“Next thing you know some Parisian will whisk you away and make you his bride based solely on your American accent.” She laughs. She looks like she has lost some weight and I wonder if she has been trying. She's wearing yoga pants and a white swing top, which is see through in some places, she has on a pink tank top underneath. Her deep chestnut hair is wrapped loosely in a bun. “So how bad is it at home, I mean if you ever need a place to stay, you are welcome here. The contractors think my house may be ready just in time for Christmas.” I pour the boiling water in the teacups and we dunk our bags in and out simultaneously.
“Thanks Bren, I just don't know why they won't cut me some slack. I have been making good grades and staying out of trouble my whole life. Chris and I, we want to see a little bit of the world before life becomes real. You know, you go to college, you get a job, bills, and all that starts coming, and before you know it, you're your parents all over again.”
“I see your point, and I think you should do it. Live your life. You never know how long you'll get on this planet.” I sip my chai tea. The news is still blaring in the background so I go over to the remote and switch it off. I put my iPod on the dock and let a sweet melody of The Fray fill the room at background noise.
“Have you eaten dinner yet? I still have the sandwich press out.”
“No I’ve already eaten thanks. Want to watch a movie? I brought a rental.” She pulls out the latest drama with Oscar nominations.
“Always, I could easily spend a day watching movies, and I do quite often declare pajama day.” My thoughts go to sweet Sam and our first date and my eyes get misty for a moment. After tea we go into my room.
“I am going to get comfortable.” I grab a pair of pajamas and change in the bathroom. I lay out my nighttime face ritual on the cool white marble counter top. I tie my hair back in a ponytail and wash my face with a micro scrub brush and rinse. I grab the plush Tiffany blue towel and pat my face dry. In the small amount of steam on the mirror there is a message written: I see you. I wipe it away looking around. Will is slacking again. I swallow hard, this crap better not go down tonight, not with Emily here. What if they possess her? What if Will has to throw her into a rib crushing choke hold? I shudder at the thought. Or what if Will is the one who wrote the message? Ugh, that's even creepier.
Emily is sitting on my bed when I come out. She is toying with the fringe on one of my pillows. She seems like herself. I take my hair down and run a brush through it. I see her watching me through the mirror.
“So I don't know if you want to hear this or not but I saw Sam after school today and he was talking to Ari Campbell. He looked like he may have been asking her out.”
“Well I'm just shocked he hasn't moved on sooner. I mean we aren't together so he is free to date whoever he wants. But I know for a fact Ari annoys him to death, so I don't see that lasting.” Do I even feel the slightest twinge of jealousy? I ask myself. Not over Ari, maybe if it was someone more admirable I was contending with.
“I heard she's 18 now and started working at the new hot wings bar. She basically goes to work in a bra and hot pants.”
“Well if Sam finds that appealing, then maybe I don't know him as well as I thought I did.”
Emily rolls over and sprawls out on the shimmery ivory duvet I picked out on my last shopping trip.
“Please Brennen, he is probably just trying to make you jealous, that boy will do anything to get you back.”
“I know, I just need more time.”
Emily follows me out of the room and down the hall to the living room, dragging my comforter along with her. We must have both fallen asleep during the movie. I wake up on the sofa to the blue screen of the TV. I check my phone and find it is four in the morning. I decide to get a run in before Emily wakes up, then again the thought that Emily would wake before tem a.m. is amusing. I throw my hair up into a ponytail and get dressed.
I have a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. The night is still out and I put my ear buds in and set my play list to Work Out. I stretch my legs for a minute and take off. Running is cathartic, and ever since that day on the bridge I do it often. It's a skill set I didn't even know I had. My body has taken on a leaner and toner appearance. I have worked my way up to two miles out and two miles back. I walk the last half mile. There isn't a single soul out tonight. The air is cold but my body is keeping me warm.
When I reach my back steps I take off my sandy shoes and socks, and shake them out. I bound up the stairs and check on Emily; she is cocooned in my comforter right where I left her. I peel my clothes off and throw them in the hamper. I step under the hot water of the shower and let it cascade down my body. When I step out of the stall, there are no messages on the mirror and I am thankful for that.
