I smile warmly. “Thank you for asking me, but I actually have so much work to do that I was just planning on staying home tonight.”
“Oh,” he says. “Maybe, another time.”
“Sure. I just have a big project due next week and with my running schedule and working, I haven’t had any time to work on it.” I say.
“No worries. Well, see you later.” Tyler says and with that he’s out the door.
The rest of my workday is quiet and uneventful which is a welcome relief. I help Mr. and Mrs. Sutton open the shipment of boxes and re-stock the shelves. When I return home it’s already after seven o’clock. I plop down on my bed and switch on my laptop. I decide to email Logan.
From: Emilia King
Subject: Just coffee
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 7:12 pm
To: Logan Prescott
Logan,
I can meet you tomorrow for coffee at the Starbuck’s on State Street. Does ten o’clock work for you?
Emilia
I close my emails and start to do research for my Shakespeare oral report. After about an hour of reviewing my notes on “Much Ado About Nothing” I decide to focus on the central theme of deceit for my report.
I shut the computer down and decide to take a quick shower before doing more work. As I walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around me, Bryn walks in my bedroom.
“Hi, Emilia. I didn’t hear you come in. How was work?” Bryn asks.
“It was fine – for a Saturday it was pretty quiet which was nice for a change.” I say.
“Would you like to come out with Josh and I tonight? You know you are more than welcome to.” She smiles.
“Thanks but I’m good. Besides Tyler came in the store today and asked if I’d go out with him tonight.”
“That’s great, Emilia. He’s hot and he’s nice. Where are you guys going?” Bryn asks.
“Um. We’re not.” I slowly look away from her because I know she will be annoyed that I turned him down.
“Oh, Emilia.” She says with a tone of disappointment.
“Don’t be upset with me, Bryn. I honestly have too much work to do. I have a big project due next week.” I mumble.
“Is that the only reason you turned Tyler down?” Bryn asks with a suspicious look.
“Well. That’s the truth, but I also don’t want to give him any false hope. I like Tyler, but just as a friend. I don’t think it’s a good idea to go on a date with him.” I say.
“But you do think it’s a good idea to go on a date with Logan?” she teases.
“It’s not a date. ‘It’s just coffee’ those were your words, right?” I murmur.
“I’m just teasing you, Emilia. I think Tyler is a great guy but I can’t make you decide who you like and don’t like. You can only decide that. I can try and persuade you but I can’t force you to do anything that you don’t want to do.” She smiles and winks.
I try and change the subject. “So where are you and Josh going?”
“I think we might just grab a bite to eat and catch a movie. But seriously if you change your mind and want to join us, please call or text. Okay?”
“Sure. Now go and have fun. I’m fine. I’ve got a date with Shakespeare. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that.” I giggle.
It’s almost ten o’clock when I power up the computer to continue with my project. There’s an email from Logan in my inbox.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Not even a muffin?
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 7:15 pm
To: Emilia King
Your time and place work for me.
I look forward to seeing you.
Logan
I immediately type out a reply.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: No, thank you
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 9:56pm
To: Logan Prescott
See you then,
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: It’s Saturday night
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 9:58 pm
To: Emilia King
I’m surprised you aren’t out with your bossy friend. Shall I come over now and enjoy some of your coffee set with you?
Logan
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Saturday night
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:01 pm
To: Logan Prescott
I could say the same about you. My bossy friend – what about your bossy friend?
Emilia
I find myself grinning at the computer screen. I need to work on my project but this is too fun.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Saturday night
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:04 pm
To: Emilia King
Touche – but you didn’t answer my question.
Logan
I respond almost immediately for fear that he will soon be at my front door but decide to have more fun before I get back into work mode.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Saturday night
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:06 pm
To: Logan Prescott
I have a date…
I hit “reply” and giggle. He doesn’t reply immediately but just when I’m starting to worry I get another email.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Trying to make me jealous?
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:10pm
To: Emilia King
It’s working. Who is your date? I have some ideas.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Joking
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:12 pm
To: Logan Prescott
Shakespeare. I have a big project due
next week. So leave me be so I can get my work done.
