Running from Romeo

by Diane Mannino

  “I don’t understand?”

  “I told you I don’t do the dating thing. I’ve never been interested in dating anyone until I met you.” He smiles.

  “You’ve never dated anyone. Just had sex? It doesn’t really make sense to me.”

  “A lot of one night stands.” He shrugs.

  “Really? Women do just throw themselves at you.” I say as I shake my head.

  “You find that hard to believe?” He takes a sip of his beer.

  “No. I don’t. Just amazes me that women are okay with that, just interested in the sex.”

  “You’d be surprised. But it’s not always the case. There are some that want more than sex. I’ve just never been interested in wanting more, until now.”

  “Oh.” I smile and feel myself blush.

  The waitress returns with chips and salsa. “Can I get you a couple more Coronas?”

  “Sure.” We both say at the same time.

  “Sebastian is a real dick some times. Don’t let him bother you.” He says reassuringly. “Besides I’m pretty certain he’s wanted you for quite some time.”

  “He can want all he wants. I’m never going to want him back. That’s for sure.” I say in a serious tone.

  “Should I tell him that?” He smirks.

  “You don’t think I’m after your money like he does?” I ask and take a sip of my beer.

  “Honestly?” He asks.

  My eyes glow with worry. “That would be nice.” I repeat his earlier words.

  “I really don’t give a shit.” He grins. “Now do you believe me that I want you? I want us to work.”

  I laugh. “Sebastian would be horrified.”

  “Good. It would serve him right for the shit he said to you.” He seethes.

  The waitress returns with two more Coronas and two plastic red baskets lined with paper and fish tacos. We sit in silence while we eat. The fish tacos are delicious. The fish is lightly battered, giving them a crisp exterior but the white fish inside is soft and juicy.

  I’m lost in thought when I remember Sebastian’s cryptic last words.

  “Can I ask you one more question?”

  “Of course.” He smiles and takes another sip of beer.

  “Sebastian told me to ask you where you were last night.” I say and look at him, trying to gauge his reaction.

  He thinks for a moment and then says, “I think he’s alluding to me picking Seraphina up.”

  “Seraphina?” My eyebrows lift in surprise. The name sounds so exotic, sexy. It can’t be good.

  “Yes. Seraphina. She’s a friend. Her car broke down and she called and asked me to pick her up.” He says in a matter of fact tone.

  “A friend or a friend with benefits?” I ask.

  “Emilia, don’t be silly. That’s just what Sebastian is trying to do, make it seem like there’s something going on but there’s nothing.” He pauses and then adds, “You have male friends.”

  “Yes, but I haven’t had sex with them.”

  “I told you. It was meaningless sex.”

  “So you have had sex with Seraphina?”

  “Yes.”

  “But not anymore?”

  “No, and I’m not interested. I’m only interested in you. What do I have to say or do to make you understand that?”

  “I’m not sure.” I say shyly.

  The waitress returns and asks if there’s anything else we need. Logan looks at me and I shake my head.

  “Just the check.” He says.

  She leaves the check on the table, quickly takes one last look at Logan and hurries off.

  “Can I treat you?” I ask.

  “Don’t be silly.” He smiles. “My treat. We were celebrating your first place finish. Besides, I certainly can afford a couple fish tacos.”

  He stands up and offers his hand out to me. “Come. Would you like to go for a walk on the beach?”

  “I would love to but I have a paper I need to work on. Can I take a rain check?”

  “Sure.” He smiles.

  We drive in silence from the café to my house. When he pulls in front of it, he parks the car and turns to me.

  “You sure you need to work on a paper?” He smiles.

  “You are a bad influence. Yes, I have to work on a paper. You business majors really don’t have much work do you?”

  He smiles and shrugs. “I’m glad we talked.”

  “Me too. Thanks for lunch. Um, dinner.” I glance at the clock on the dashboard. It’s almost five o’clock.

  I don’t know why but I feel very emotional. Maybe it’s because we talked more or maybe it’s because I opened up a little about my mother. I mostly keep that bottled up somewhere deep within me. I’ve only talked to Bryn about it and even then I have rarely opened up. I have always had a hard time expressing my emotions, how I feel, afraid of looking weak and vulnerable.

  My hands are resting on my lap when he reaches over and takes my hand in his. He softly kisses the back of it, not just once but a few times. Watching him, I feel my body tingle at his touch.

  “There…healed now.” He says between his tender kisses on my hand. I know he’s referring to the scene in Jane Eyre when Jane pricks her hand on thorns from flowers in a vase when she wakes Edward because there’s a fire in his bedroom. Edward kisses Jane’s wounded hand. It’s the first time they share a kiss.

  “My hand isn’t injured.” I breathe.

  “Yes, but you are and I want to make you better.” He says softly.

  I reach over and softly take his face between my hands. Feeling his lips on mine, his tongue slowly slides into my waiting, wanting mouth. His hand moves around my neck, to the back of my head, pulling me closer.

  He slowly pulls away and we sit in silence as we still our intense breathing. I know in this moment that I have never felt this way for another human being. These feelings are all new to me and as uncertain as I am about them, one thing I do know for sure, I’m really falling for him.

  12

  I WONDER if it was all a dream. My head is throbbing from another sleepless night so I make my way to the bathroom for some Tylenol and a glass of water. Splashing water on my face, I feel my eyes filling up with tears and the familiar lump in my throat. My feelings for Logan are so overwhelming, I don’t know if I can really handle a relationship.