I blow dry my hair while still in a towel. I pick out a pair of white Capri pants and a striped yellow and white boat neck long sleeved shirt. It's still only just seven in the morning. I drag my book bag over to my desk and work on my next speech for Gov. I have to come up with a resolution for world peace. Yeah this teacher doesn't ask for much, does he? Maybe he is one of them too.
An hour later I have nothing. I give up and go to the kitchen and bake a quiche for our breakfast. Another hour later and Emily peeks up from the sofa with a drowsy stare my way. She is far from bright eyed or bushy tailed.
“Good morning sunshine!” I say flippantly.
“Why do you look so awake?”
“I have been up since four, went for a run, showered, and tried to do homework, but ultimately decided to make you breakfast.” She nods still groggy. I slice the ham and Swiss quiche and serve her a piece on a small plate. She slides it in front of her and digs in.
“You are so not a morning person.”
“No I am not, but this is delicious.”
“Thanks.”
After breakfast I wait on Emily to get ready and take another crack at my homework. I feel that there won't be any real peace in this world as long as there are people with skewed values on humanity. So I write a few short paragraphs saying that our government can only lead by example. I encourage our nation to be more giving to charities and help their neighbor. To be more tolerant of diversity and not to fear what they do not understand. I think world peace has to start in your own back yard, sort of stuff.
“Ready to go?” Emily emerges from the bathroom looking fresh as the day. She's in a teal blue sweater and black skinny jeans. We spend the morning at the hair salon. I need a trim and a manicure. My hair is almost to my waist. I haven't had it cut in months. The receptionist calls my name and a wild looking guy comes up to greet me.
“Hey, there my name is Michael and your hair is gorgeous!” He has a severe cut, dyed blonde with blue pieces mixed in random places, and tattoos down the length of both arms. I swallow hard before he takes my hand and leads me to his chair. Emily elbows me telling me to quit being such a prude and be more tolerant of diversity- quoting back to me the spiel I made her sit through before we left. I give Michael a sheepish smile.
“So Brennen, what can I do for you today?”
“Can you take about three inches off the bottom and throw in some long layers.”
“You will be fabulous!” he says in some sort of French accent attempt. This could be bad. I need to find a regular stylist. Emily's chair is next to mine and her stylist looks normal. Would it be that rude to just run out of the salon before he picks up the scissors? I glance at the door and back at the vivid tiger inked over his forearm, crouched and poised, like me ready to pounce. Two and a half hours later and we are primped and buffed to a point of considerable improvement.
“How about we try out that little cafe Bodega? I hear the have the best tapas.” Emily suggests.
“Sure okay.”
“Your hair looks great, he did a good job. I wasn't too sure about that guy.”
“Me either, I was this close to running out the door. I like the red nails.”
“You don't think it's too wild?”
&nb
sp; “You are wild.” She makes a cat claw gesture. Me and my boring nude nails. No wonder Sam has moved on to Ari.
“Brennen look.” Emily points at a gray truck I recognize as Sam's, it is parked in front of Aunt Beans coffee shop.
“I think we need a latte. Don't you?” She drags me off the sidewalk and crosses the street.
“What if he's on a date with her?”
“Just be cool.” We walk in and I try not to look for him but he and Ari are sitting right in front of the door. A smile spreads across his face when he notices me come in. Ari stares daggers into my eyes, throat and gut. I walk straight to the counter.
“I'll have a regular mocha. Em, my treat.”
“I'll have a small caramel non-fat sugar free latte.” I pay and Emily gives me the play by play in whispers.
“He looks like he may be studying with her. He keeps looking over here. Incoming.”
“Brennen, Em’s, well what brings ya’ll to this neck of the woods?” I glance over at Ari who is drumming her nails on the table.
“We were across the street getting a haircut, and you?” I make direct eye contact, go ahead try and lie to me. My dad was Special Forces; he taught me a few tricks.
“Your hair looks pretty.” He pulls a piece out and caresses the length. “I had to see a man about a horse,” he says in a nonchalant way.
