In the Stars
Page 8
I see Tara’s eyes starting to water up, and I hand her a napkin. She takes the napkin and shakes her head. “No, I am not going to do this again today. This is going to be a good day; he isn’t worth all this shit.” She gently dabs at the corners of her eyes and straightens herself up in her seat. I can tell she is a determined girl, and I am happy to see that.
“So, I guess let’s start with your brother. Did he give you a really hard time about having to drive here and figure out what was going on?” As I said these words, I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks again. Just a mere mention of him and my body takes over—damn it.
I notice Tara’s hands start to rise and move around as she was getting ready to speak again. She caught herself, though, and, instead, tucked her hair behind her ears. She then cupped her hands around her coffee cup to keep them still.
She gives me a slight smile. “Oh, Eric tried to go all hardcore on me at first. Then I think he finally paused long enough to realize I really was hurting, and that wasn’t really the time for it. I guess, being I am the only girl and the youngest; he really tends to be extremely overprotective of me. Plus, add on the fact that he is a detective, and that makes him even worse about it all. He really is great, though. I know him and my brother, Nicholas, truly love me and don’t want to see me hurt. Eric is going to be 27 in March, and Nick is 23. I am 19, so of course, to them I am just a foolish girl who has a lot to learn.”
I am sipping away on my coffee as Tara is talking to me. I do perk up, though, when she mentions Eric’s age. I knew he was older than me, but 26 doesn’t seem too bad. Actually, the whole mature, has his act together thought makes him even more sexy. I can now feel the heat rising in me again. This guy has to be bad for me. I mean, he isn’t even anywhere around and I have only met him one time, yet I can’t help but get worked up thinking about him. The dreams have still been coming as well. Now that Raleigh gave me the whole uniform image, I am pretty sure I know what my dream tonight will be about too.
Suddenly, I feel Tara’s fingers touch my wrist. When I look at her, she has a very big smile on her face. I sit my cup down and look back at her very puzzled look. She starts laughing then. “Oh, I saw you blushing, Caroline, and I noticed it a little earlier too when you mentioned Eric’s name.” I start to protest, when she holds up her hand to stop me. “Oh, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I realize my brother is a good looking man. Honestly, lots of women realize it, and it tends to get a bit annoying the way they sometimes act around him.”
I feel my posture fall slightly. I really don’t care to think about other women around him. That is just completely wrong of me, though; especially since I am all too ready for another day with Kyle on Thursday. “You didn’t act like one of those women I am talking about, though, Caroline. Don’t worry; you held your ground pretty well with him. I have to tell you, he actually mentioned you several times Saturday as well. It seemed kind of odd how curious he seemed to be about you, as well as the deep concern he showed about your safety. He kept repeating about how careless some of your actions were, and how you could have been hurt. Then he would turn around and say that I should really be appreciative that you were willing to try and help me and listen to me.”
I can’t help but perk up at this information. He really talked to Tara about me? Does that mean there was an actual interest? At the same time, though, I realized what she was saying about him, finding my actions basically foolish. Once again, I am the immature girl in his eyes. “I won’t lie then; Eric most definitely caught my attention. I might have even thought about him a time or two since. I am sure, though, as far as his thoughts toward me, he pretty much just looks at me as a reckless immature girl.”
Tara is still smiling at me and shaking her head slightly back and forth. “Think what you want, Caroline, but I know him, and that was not his only thought. Yes, he tends to go all discipline like at times, but there was something else there too. Not that he would probably ever admit it. He tends to make it very clear that with his job he is just too busy for any type of steady relationships. Guess he is one of those in the moment type of guys.”
I just nod, and actually feel a little disappointed after hearing about Eric not looking for any type of relationship. “Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. I probably won’t ever even see him again.” My phone then chirps with a new text. I look down, and get a smile on my face. It is from Kyle, and I feel as though it is a sign. This is the man I should be thinking about; not Mr. in the moment Eric.
Kyle: Sorry, I just got a chance to read your text. Glad you liked the flowers, and love the thought of u thinking about me. Will talk to u soon.
I send him back a quick response.
Caroline: Can’t wait, will talk with u soon.
When I look back up at Tara, she has a puzzled look on her face. “Well, whatever that was sure did seem to make you happy. I’m not holding you up or anything, am I?”
My voice stutters slightly. “Oh ummm, no, you aren’t holding me up. That was this guy Kyle I am supposed to be going out with Thursday. We had a date once already this past weekend, and he is really nice. He even had flowers sent to me today. Piper wasn’t too thrilled to realize the delivery wasn’t for her. I really can’t stand rooming with that bitch.” Tara smiles at me, but I can also see the sadness in her eyes too. I am sure now isn’t an easy time for her to hear about me going out with a really great guy. The fact that I just brought Piper’s name up like a dumb ass, surely didn’t help at all. Tara is just beginning to try and accept her relationship is over. and Piper was the other girl per say.
“I am sorry I brought her name up. She is just such a selfish person, and it sucks having to room with her.”
