From: Anthony King
Subject: Checking In
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012 8:35am
To: Emilia King
Emilia,
Hope you are settled in and classes are going well. Please let me know when you would like me to come visit. You are always welcome to come and visit your old man.
Love,
Dad
__________
From: Anthony King
Subject: Worrying
Date: Sunday, September 30, 2012 9:22pm
To: Emilia King
Emilia,
Please call or email me. You know how I worry. Just want to make sure you are okay.
Miss you,
Dad
I decide I better call my dad before heading out the door. He answers on the first ring.
“Hi stranger.” He still sounds groggy.
“Hey, dad. Sorry, did I wake you?” I say.
“No. Well, maybe. It’s okay. It’s good to hear your voice.” He says.
“Yours too. I miss you.” I say with a melancholy tone.
“You okay, honey? You sound funny.”
“I’m fine.”
I know he will worry so I say, “I’m just tired. I have a heavy load of classes. Once I get back into the groove of school I’ll be fine.”
“Well, try and enjoy yourself. It is your last year of freedom before you’ll have to keep your nose to the grindstone.” He laughs.
“Don’t worry, Dad. Bryn is seeing to that.” I giggle.
“Oh good. I always knew I liked Bryn.”
“I’ve got to get to class. It was good talking to you.” I say.
“You too. Let me know when you’ll come visit or I’m happy to come to you.
“I will. Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too, honey.” I feel a new sense of comfort after talking to my dad. It’s suddenly obvious to me. Logan is not the guy for me. I know he gave me his number and he wants to go to coffee.
But his words haunt me – I’m trying to stay away from you. I don’t really understand his words. But now that he wants me to call him and meet I think I need to stay away from him. The thought makes me a little depressed but I know it’s the right thing. Bryn is right he is probably bad news. I know for a fact that his friend, Sebastian, is bad news.
Bryn is thrilled with my epiphany when we walk to campus together.
“So, you aren’t going to call him?” She asks.
“Nope.” I say. I’m surprised by my conviction.
“You know that’s going to really piss him off? I’m sure he’s never been stood up by anyone.” She giggles.
“Well, they say there’s a first for everything.” I giggle.
When I get to the Studio One trailer, Luke Stanton is leaning on a tree outside. He’s my co-anchor and although we’ve been in several classes together I really don’t know much about him.
One thing I do know is that he’s very persistent. Whenever he gets a chance he asks me out.
He’s tall with light brown hair that kind of spikes up all over his head. He looks up from where he’s standing when I approach.
“Hi, Emilia. How was your weekend?” He asks.
“It was good. How about yours?” He’s still leaning against the tree and I’m wondering why he isn’t going into the studio.
“Um. Fine.” He mutters. His face starts to get a little red. I can tell where this is heading.
“You ready to get to work?” I say a bit uncomfortably.
“Well…I was wondering if you might want to go out with me? This week or this weekend…whatever works.” He mutters.
I pause for a moment. “Um, sorry. This week is really busy.” I look toward the ground.
“That’s cool. How about another weekend?” He’s not giving up.
“Sorry. I don’t really have time to date. Last year and everything – I need to focus on my studies.” I say and this is the truth but I still feel bad when I see the disappointed look in his eyes.
He tries to shrug it off. “Oh. Maybe another time.”
I quickly open the door to the studio to break the tension between us.
I’m coming to the conclusion that this is going to be a strange school year. First Logan and then Luke but I’m not fretting over it. My week is so busy with essays and tests that I have no time to think about anything else. It’s Friday and I’m relieved the week is over. I turn in my essay on Jane Eyre and smile.
Bryn and I are planning to go to Elsie’s and I’m surprised to find that I’m actually looking forward to it. Maybe the baby steps are working?
I get back to the house and Bryn is already getting ready for our night out. She’s wearing a black silky top, a pair of dark-rinsed denim jeans and high heels. She looks her usual stunning self.