“Does his horse have a black mane and one ugly face?” Emily chides. We both crack up laughing. Sam frowns. He looks cute when he's angry. He is wearing a Dallas Cowboy's ball cap. I like the way his silky hair flips out the back. A well fitted blue polo cuts right at his bicep, and his jeans hug him in the usual flattering way. I think he just caught me checking him out. I quickly turn my eyes to the window.
“Ari's dad is buying one of our mares. I met him here to show him what we have available.”
I see a man come inside and sit next to Ari. Her whole demeanor changes and I can tell right away she has just put on her daddy's girl persona. She is so spoiled, surly getting whatever she wants. I can hear her whining now, (But daddy, I want a pony!).
“Well we are on our way to lunch. We'll see you around.”
“Yeah Bren, I'll see ya.” His face is somber as he turns back and heads to the table. I think he wanted me to invite him with us. I feel bad about even hinting that I was jealous. He is not my boyfriend and I have made it clear that we are just friends. I can't get jealous when he finally does move on. I am sure it is just a matter of time.
We are in my car when Emily bursts out.
“Oh my goodness, what are you going to do Bren?” She has lost me.
“About what.”
“Sam is hooked on you like crack cocaine.” I purse my lips and frown at Emily.
“He is not. He probably talked Ari into buying a horse just so he could spend time with her.”
“Yeah that's why he fawned all over you back there, girl you are in deep D-Nile if you think that.” I know she is right but it doesn't help my dilemma. Brennen you told Elijah you would try and move on, he wants you to try and live your life. My subconscious reminds me. I know I said that but part of me is waiting for him just to come back to me. How can I move on when he could come back any day? And then what, he finds me in the arms of someone else? Will he still be forbidden to show me his love, unable to kiss me? Because you know that will be my luck. Elijah can love me through his words, a look in his eye, and the touch of his hand and I would revel in it. But what if he never comes back?
“Brennen, are you coming in the restaurant or should I order take out?” I hear Emily snap. I look around not remembering how I drove here and parked and am still alive.
“Sorry I'm coming.”
The place seems quaint. A brown brick wall runs down the length of the cafe giving it a very urban loft feel; I like it. A waiter comes and greets us. He is giving Emily the up and down I think he likes her. But I know she only has eyes for Chris.
“Good afternoon ladies, what can I get you to drink?”
“I'll have an iced tea.”
“Make it two.” The menu is small but full of variety.
“Em, what if Elijah comes back and finds me with someone else?”
“And what if tomorrow a bus drives over you?” She sure knows how to make a point. I try to contemplate which I would prefer.
“A short bus or a charter?”
“A charter towing a short bus!” We burst out laughing.
“Hey let me see your phone for a second,” she says just as the waiter comes to take our order. Did she forget hers? I take it out of my bag and hand it to her.
“I'll have the seared tuna salad and did you want to split a calamari?” I ask and Emily nods.
“I'll have the Chicken Lettuce wraps.” She gives flirty eyes to the waiter. I nudge her under the table. She looks at me like what?
“But seriously Brennen, if Elijah comes back, and that is a big if, make him work for it. He can't just up and leave you, and have you roll over at his feet when he decides he wants you back. Maybe you will be happier than you ever thought possible with someone else. But if you don't at least try then you will always wonder.” I wonder if Elijah is coaxing her speech right now.
“I know, I know but I don't know how to even start to get over him.” She looks past me.
“Well I know how you can start.” She looks up and I turn to see Sam finding his way to our table. Oh, that's why she wanted my phone. I am slow. I scoot over so he has room in the booth.
I give Emily a murderous look. “Glad you could make it.”
“Yeah, me too.” He drinks me in. His arm brushes against mine in the tight space. I don't move away. The feeling is nothing like the magnetic spark that I feel when Elijah even comes near me. How do you forget that? I try and remember how I felt about Sam that night of the homecoming dance. When he kissed me on the dance floor, I was beginning to have strong feelings for him then. From now on I will just take the feelings as they come and I won't reject whatever they are. He has shown me the patience of a Saint. I forgot how good he smells. He is wearing his same woodsy cologne he always wears.