Tara shrugs her shoulders and looks off to the side. “You don’t have to apologize, Caroline. She irritates you, and you were just talking to me about your day. It isn’t your fault at all that she shacked up with Andrew. I am pretty sure she hasn’t even given him the time of day since. The fact being that he tries to call and text me more the last couple days then the whole time we have been in college. So, obviously, he is lonely at the moment.” She looks back over at me, and wipes away a tear escaping from the corner of her eye. She gives her head a slight shake, and then tucks her hair back behind her ears again.
I give her hand a slight squeeze. “So, do you want to talk about how things went once Andrew showed up at your house? If you don’t, that is fine, but I am here to listen if you do.”
Tara squeezes my hand back, and gives me a smile. “You really are great, Caroline. You make it where it seems this whole incident really isn’t as horrible as it feels. If it didn’t happen, I might not have ever met you.”
She releases my hand, and tucks her hair again. “Basically, when Andrew showed up, he could tell as soon as he saw me something was horribly wrong. He tried to take me in his arms, and I just pushed him away. I asked him where he had been, and he tried to play the whole we-had-a-few-drinks-and-I-passed-out bit. As soon as I said Piper’s name, though, his whole stance fell. He knew his bull shit wasn’t going to work on me with this. He tried apologizing with the whole this-is-the-first-time-anything-like-that-had-happened-and-he-never-meant-to-do-this-to-me excuse. He also said that maybe we should take a break and see how things went. He knew he wanted to spend his life with me, but just needed to live a little outside of that for a while.”
She gives me a very smug look, and I just shake my head back and forth at her. “Yeah, can you believe that shit? I want you, but you need to let me go have some fun on the side for a short time. He, of course, never mentioned I should date others as well. I guess he felt he could just go have his fun, and I would just sit around like a good bitch and wait for him. Well, that is not happening. I shoved him out my door, and told him to take all the time he wants, because we are done. I don’t think he believed me at first, but when I didn’t answer his phone call or text later on he became more persistent. He asked for space, yet he starts calling nonstop and sho
wing up at my house even a couple times. I then threatened him with involving my brothers. He hasn’t showed up since, but has tried to call a couple more times. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done, but I know this is the way it has to be. Like you said, life goes on, and I will make the best of it.”
I give Tara a full on smile. “Damn straight, good for you. Since we are both here together, I will help you to make that happen. It will be good for both of us, and being away from my room is always a plus. Do you ever exercise? It really is a good way to blow off steam, and I am due for a good work out.”
“Actually, there is a great spot where my house is that I go jogging at. You are welcome to come with me any time. I would really like that.”
I notice Adam out of the corner of my eye, coming over toward our table. “I will have to take you up on that then, Tara; jogging is a great release.”
Tara and I both look up at the same time, as Adam is pulling up a chair and sitting at the side of our table. He just smiles at us, and we both give him a confused smirk. “So, ladies, sorry to interrupt, but I am off now, Caroline, and just wanted you to be on the lookout.” I give a huff, and Tara looks between the two of us, completely confused. Adam then reaches his hand out to Tara, and she reaches out to shake it back. “Hi, I’m Adam. I mentioned to you at the counter earlier that Caroline and I are in a class together. I didn’t get a chance to tell you, though; she seems to be a complete klutz around me. I think she just isn’t very observant of her surroundings, but she seems to think it is all my fault that she keeps falling into me. So I figured a fair, proper warning would be nice before I start walking around the area again.”
I squint my eyes at him, and Tara just smiles. “Oh, a smart ass, huh Adam? Good; I really need another one of those in my life. There is a real shortage of them right now.”
He just laughs and nods his head at me. “Well, I will let you two get back at it. Very nice to meet you, Tara, and I will see you both around I’m sure.”
“Nice meeting you too, Adam. I will try and help keep Caroline out of harms way.” She then gives him a smile, and he puts his chair back in its original spot and walks out the door.
I notice her glancing over her shoulder while he is walking away, and when she turns back toward me the smile is still on her face. “Really Tara, you have gone ahead and joined the dark side already too? I love that I seem to be the main source of everyone’s humor lately. I get it at home, and now here at school, too?”
She starts laughing at me. “Oh, I am sorry, Caroline. You have to admit that was too easy, though. It just slipped out.”
I just shake my head at her. “Yeah well, I only ran into him two times, so it really hasn’t been that bad. Even though, in reality, counting that first Saturday I have only knowingly been in his presence three times. So I guess that really isn’t a very good track record. I’m sorry; I have to get going now. I have homework to work on. I have classes and work tomorrow, but I have a couple hours between if you would like to maybe try and get together for that run?”
Tara lights up with that. “That would be great. I will text you my address. Also, if it makes it easier, you can shower at my place after, so you can go straight to work from there. I am done with classes at 2 tomorrow.”
“Mine end at 1. Are you sure you don’t mind about me getting ready there? That really would make it a lot easier.”
We both stand up, and dump our trash on the way out. Tara leans over and gives me a hug, and this time I hug her back. “I insist, Caroline. Trust me, you coming over to run with me is really doing me another big favor.”