“When I got home today this was at the front door for you,” she says as she hands me a large-sized package.
“That’s weird.” I say as I take the package from her. It’s swathed in cream-colored wrapping paper and tied with natural raffia. There’s a small gift card on it that says, Miss Emilia King.
Inside the package is a large assortment of products from Starbucks. There’s an assortment of coffees and a stainless steel tumbler. A manila-colored card is inside the box that reads:
“Nothing can come of nothing”
“Coffee.” I pause. “You’re right, Bryn.”
“I’m right about what?” she asks.
“Logan Prescott is pissed.” I don’t know why but I giggle.
My week was so busy with tests and papers I really didn’t think about blowing him off. I don’t deny that didn’t I think about his piercing blue eyes and our kiss but the coffee thing was really not on my radar.
“Why are you laughing?” Bryn asks with an amused tone.
“I just think it’s pretty funny that he left me a package with a bunch of coffee.” I say.
“But that quote is kind of creepy.” Bryn says. “Is it from something?”
“It’s from Shakespeare’s King Lear. It’s about taking risks.” I say. I’m pleasantly pleased he’s quoting Shakespeare. Did I ever mention to him I’m an English major or that I’m in Advanced Shakespeare? And, how does he know where I live?
“Does King Lear say it?” Bryn asks.
“Yes. He says it to his daughter, Cordelia. She’s the youngest daughter and she loves him the most. He says it because he wants her to praise him more than her other sisters. When he asks her if she has anything to say she says, ‘nothing.’ He says, ‘nothing can come of nothing.’ He banishes her from the kingdom, she ends up being hanged and Lear dies of a broken heart – in a nutshell. It’s tragic. Not a happily ever after ending.” My voice is quiet.
“So Logan thinks of you like a daughter?’ Bryn asks with a serious tone.
“Now that is creepy.” I giggle. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” I hold up one of the packages of Starbucks.
“How about a cup of margarita, instead?” Bryn laughs.
We get to the bar and it’s already packed. I’m not in a sexy top and heels like Bryn but I’m wearing the stylish jeans she gave me. I’m also wearing my favorite Billabong spaghetti-strap top that I bought from Spyder last year.
“How about another margarita?” Bryn says when we move closer to the bar.
“Or a coffee drink?” I laugh. I don’t know why I’m so amused by the Starbucks gift. I’m sure Logan’s intent was not to make me laugh.
I’m laughing and feeling a bit light-headed. How many margaritas did Bryn and I consume before we left the house? I’m holding on to the bar to keep my balance when I hear his husky-whispery voice.
“So I’m guessing you want me to leave you alone?” He says in a detached tone.
I can feel a chill run through my body and I feel even more light-headed. But it’s a delicious light-headed feeling.
“Um. Thank you for the coffee.” I say because it’s all I can manage.
“Thank you for the co
ffee. That’s all you have to say?” He asks with his mouth clenched. Boy, is he pissed.
“And for the tumbler.” I mumble and I try to contain my laughter. Uh-oh. I think I’ve offended him even more.
“So you find me amusing?” He breathes. His fingers gently twist a strand of my hair. He’s moved closer to me and my heart is pounding.
“No. I find your coffee gift amusing.” I whisper.
“It wasn’t supposed to be amusing. Did you forget about going for coffee? I think we talked about it. When? Last Saturday? And it’s now Friday.” His voice is cool.
His piercing blue eyes show no feeling. I look around for Bryn. This is the time where I need her to drag me away from him and of course she is nowhere to be found. I wonder for a second if I should make a run for it. I am fast.
“You looking for your friend to rescue you?” He smirks.
I’m rendered speechless and I try to gather my thoughts. How am I going to get out of this?
“So did you not have time for coffee or did you decide you didn’t want to see me?” His eyes blaze at me.
I am still stunned. “Honestly?” I whisper.
“That would be nice.”
“You said you were trying to stay away from me.” I flush.
