Foreshadow

by Brea Essex

  I threw myself onto the bed and lay on my back, staring unseeing at the ceiling. I couldn’t help but feel like something huge loomed on the horizon. I had gotten the same feeling when my mother had come out of remission the last time, right before she died. A chill ran down my spine. I hoped against all hope that this time my feeling would be wrong. Maybe this time something good would happen instead.

  Banishing the morose thoughts from my head, I turned on my side and curled into a ball. Nuada appeared from her hiding spot beneath my bed. She jumped up next to me and curled up on the pillow. I petted her, and she began to purr. I lay there petting the cat and watching the numbers slowly change on my bedside clock until time to leave for work.

  Chapter Six

  Work went by in a blur. Cady stayed quiet. She must still be mad about last night, I thought. I needed to get her alone so I could apologize. There just wasn’t time right now. The bakery was pretty busy today, and I embraced the distraction. My dream still bothered me, and I didn’t have to think about it while I helped customers.

  The door opened, and I cringed as Logan walked in. I watched as he approached the counter. Even his walk exuded arrogance. I had been thinking about our conversation from the day before. I still couldn’t answer his question, and it bothered me for some reason.

  He leaned up against the glass case, pulling his ever-present aviators off his face and holding them in his hand. Even though Capitola was fairly small, I didn’t run into him outside of school often. In fact, I’d never seen him come in here. He didn’t order anything, just stood there.

  “What do you want, Logan?” I asked.

  His eyes widened in mock surprise. “Now, now, Raena! Is that any way to speak to a paying customer?”

  I glared at him. “You’re not a paying customer. You’re not ordering anything. You’re just standing there being an annoyance.”

  He put his hand to his chest and gasped. “Why Raena, you wound me! I had no idea you felt that way about me.”

  I leaned forward and got in his face. I didn’t know why, but his attitude made me angrier than usual. “You flatter yourself too much if you think I feel anything about you. I couldn’t care less what you say or do. Now please order something or leave me alone.”

  Logan chuckled. His emerald eyes held my hazel ones. “You know what?” he said, his voice pitched low. “I’ve changed my mind. I’ll just stop by the grocery store and pick up the bread my mom wanted.” He slid his aviators over his eyes, blocking them from my view. He reached one hand up, slowly brushing it across my cheek and down my jaw. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Raena.” With that promise he left, leaving me gaping at his back.

  Cady came up behind me. “What did Logan want?” she asked.

  “I’m not sure,” I told her. “He didn’t order anything.”

  “It’s weird to see him in here,” she said. “I’ve never seen him here before. Have you?”

  “Nope. As if I don’t have to see him enough at school. Now he’s showing up here and tormenting me.”

  She frowned. “Well, it was way weird. I wonder if he’ll start coming in more often.”

  “I don’t know. Hey, does this mean you’re talking to me again? I’m sorry about last night.”

  “Yeah, I guess I forgive you. It’s just annoying when you’re not paying attention to what I’m saying. Seriously Rae, you’re so spacey sometimes.”

  “Sorry, I don’t mean to be,” I apologized.

  “I know, I know. You’re always lost in your own thoughts. Just try to cut it out. Anyway, let’s guess why Hottie McHotterson came into our work.”

  I didn’t answer her. I had already forgotten my promise to pay better attention to things. I barely heard Cady. I continued staring out the door, wondering to myself what Logan Conner could want.

  ****

  Logan

  I left the bakery, silently cursing myself. Why am I always so obnoxious to her? I refused to admit what I thought my problem might be. I didn’t think I’d be so immature as to be rude to a girl I liked.

  I mused about it for a moment. Did I like her? I shook my head. It couldn’t be possible.

  When I reached my car, I climbed in and just sat in the driver’s seat, unmoving. My mind started to drift, thinking about Rae. Liking her was out of the question. She was too smart for me, too…distant. She always seemed so closed off. Yet her mystery intrigued me.

  Anyway, she hated me. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what she might think if I cut the sarcasm and started acting like myself—if I allowed her to see the real me for once.