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Shakespeare
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:15 pm
To: Emilia King
Until tomorrow – or should I say parting is such sweet sorrow?
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Shakespearean linguistics
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:18pm
To: Logan Prescott
Are you trying to impress me? First “King Lear” and now “Romeo and Juliet.” Well, it’s working. Now, please stop e-mailing me so I can get some work done.
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Glad it’s working ;)
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:17 pm
To: Emilia King
My bossy friend/roommate is demanding me to go out.
Good luck with your work.
Sebastian is his roommate? I guess I should have known. I put it out of my mind and get to work. It’s going to be a long night.
7
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY morning when I stumble out of bed. I’m exhausted from working late on my Shakespeare project. My head didn’t hit the pillow until about two in the morning. But when I did finally try and sleep it was my usual struggle. I don’t like taking my sleeping medication even though my doctor says it would help me with my insomnia. I’m kind of used to my lack of sleep but it’s the night terrors that I would rather do with out.
My red eyes feel temporarily soothed when I put the Visine in them. I throw on my running clothes and head downstairs. Bryn is still sleeping when I head out the door for my morning run. I leave her a quick note because I know she will worry about me.
Bryn,
Good morning. Hope you had a fun night with Josh. I can’t
wait to hear all about it. I’m out for a quick run.
See you soon!
XO,
Emilia
An hour later, I’m back home from my run. I almost have a stroke when I see a dark figure in the kitchen. It’s only Bryn and I laugh at my nervousness.
“You sure are extra jumpy today.” Bryn says with a concerned tone. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. I think it’s just because I’m meeting Logan today for coffee.” I say.
“You want me to come along?” Bryn says in a serious manner.
“I’ll be fine. I promise.” I say with a little too much certainty.
But I seem to have reassured Bryn. “Okay. Remember you can always escape to the ladies’ room and text me to rescue you.”
“Of course.” I say. That’s actually a great idea.
Because I want to get my mind off Logan and coffee, I ask her about Josh. I can tell from the way Bryn’s eyes light up when she starts talking about Josh and their date that she’s completely smitten with him.
“So we’re definitely back on.” She smiles.
“I’m glad you’re happy, Bryn.” I say.
“I hope the same for you.” She smiles.
When I get to Starbucks, Logan is already waiting at the counter. It’s very crowded so he doesn’t see me at first. I admire his beautiful attributes from a distance.
He’s in faded Levi’s and a grey t-shirt that fits his muscular arms in a perfect way. He’s talking to the barista who happens to be a very attractive blonde. She’s smiling at him when he catches my gaze and she looks disappointed when he turns away from her towards me.
He’s very, very good-looking. I feel like I can’t move my legs because I’m completely mesmerized. He’s moving toward me when I valiantly attempt to regain my composure.
“Emilia, you look beautiful. You sure you don’t want anything else besides coffee? Something to eat?” He politely asks and smiles.
I’m wearing my usual jeans and a Roxy tank. I blush when I hear the word, ‘beautiful’.
“Just coffee – I take it black. Thanks. I’m really not hungry.” I mutter.
“I thought we could get our coffee and enjoy it on the beach. It’s so crowded in here. Do you mind?” He says with a smile.
“Sure.” I say and nervously look away from his gaze.
“Great. I’ll just grab our drinks and then we can go.”
While I’m waiting for Logan to get our coffees, I’m overwhelmed with anxiety. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea? Now we’re going to the beach. Should I go to the bathroom and send an SOS to Bryn? I’m officially freaking out.
“Ready? My car is outside.” He says in a warm tone as he hands me my coffee.
He opens the door for me and when we step outside, he reaches to take my hand. I attempt to act like holding hands is a regular occurrence for me. He opens the passenger door to the sleek platinum silver metallic Porsche and I climb in.
The car interior smells of leather, that lovely new car smell. He turns on the sound system and I’m pleasantly pleased to hear “The Cave” by Mumford and Sons – one of my favorite groups.
It’s empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you’ve left behind
The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat
Logan pulls out of the lot and on to State Street. The windows are down. The soft breeze and the music give me a feeling of comfort. I quietly sing along and stare out the window.