“I think the last thing I said was that I was trying to stay away from you but I can’t.” He says in a matter of fact tone.
“Oh, I get it.” I can hear my own sarcasm.
My head is throbbing from the tequila and his relentless interrogation. Sure, I probably should have called or texted him to let him know that coffee wasn’t going to work. But isn’t he overreacting just a bit? It’s not like we’re dating. He barely even knows me and vice versa.
I try to change my tact. “So how do you know where I live?”
“It’s not that big of a college and most people know who you and your roommate are.” He sounds exasperated. He moves closer and as he does he takes my hand. I wonder what he means about people knowing who Bryn and I are. Maybe it’s because Bryn looks like a supermodel?
“Why the quote from King Lear?” I whisper. My voice sounds shaky as he caresses my hand.
His eyes soften and he smiles. “You study literature, right? You tell me.” How does he know what I’m studying? He answers my question that I’m thinking. “Small school, Emilia.”
Oh…I flush. “Take a risk.” I whisper.
“Precisely. I would like to hope that something can come from something.” His eyes are intense and his voice has a sexy, gravelly tone to it.
Logan is still holding my hand and staring down at me when Sebastian angrily approaches us. He doesn’t look pleased. No wonder these two are friends. They both have anger issues.
“Logan, let’s get out of here. We’re supposed to meet everyone at Tonic by eleven and it’s already past midnight.” Sebastian is slightly tugging on Logan’s shirt.
“Ironic, don’t you think? Now, you are the one being rescued.” I whisper.
“I do like your sense of humor.” He says as he lifts my hand to his lips and brushes it with a soft kiss. “Now, you’ll try and remember to let me know about coffee?” I nod and with that he’s out the door – leaving me breathless once again.
6
THERE AREN’T SEASONS in Santa Barbara or Southern California for that matter. We have, what I like to call, “Early Summer” from about April through June. Then we have “Mid Summer” from July through September. “Late Summer” is usually the warmest time of the year and that runs from October through December.
Besides the three summers, there’s what I call winter. But it’s not like the winter that usually conjures up in your mind. The Southern California winter goes from January through March, except that it doesn’t usually get below fifty degrees and unless you live in the mountains, you won’t see any snow.
If you enjoy the seasons, you more than likely would not like living here. Since I grew up on the east coast and thoroughly hated the freezing winters and the extremely humid days of summer, I do not miss the change of seasons. Besides I love the sun and warm weather.
Once we lived here for a few years, I did start to miss one season. Fall was my favorite season on the east coast. Unless you’ve experienced a beautiful autumn day firsthand you can’t truly appreciate the splendor of it. I love the way the leaves change from green to gold to red and then yellow. Some leaves turn into a beautiful array of all the colors.
During the autumn, the sky looks different too. It appears to be the brightest blue imaginable. But maybe the sky just looks brighter because of all the spectacular colors from the leaves on the trees.
I guess I’m thinking about the seasons because it’s October. I look out my bedroom window and even though I’m feeling nostalgic about fall and leaves changing, I have a change of heart when I see the splendid sunshine. It’s another beautiful day in Santa Barbara – life could be worse.
I wash my face, pull my hair up into a ponytail, and then slide on a pair of running shorts and a tank. I throw on a baseball hat because it’s so sunny out and I don’t want to get burned. Before I head out into this beautiful “summer” day, I head to the kitchen for my usual yogurt and berries.
Bryn is already in the kitchen. She’s in her Victoria’s Secret pajamas, sipping a cup of coffee and working on her laptop.
“Hey, Emilia.” She says with a yawn.
“How’s the coffee?” I giggle.
“Well, I wasn’t going to bring your little stalker up but since you did…I saw him talking to you last night…what did he have to say about you standing him up?” Bryn asks.
“He was kind of annoyed.” I say in a matter of fact tone.
“I bet he was. It’s good for him. I’m sure he’s used to getting whatever he wants, who ever he wants, whenever he wants. He should appreciate what you did.” She beams.