  I sighed, deciding to just let it go for now. I stuck my key into the ignition and jammed the clutch pedal down with my left foot, readying to start the engine. I just needed to stop thinking about her. She’s just too good for me.

  Chapter Seven

  Raena

  As soon as I clocked out, I headed straight for the Village. I went to the coffee shop, taking the stairs up to the establishment as quickly as I could. I desperately needed some caffeine, the more the better. I wished Cady had gotten off at the same time I had. I generally preferred to be alone, but I needed to schedule a coffee date or something with her to make things right.

  I reached the head of the stairs, turned the corner toward the counter—and froze. An incredibly hot guy stood behind the counter, one who seemed familiar somehow. Where did he come from? I wondered to myself. I instantly forgot all about the earlier drama with Logan as I gazed at the gorgeous man across the small shop. He turned toward me with a slightly lopsided smile that showcased straight, blindingly white teeth. I slowly approached the counter.

  “Hello there. What can I get you?” he asked, with a hint of a Russian accent that I found extremely attractive.

  I gazed up at him, willing myself not to gawk. Our eyes met and locked—his were as blue as the sea during the summer, and gleamed with a hint of teasing. “I’ll have an iced chai, please,” I murmured, momentarily forgetting my earlier single-mindedness of consuming large amounts of caffeine.

  “Coming right up.”

  As he turned to make my drink, I took a few deep breaths. “So, are you new here?” Great, I sound like I’m trying to pick him up or something.

  The lopsided grin returned. “Yeah, today’s my first day. I’m the new manager. My name is Andrei.” He stuck out his hand for me to shake.

  I hesitantly grasped it, noticing how warm and bronzed it was. “I’m Rae. I’m in here all the time. You’ll see a lot of me, I’m sure.” I felt my face flame. Why was I being so forward?

  “I’m looking forward to it, Rae. Here’s your iced chai,” he announced as he handed me a glass.

  I quietly thanked him and wandered over to sit near the piano. I usually liked to sit by the window so I could watch the roiling of the ocean and the people wandering below, but all the window seats were taken. To my surprise, Andrei followed me to my table. He leaned against the piano and sighed. “It’s a shame we’re not allowed to play this,” he lamented.

  My eyes widened. “Do you play?”

  “I used to play all the time when I lived at home. Unfortunately, my dorm room doesn’t offer much space for a piano. I have a keyboard, but it’s just not the same.”

  “I agree,” I told him. “It isn’t the same. I’m having the same problem where I live.”

  “Do you live in a dorm, too?”

  I laughed. “Me? No. I’m not in college. I go to the high school. But the house I live in doesn’t have room for my piano. I have a keyboard, too, but it’s definitely not as good.”

  “You’re still in high school? I don’t believe it.”

  “Yeah, I’m a junior. I’m sixteen.”

  He placed his hand to his chest in mock astonishment. “I would have guessed at least eighteen.”

  I wondered if this meant that he wished I was at least eighteen, and for a brief moment, I wanted it to be true. He was so—delicious—but no way would he go for a high school girl. “Thanks, but I’m not quit
e there yet. I still have almost a year and a half to go before I hit eighteen.”

  “Well, age doesn’t matter. I’m just barely eighteen myself.” His eyes glinted with silent humor. “You seem rather mature for your age anyway.”

  I ducked my head, my face on fire again. “Thanks,” I mumbled. Seriously, can’t I come up with a wittier response?

  “I know this may be a bit forward, but would you like to go to dinner with me sometime?” he asked suddenly.

  Did he just seriously ask me out? I looked up at him again. “Sure,” I said. “That would be nice.”

  “What about tonight?” he asked hesitantly. “I know it’s short notice and all, and I completely understand if you say no. But I’d really love to see you. I’ll take you to Shadowbrook.” He named one of my favorite restaurants, which also happened to be one of the nicest—not to mention one of the most expensive—in the area.