But I will hold on hope
And I won’t let you choke
On the noose around your neck
And I’ll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I’ll know my name as it’s called again
Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I’ll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind
So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see windows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears
But I will hold on hope
And I won’t let you choke
On the noose around you neck
And I’ll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I’ll know my name as it’s called again
So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker’s land
So make your siren’s call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say
Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it’s meant to be
And I will hold on hope
And I won’t let you choke
On the noose around your neck
And I’ll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I know my name as it’s called again
I can feel Logan turn and gaze at me. He seems to be waiting for me to say something.
“Mumford and Sons is one my favorite groups.” I finally manage.
“I can tell. I like them too.” He pauses and then adds, “I thought your friend Bryn was going to show up with you today.”
I’m wondering if he’s disappointed that my gorgeous friend didn’t join us. I give him a slight smile since I don’t know how to respond.
“Have you two been friends for a long time?” He asks.
“Since freshman year. We met at orientation and we’ve been friends ever since.” I mutter. I’m thinking again that it is Bryn he’s really after when he answers the question that I’m thinking.
“I’m glad Bryn didn’t tag along.” He smiles.
We pull into a small parking lot along the curb that’s located at the top of the cliffs. He jumps out of the car and just as I’m about to climb out of my seat, he offers his hand out for me. My heart is pounding as I feel that reoccurring electrical current that runs through me every time I touch him.
He reaches into the back of the car and grabs a cream-colored cotton blanket. The sun is shining and my head is whirling with a combination of excitement and trepidation.
“You look worried.” He says as he holds my hand and we walk toward a long, narrow stairwell that leads to the beach.
I’m not sure if he’s thinking I’m worried about the treacherous steps or him.
“No.” I say but my voice sort of squeaks so I’m not sure if he believes me.
“Just hold on to me and you’ll be fine.” He smiles.
I glance at a caution sign as we make our way down the first few weathered concrete steps.
“It’s beautiful here,” I mutter.
“It’s called Thousand Steps Beach.” He says as we make our way down.
“Aptly named.” I say while looking at the stairs that stretch out before us.
“Actually it’s probably closer to about three hundred steps.” He tilts his head with a soft smile.
The breathtaking beach is in front of us. It’s quiet and spectacular with small tide pools scattered about since it appears to be low tide. The narrow sandy and cobble shore is isolated and no one is in sight. It’s as if we are on our own private beach.
We walk a few steps on to the pebbly sand and Logan releases my hand to throw down the blanket.
“Would you like to sit or walk?” He smiles.
“Sitting sounds good.” I say because my legs are a bit shaky from my nerves and the steep walk.
We sit for a few moments staring out at the ocean. I glance over at him as he runs his hands through his perfectly tousled hair.
He looks at me and says, “I wish I knew what you were thinking.”
“How was your date?” He asks.
I look at him quizzically and then I remember. “Shakespeare. Fine. I still have a lot more to do but I got a good start. How was your night out?”
“Fine.” His gaze holds mine. “Do you date one of those boys?”
“Which boys?” I say, confused.
“The one I always see you and your roommate out with or the one you do the show with?” He asks.
“No. They’re both just friends.” I shiver and my voice is shaky.
“Here take my jacket.” He says as he puts it around my shoulders. “You look cold.”
“Thanks.” I pull it tight around me, feeling the cool ocean air.
“Do I make you nervous?” he asks. “I can’t tell if I’m making you nervous or if you are hiding something.”
“I’m not hiding anything. They aren’t my boyfriends. But you do make me a little nervous.” I mutter.
“Why do I make you nervous?” he asks.
“You just do.” I say. I make an effort to change the subject. “How long have you known Sebastian?”
“Since freshman year.” He says but he looks disappointed that I changed the subject.
“He loathes me.” I say.
“Loathes is a very strong word. I’m pretty certain he doesn’t loathe you.” Logan says with a surprised look.
I take a sip of my coffee. “Did you grow up in California?” he asks.
Running from Romeo Page 6