  “Ahh, got it.” Jason nodded. “That all?”

  “That’s it, boss. See you in a few.” She clicked off.

  He jammed the phone in his pocket and picked up speed. Today he expected the center would be hit hard with kids looking for help. Thursdays were always especially busy. He had no idea why.

  TECH was running great. He couldn’t help feeling pride when he saw the kids leave with resources. So far, he’d built an apartment in the upper section of the warehouse. Right now, it worked for him. Someday he’d build his dream house and garage. He had splurged on all new fishing equipment—Ugly Stick, yeah baby! And of course, he had his Porsche. Never giving that up!

  Jason wheeled around the corner and stopped short. Miranda was standing there in the produce aisle. She must have just gotten off work; her pink cardigan was buttoned clear to her neck. He ducked behind the paper towel display and slowly peeked out, his heart pounding. This is ridiculous. I’m acting like a seven-year-old boy who likes a girl. Still, he kept hidden.

  Miranda picked an apple out of the bin and held it to her nose. Her cart was filled with frozen pizzas and a box of Toasty O’s.

  Jason’s lip curled into a half smile.

  Brushing her dark hair back from where it had fallen to the side of her face, she reached for a produce bag. Her blue eyes widened, and she glanced up as if sensing she was being watched.

  He quickly dove back behind the aisle. What the heck, dude? Time to turn in your man card. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm the emotions tumbling inside like clothes in a washing machine. Just walk away.

  He couldn’t resist one more look.

  Miranda was now in the bakery section, inspecting a box of doughnuts.

  Jason smiled. She’s doing good. Slowly, he circled the cart back in the other direction. He grabbed a box of sandwich bags and some peanut butter on his way to the check out.

  Five minutes later, Jason left the store and searched for his vehicle. There it was, big ol' Rusty. Tossing the bags in the back, he jumped in the front seat. He pumped the gas a few times as he started it. “Come on, you’ve got this.” It roared to life, and a smile broke out across his face.

  He’d reclaimed the truck from his friend’s storage, leaving the Porsche there for the time being. “She’s fast and sleek, but otherwise she’s got nothing on you.” He thumped the dash with the palm of his hand and threw the truck in reverse.

  Jason stepped on the gas, and the truck rumbled around the corner. He couldn’t believe he’d bumped into Miranda. Man, she’s beautiful. I don’t think I could’ve screwed that up more if I tried. Did I really call her job menial? He cringed. I owe her an apology for that.

  Should he text her?

  Maybe he could, just to find out how Archer was doing.

  That’d be okay, maybe.

  Jason glanced in his rearview mirror—nobody behind him—and pulled to the curb. His thumb automatically scrolled through his list of contacts and hovered over Miranda’s name.

  He sighed and stared out the window. Blake, one of the kids registered at the resource center, rolled on his skateboard down the sidewalk. The teen skidded to a stop and leaned in the open passenger window. “What are you doing?”

  “Getting some food for the hungry savages. You hungry?”

  Blake grinned and said, “Yeah, always hungry.”

  “Get in here if you want a ride.” Jason slid his cell phone into his front pocket as Blake cranked open the door and slammed it shut behind him.

  * * *

  When Miranda exited the store a happy sound rose out of her throat as the sunshine warmed her skin. “What a freaking beautiful day,” she whispered. Lovely, talking to myself in public now.

  She stopped the grocery cart outside her Jeep and popped the hatch. Wrapping the plastic handle around her fingers, she hauled a bag out of the cart. Her stomach flipped over at the familiar rumbling sound of an engine. “That totally sounds like Jason’s truck.” Grimacing, she tossed in another bag and slammed the hatch. “I freaking can’t believe it. Somebody bought his truck.”

  She returned the cart and jumped into her Jeep. At the “T” she headed the opposite way. Don’t want to see it.

  The memory of the way he’d treated her at the car dealership still filled her with shame. Tears pricked her eyes. Probably has a new girl. Someone glamorous. She looked down at her clothes—boring office attire she quickly threw on after her jog with Archer on the beach that morning—and shriveled inside. Then she straightened her shoulders. You have to knock this off and pull yourself out of this pity party. Cassie’s waiting to get the Christmas tree decorated.

  Ten minutes later she bumped down the driveway. Archer ran over to the Jeep as she parked. “Hi, ol’boy. Did Cassie get the ornaments down yet? Huh? Huh?” Each huh was punctuated by the dog’s enthusiastic butt wiggle. He let out a sharp bark.

  “Cassie!” she yelled as she walked in. “Tell me you’ve been up to the loft.”

  “Been there, done that. Boring.” Cassie slid around the corner looking sweaty and frazzled.

  “Er, you have a little bit of—” Miranda pointed to her hair.

  Cassie plucked out a pink piece of insulation and stared at her sister, nonplussed. “You’re putting away the decorations after Christmas, just so you know.”

  Waggling a box of candy canes, Miranda asked, “Who want’s a Scooby snack?”

  “What do you think I am? Six?” Cassie snatched the box and immedi
ately unwrapped one. Sucking on it, she continued. “You can’t bribe me.”

  Miranda turned to put the rest of the groceries away before her sister could see her smile.

  “So, you going to help me decorate, or what?” Cassie asked. They’d gotten the tree last week, and were too exhausted after setting it up to decorate it.

  “Mmmhm.” Miranda hummed and walked into the living room. She stopped short at the doorway. “What the heck happened in here?”

  The room was strewn with overflowing boxes and tangled balls of lights.

  “The North Pole threw up in our living room, what do you think happened?” Cassie rolled her eyes.

  Miranda pursed her lips before marching over to snag a strand of lights. “Okay, smarty pants, let’s get going.”

  Together they untangled the string and slowly circled the tree.

  “Do you remember when we used to hang tinsel?” Cassie asked balancing on her tiptoes.

  Miranda frowned. The last time they’d used tinsel, Cassie had been four or five. “Yes, and it was a nightmare to clean. How in the world do you remember tinsel?”

  “Easy, I’d always sneak a handful and take it to my room and barrette it in my hair. I wanted to look just like Pink.”

  “You goofy girl.” Miranda cracked a smile. She removed an ornament from the box and hung it on the tree. “I actually remember you doing that. We had a picture somewhere.”

  The sisters grinned at each other.

  “You excited to see Leif?” He had phoned Cassie to let her know he would be on leave soon. Miranda swore Cassie’s feet hadn’t touched the ground since.

  “Yes.” Her sister’s cheeks filled with color. “It’s just sad he won’t be here for Christmas. It’s going to be weird not having Jason here,” Cassie added.

  Miranda sighed. “Not helping.”

  After a minute Cassie pounced on a box. “Aha! You do remember these, don’t you?” She lifted a gingerbread head laced with red ribbon.

  Miranda snorted. “Tell me you didn’t save those.” She took it from Cassie, and ran her finger over it before handing it back. “Aww, poor thing. Missing a body.”