The waiter comes by after seeing Sam.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“I'll have a Dr. Pepper and the short ribs, please.”
“Yes sir, very good.”
“Are you sure I'm not interrupting girl's day? I was surprised to get your text.” I fish for my phone to find out exactly what “I” sent him. I hold my phone discreetly by my leg and see: Hey babe why don't you meet us for lunch? XOXO- I glare up at Emily. Really, how could you?
“You were right down the street. I should have invited you earlier. I guess I was distracted.”
“Besides, Chris wants us to double-date and go to the concert in VB tonight,” Emily chimes in. What? What concert in Virginia Beach? Sam looks to me for approval.
“Who’s playing, and where?” I ask her.
“Coldplay and the Farm Bureau,” She says while throwing a cabbage patch dance move. I do love that band. Do it, ask him.
“Sounds like good times and good company to me, how about you Sam?”
“Are you asking me out on a date?” I think he immediately regrets his words by the look on his face.
“Yes, Sam would you be my date for the concert tonight?” I ask sweeter than honey.
“I would like that very much Brennen.” Sam's eyes capture my gaze. Emily claps her hands and lets out a squeal of delight. She really should try out for cheerleading. She takes her phone out and texts Chris to buy the tickets. The waiter brings out our calamari and I reach for a piece. Sam's hand grazes mine at the same time and he looks longingly at me. I think he must still feel that heat between us. I still feel numb and I hate that I feel this way.
When we leave the restaurant Sam walks us to my car. He lingers close to me but doesn't take my hand, though I can tell he wants to. I get in and roll the windows down. Sam puts his hands on the window sill.
“So how about we meet at my house
at seven and go from there,” I offer.
“Sure, you girls have fun shopping.” He smiles. He looks at my lips and moistens his. He chickens out and backs away from the window. He waves as I back the car out.
“You really do like to make him work for it don't you?” Emily chides. I shrug her off.
“I agreed to go on a date with him didn't I? And by the way, thanks for the ambush!”
“Well,” she says with her hands up in the air. I drive to a nearby shopping strip that has several clothing stores. Emily darts into one with some very peculiar clothes in the window. I won't be buying anything from this store.
Two hours and six stores later, she has talked me into a white lace A-line skirt and sheer floral top. She thinks it will look great with a pair of my cowboy boots. She picks out a haltered coral colored dress that has a white embroidered design along the plunging neckline and a faded cropped denim jacket.
Sam and Chris arrive at seven and we take his truck. I sit in the front seat with Sam. He palms the seat, inviting me to sit in the middle, so I slide over and he puts his arm around me.
“You look very beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” He is wearing a deep red, long sleeved Henley and the outline of his chest muscles is distracting. He smells of his woodsy cologne, and sitting this close I can smell other notes of spices and something floral. Overall I like whatever it is. His arm around me feels nice, like he is saying I'm his. He has the music on at background level and I hear a song by One Republic playing. Chris and Emily are rehashing their day in the back seat.
“Are you a fan of Coldplay?”
“I guess were about to find out,” he chuckles.
The venue is not far from my house, and we arrive in under half an hour. I scoot out to the driver’s side and Sam grabs my waist and helps me dismount his oversized truck. I blush at the way his hands feel clamped tightly around my waist. He must notice the color on my cheeks too. He gives a knowing smile, and runs his thumb along my cheekbone. The night is cloudy and cool. I brought a light trench coat just in case I need it. We have lawn seats. We wait in the long lines to get in, and the wind kicks up, sending chills up my skirt and down my arms. I unfold my jacket and Sam takes it from my hands and helps me put it on. Then he takes his place behind me and wraps his body around me, shielding me from the wind. It is such a gentleman's gesture and it warms me to him. I am feeling toasty in under a minute thanks to his radiant heat. Emily and Chris are snuggled up next to each other.
My Soul to Keep (The Soul Keeper Series - Young Adult Paranormal Romance) Page 14