There goes that insist word again that her family seems to like to use. “Ok, then I will talk with you soon.”
I CAUGHT UP on all my work last night, and had a great conversation with Kyle on the phone. The only downside was Piper was in the room too. I kept catching her rolling her eyes and making tiff sounds throughout my time on the phone. This, of course, just encouraged me to talk even louder and naughtier to Kyle. Which, by the responses I was getting back from him, I don’t think he minded it one bit.
Once my classes were over, I grabbed a quick lunch from the cafeteria. Then headed back to my room to get my things together for my run and work afterward. As I am pulling up to Tara’s neighborhood, I can’t help but smile. Her home is located in a very safe and quaint part of town. I get wide eyed when I pull up in front of her rental. It is a perfect little brick rancher with a cozy white columned front porch. I can’t help but envy her a little for it.
As I am getting out of my car, the front door swings open and Tara comes stepping out. She looks great in her running attire, and I really wonder what the hell was Andrew thinking when he chose to be with Piper for the night? Piper might be shapely, but, honestly, she doesn’t have shit on Tara.
“Come on in and sit your stuff down, Caroline. I can give you a quick tour of the house if you want, then we can get going.” She holds the door open for me as I am walking onto her porch, and once I get inside my envy intensifies. Her home is just perfect. Not over the top spectacular, but very comfortable and well put together.
Her kitchen and family room are one open space, with a small island separating them. The counter tops are granite, and the appliances are stainless steel. There is a small two person table up against the double window. In the family room space, she has a small grey sectional sofa. There is another oversized chair in the corner, with an end table and lamp. I can just picture myself curled up in it, reading or working on my laptop. The floors are wide planked wood, and there is a small fireplace with a TV mounted on the wall over it.
I turn back at Tara, and I know I have the biggest smile on my face.
“Oh my god Tara, this is great! You are so lucky to have come across this.”
“Well, my parents actually know the owner, so that really worked out in my favor. I really do like it, though. It just gets lonely at times.”
I nod my head, understanding. “Do you mind showing me the rest?”
Tara gestures her hand toward the hall. “The first room on your left is the guest room. You can actually put your bag down in there.” I walk in to sit my bag down, and once again am amazed. Although the room isn’t that large, it is set up with a queen sized bed, night stand, and tall narrow dresser; all with a dark stain color. The walls are a steel blue shade, and the trim is white. There are some black and white photos on the walls, and it all just fits together perfect somehow.
I sit my bag down beside the bed, and turn back toward Tara. “Did this place come furnished, or was this you’re doing?”
She gives a slight shrug of the shoulders. “It was actually all me and my mom. The owners said we could paint it however we wanted, and they had just recently remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms. My parents helped me purchase all the furniture and decorations as a graduation present. Do you like it?”
I raise up one of my eyebrows. “Like is not a strong enough word. You and your mom have a very good eye for style.”
“Well, thank you. Walk back into the hall, and I will show you the bathroom and my room. The main bathroom is this first door on your right, and my room is the last door at the end.”
She flicks on the bathroom switch, and I peak my head inside. It has slate tile floors and a rather large tiled shower with a seamless glass door. There is a single sink with a granite top and single door, double drawer storage cabinet underneath. The walls are painted the same color as the bedroom with more white trim.
I step back out with a smile on my face. She then opens the door to her room. I can’t believe how big it is. The house might not look that big from the outside, but it holds a lot more space then what you would think. She has a queen size sleigh bed with the most gorgeous deep iridescent purple comforter on it. Her night stand has a Tiffany lamp on it that also has some shades of purple throughout it. She has a large dresser with some photos and her laptop on it. There are two doors on one of the walls. I decide I am officially in love.
I give her a big sheepish grin. “Tara, I understand now why you needed a house to rent. There is no way in hell you would have fit all this into a dorm room. I thought my friend, Raleigh, was a shopaholic, but I now know you are the one that actually may need counseling for this.”
Tara starts laughing as we are stepping out of the closet. “You might be right, but I can’t help it. It is all my mother’s fault. She is the one that got me like this, and she is even worse.”
“Well, I am never going shopping again then. I am just going to keep running between yours and Raleigh’s closest for all my needs. Although, I guess I need to keep buying my own bottoms, since everyone seems to be taller than me.”
She reaches out for me to shake her hand. “Deal, Caroline. I don’t mind sharing at all. I do believe your foot is smaller than mine, too, though, so you might still need your own shoes. I will be more than happy to be the one to take you shopping for them, though.”
We both laugh, and she then shows me her bathroom, which looks very similar to the hall bath. “Ok, I guess we better get going so I have time to shower before work. Thank you for the tour, though; I really do love it, Tara.”
We head out, and she takes me toward a paved section through the neighborhood. It was specifically made for the joggers, strollers, dog walkers, or whatever it is you might want to roam through the neighborhood doing while staying off of the road. It really is a great spot, just like Tara had said.