I look at her with a confused look. “Appreciate? Why is that?”
“It’s a learning experience for him.” She laughs.
“He still wants to go to coffee.” I say.
“I’m sure he does. I’m sure he wants more than coffee too.” Bryn teases.
“So you think I should stand him up again? Just for more of the learning experience thing?” I say with a mischievous grin.
“Emilia Rose King. I’m impressed with your newfound confidence.” She laughs. “I guess it depends on your love of coffee gift sets.”
“I’m teasing, Bryn. I really don’t know what to do. I’ve never been so confused about a guy. I’ve never felt so – so consumed – by someone.” I say sadly.
“What does your heart say?” asks Bryn with a concerned look in her eyes.
“My heart may say one thing but my mind says something else. It’s all so confusing. He’s confusing.” I say.
“Maybe going to coffee would help? Maybe you’d get a better hold on your feelings? I think you should stay clear of him but you need to make that decision. And it is just coffee – I guess it couldn’t hurt.” Bryn reassuringly smiles.
THE SUN IS SHINING and it feels warm on my face. There’s not a cloud in the sky and the fresh salty ocean air invigorates me to the bone. I run four blocks and then head toward the beach. It feels good to run and clear my head. I let myself enjoy the music in my ears and thoughts of Logan are put to the back of my mind.
Once I run my five miles, I head to the SBU track to stretch before heading home. I’m not there long because in the distance I see Sebastian and I’d rather not have to deal with him. I finish my set of leg lunges and quickly head home.
After a shower and change of clothes, I’m headed to work at Spyder. Bryn runs out the door after me.
“Hey, let me give you a ride.” She says.
“Bryn, please don’t feel like you always need to drive me or offer me your car just because I don’t have one. It’s not that far and I really enjoy the walk.” I say.
“I know but I really have to run into town. I’ve got a couple errands to do – bank, cleaners, and
the drug store.” She says a bit distractedly.
“Okay but I hope you never feel like you have to chauffeur me. I’m fine.” I plead.
I sense Bryn is worried about me. She knows I have zero experience with the opposite sex. I think of Logan’s words, ‘what are you her mother?’ I come to the realization that Bryn is like a mother to me. She’s my closest and dearest friend but she also looks after me and worries about me like a mother. For a moment, I just stare at her. I’m really in awe of Bryn. She has it all. She’s beautiful, smart, kind and confident.
“You okay?” She asks.
“I’m just so lucky to have a friend like you.” I say.
“Ditto. Now get in the car or you’ll be late.” She teases. She is like a mother!
When I get to Spyder, I’m surprised to find that the store is fairly quiet for a Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are helping unload a new shipment of boxes that just arrived at the back of the store.
“Hi, Emilia.” Says Mrs. Sutton. “It’s always nice to see you. How are you, dear?”
“I’m good. Thanks. Can I help you with the boxes?” I say.
“Hi, Emilia. No, we’re good. Would you mind just looking after the front of the store while we work back here?” Mr. Sutton calls while he’s walking in and out of the back door.
“Sure thing.” I say.
I almost have a heart attack when I turn away from Mr. and Mrs. Sutton at the back of the store and bump into Tyler. I didn’t realize anyone else was in the store and I almost trip over him because he’s so close to me.
“You scared me, Tyler. I didn’t see you come in.” I say.
“Sorry.” He says. I notice he doesn’t seem like himself.
“What’s up? You need more wax?” I say as I move toward the register.
“Uh. No. I don’t need more wax. I was just wondering if you had plans for tonight?” He says a bit nervously.
“I think Bryn and Josh are doing something so I thought maybe.” He adds and smiles.
Bryn did mention that she might do something with Josh. She was worried I would be disappointed if I missed a night at Elsie’s or Tonic or wherever. Honestly, I was a bit elated about having a night to myself. Plus, I have a huge Shakespeare project that’s due next week.
Running from Romeo Page 5