  I hesitated. I didn’t want to seem too eager, but I couldn’t believe this gorgeous guy wanted to take me out. I would be beating myself up forever if I missed this opportunity.

  “It’s okay. I understand,” he said, his face falling. “I’m coming on too strong. All right. Some other time then.”

  I realized that as I’d been lost in my internal debate, I had failed to answer him. “No, not at all! I would love to go to dinner with you tonight!” I said enthusiastically, unable to hold back my excitement.

  His face lit up again. “Great! How about if I pick you up at seven?”

  “Seven would be perfect.” I pulled a pen and paper out of my purse and jotted down my address and phone number for him. I had never had someone make a move so fast, not that I minded. I handed him the slip of paper. “I’ll see you then.”

  He took the paper from me, his hand lingering on mine for a moment. “I’m looking forward to it, Rae. I’m really glad you came in today.”

  I met his gaze boldly. “So am I. Now I should probably go, so you can get back to work. I don’t want to get you in trouble on your first day.”

  “Who am I going to get in trouble with? I’m the manager, and I’m the only one here, remember?” he said with a laugh.

  “That’s true. Well, I should still let you get back to work.” I stood up, grabbing my purse and slinging it onto my shoulder.

  He grabbed my hand. “I will see you tonight, Rae.”

  “Can’t wait,” I replied as I walked toward the door.

  Chapter Eight

  I walked home slowly, trying to absorb what had just happened. This totally cute and sweet guy had just asked me out! I hadn’t been on a date since I’d moved to Capitola.

  I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk as it struck me that the last time I had been to Shadowbrook had been with my mom, when we had come to visit Genevra and Shane. The bemused smile which had been on my face since leaving the coffee house disappeared. As much as I loved the restaurant, I didn’t know if I could face the place without being overwhelmed with emotion. I started to turn back to the coffee shop. Maybe I should break the date.

  I shook my head to clear it and started walking once more. I couldn’t keep living in the past. I wanted to go to dinner with Andrei. I couldn’t mess this up. Maybe I could ask him to take me somewhere else—hopefully, he would understand.

  Cady’s gonna be annoyed when I tell her about this. She wanted to hang out tonight, I thought, grinning to myself. I knew Tristan would scold me, though. I can hear him now. “You should be studying instead of going out…Blah, blah, blah…”

  A deep male voice interrupted my thoughts. “Hey, baby. Going my way?”

  I whirled, intending to tell off the offending guy attached to the voice. I saw…Logan. Again. He had stopped his car in the middle of the street. Cars were beginning to line up behind him, honking loudly. He rolled down his passenger window and leaned across the seat, smirking at me.

  I felt my face flame with embarrassment. “Logan, go away!”

  He straightened, and for a moment I thought he would heed my command. Instead he pulled his car into an available parking space just ahead of me. He killed the engine, stepped out of his car, and sat on the hood. He didn’t bother to feed the meter.

  “Aren’t you going to pay for parking here?” I asked him.

  “Why?” he replied. “I’m not staying. Where are you headed, Raena?”

  “It’s none of your business!” I exclaimed, feeling childish.

  He shrugged. “Fine. I was going to offer you a ride, but if you won’t tell me where you’re going… I guess I can’t drive you if I don’t know where we’re headed.”

  “Why would I want a ride from you?” I demanded.

  “Just trying to be polite. Those shoes don’t exactly look comfortable.” He gestured to my heel-clad feet. “I don’t know how you work in those, let alone walk.”

  “They aren’t that bad,” I told him. “They aren’t even very high.”

  “Just get in the car,” he said with a sigh. “Let me take you home, or wherever it is you’re going.”

  “Give me one good reason why I should go anywhere with you,” I challenged.

  He raised his hands in surrender. “Never mind then. Have it your way.” He slid off the hood of his car, but hesitated. “I’m going to offer one last time. It’s up to you whether you accept or not.”

  I stared at him, unsure of his change in attitude. “Why are you being so nice?”

  He didn’t answer for a moment. “I’m not sure. As much as I enjoy annoying you, maybe it’s time to put our battles behind us. I feel as though…I don’t know. It’s like I need to look out for you or something, okay?”

  It still seemed weird, but I found it interesting to see him behave like a human being. After a little consideration, I decided to accept his offer. I would get home faster, which would mean more time to get ready for my date with Andrei. It would also give me the opportunity to see if this new side of Logan was for real or not. Besides, my feet did hurt, although I wasn’t about to admit that to him.

  “All right,” I conceded. “I’ll let you drive me home.”

  He seemed mildly surprised. “Okay, get in.” He clicked the button on his key ring to unlock the passenger door.

  I hesitated as I reached for the door handle. “What’s wrong? Afraid of my driving?” he asked.

  “No, just wondering about your motivation,” I admitted.

  “There’s nothing to wonder about,” he assured me. “I’m trying a new thing—being nice. Call it turning over a new leaf or whatever.”

  I realized I must have been staring at him in something like shock, because he started laughing all of a sudden. “What?” I snapped at him.

  “Nothing,” he replied, still chuckling at me. “You just look like you would never expect me to be nice to you.”

  “That’s true,” I muttered under my breath as I opened the car door.

  “Don’t think I didn’t hear you,” he told me. “I have extremely good hearing.”

  I refused to answer as I climbed into his car, closing the door behind me.

  Logan got in as well and jammed his key into the ignition. I buckled my seatbelt and sat there waiting, but we didn’t move.

  After a moment I asked him, “What are you waiting for? I thought you were taking me home.”

  “Yeah, there’s a slight problem. I don’t know where you live,” he reminded me.

  “Oh.” I felt like a moron. With the way he’d been popping up everywhere, I hadn’t thought about the fact that he didn’t know where I lived. Just because I thought he acted like a stalker didn’t mean he was one. I gave him quick directions and settled back into the seat, clutching my purse in my lap.

  I stayed silent the whole way home. Logan seemed content to let me have the quiet I craved. While I appreciated the ride, I wasn’t entirely convinced he didn’t have an ulterior motive. I didn’t want to talk to him, so I just studied him covertly out of the corner of my eye as he drove.

  “Can’t stop staring at me, hmm?”<
br />
  I pulled my eyes from their minute study of his face. I blushed, embarrassed that he had caught me. “I wasn’t staring at you!” I shot back, immediately on defense. “I was just…” I trailed off. I had been staring at him—no way around it. I wouldn’t admit it to him though.

  I glued my eyes to the road, determined to not look at him again. He was nice to look at, but he was still a jerk. It didn’t matter to me that he was being nice right now. Besides, I had just agreed to go on a date with Andrei. I shouldn’t be staring at another guy. It wouldn’t be fair to Andrei.

  We turned down my street, and Logan pulled into my driveway. The drive had seemed to take an eternity while we were on our way, yet I found myself a little disappointed we had arrived at my house so soon.

  I stayed in the car for a moment. “Um, thanks for the ride, Logan.”

  “Any time,” he murmured with a small smile.

  “I guess…I’ll see you Monday?” I asked.

  “Of course,” he responded. “See you.”

  I opened the car door and climbed out, slinging my purse over my shoulder.

  “Hey, Raena?” he called as I began to close the door.

  “Yeah?”

  “Try not to miss me too much over the weekend.” He winked at me.

  I bit back a retort, realizing I didn’t have a good enough comeback. I just shook my head at him and closed the door, heading for the house.

  I hit the doorstep and ran up the stairs to my room, where I immediately started tearing through my closet. I had no idea what I was going to wear. At least I had a few hours to figure it out. I considered and rejected every single item, until I came to my favorite emerald dress wedged in the back corner. Perfect! Even though it was my favorite dress, I didn’t wear it often. I only donned it for special occasions, and I felt as though this counted as one. Emerald green is one of my favorite colors, and it contrasted well with my hazel eyes and pale skin. I pulled the dress out of the closet, hung it on the back of my door, and headed for the shower.