  Perhaps sleep would help me put things in perspective. Sleep deprivation does do strange things to your mind, that’s a known fact. If only I had a clear head. I wander back into my bedroom and glance at my clock, six thirty five. The sun will be up soon so I scramble out of my tank and sweatpants and into my black Nike running shorts, sports bra and matching Nike black tank. I quietly make my way down the stairs, trying not to wake Bryn. In the kitchen I eat my usual Greek yogurt and a handful of blueberries.

  After I eat, I plug in my iPod and head outside to stretch. It’s another beautiful sunny day. My hamstrings and quads are tight from yesterday’s run so I focus on stretching them out. This is just what I need to clear my head. I turn up my iPod. My mind already starts to unwind, listening to the lyrics of “Animal” by Neon Trees.

  Here we go again

  I kinda wanna be more than friends

  So take it easy on me

  I’m afraid

  You’re never satisfied

  Here we go again

  We’re sick like animals

  We play pretend

  You’re just

  A cannibal

  And I’m afraid

  I won’t get out alive

  I won’t sleep tonight

  Oh Oh

  I want some

  More

  Oh Oh

  What are you waiting for

  Take a bite of

  My heart tonight

  Oh Oh

  I want some

  More

  Oh oh

  What are you waiting for

  What are you waiting for

  Say goodbye to my heart

  Tonight


  Here we are again

  I feel the chemicals kickin’ in

  It’s getting heavy

  And I wanna run and hide

  I do it every time

  You’re killin’ me now

  And I won’t be

  Denied by you

  The animal inside of you

  Oh oh

  I want some more

  Oh oh

  What are you waiting for

  Take a bite of my heart tonight

  Oh oh

  I want some more

  Oh oh

  What are you waiting for

  What are you waiting for

  Say goodbye to my heart tonight

  Hush, hush The world is quiet

  Hush, hush We both can’t fight it

  It’s us that made this mess

  Why can’t you understand?

  Whoa, I won’t sleep tonight

  Oh oh

  I want some more

  Oh oh

  What are you waiting for

  Take a bite of my heart tonight

  Oh oh

  I want some more

  Oh oh

  What are you waiting for

  What are you waiting for

  Say goodbye to my heart tonight

  The run has helped clear my mind, I already feel calm, more relaxed. I don’t care what anyone thinks anymore. Bryn and Sebastian’s warnings, my own inner turmoil, I need to push that all aside. I’ve always chosen to run away from everything in my life, but this time I don’t think I have a choice.

  I’m already in too deep so my choice to run away; would be too painful. I think of his piercing blue eyes, his soft lips…his charm. I have fallen for it all.

  My decision is made and I just have to hope that taking it slow will not be as heartbreaking as the alternative, running away.

  Bryn is standing in the entrance of our house when I throw the door open. I practically knock her over when I come running into the house. She must have seen me coming down our street.

  “Sorry.” I say as I bump into her and pull my earplugs out of my ears.

  “I’ve been waiting for you!” She says excitedly.

  “Why? What’s going on?” I can tell she can’t contain her excitement.

  “A delivery came for you while you were out running.” She says with wide-eyed excitement. She points to a small brown box that sits on the coffee table in the living room.

  “I hope you don’t mind but I signed your name for it, Miss King.” She beams.

  I immediately know whom the package is from.

  “Maybe it’s more coffee.” I smile.

  “No. That box was much bigger.” Bryn claps her hand together in anticipation. “You know what they say about small packages.” Good things come in small packages.

  I open the box and at the top is a small manila-colored card like the last package from Logan. The cursive note reads:

  I knew you would do me good in some way,

  at some time; I saw it in your eyes when I

  first beheld you: their expression and smile

  did not – did not strike delight to my very

  inmost heart so for nothing.

  It’s one of my favorite quotes from Jane Eyre. Beneath the card is a small box in a robin egg blue color with a perfectly tied white silk bow. I pull it out of the box.

  “Holy shit – it’s from Tiffany’s.” Bryn’s mouth drops open.

  I hold the small box in my hand for a minute. I’ve never in my wildest dreams ever imagined receiving something from Tiffany’s.

  “Open it!” Bryn says urgently, her eyes wide.

  I pull on the silk ribbon, my heart beating fast. Inside the box is a suede pouch in the same distinct “Tiffany blue” as the box, “Tiffany& Co.” is inscribed on the front. I gently pull open the drawstring and pull out a shiny silver heart locket pendant on a delicate chain. There’s a small cluster of diamonds forming a tiny heart at the center. It is simple but elegant.

  Bryn leans closely to examine it. “It’s a locket. Is there a picture in it?” She whispers.

  I open it and find a tiny black and white photo of my mom, as a young girl, staring back at me.

  “Your mom.” Bryn breathes.

  I nod. I am speechless.

  “That’s what Logan was up to.” Bryn says in a matter of fact tone.

  “What?” I mumble.

  “I forgot to tell you. I was so excited about your package and I really didn’t think much of it.”

  “Much of what?”

  “Logan stopped by before the delivery, when you were out running. He said he forgot something up in your room. I didn’t think much of it. I just assumed he was grabbing his jacket or something.”

  We make our way up to my bedroom and on my nightstand is the black and white photo of my mom in an antique frame. Suddenly, I remember Logan running back up the stairs yesterday, saying he forgot something before we headed to the café.

  “He must have been returning it.” Bryn says, waving her hand towards my nightstand. “Did you know he had it?”

  “No.”

  “Wow, a necklace from Tiffany’s.” She smiles. “I think it’s safe to say that he’s completely smitten with you.”

  I look at the locket and the photo of my mom in disbelief, my eyes slowly brim with tears. I wipe them away as they run down my cheeks.

  “Don’t cry, Emilia.”

  “It’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received.” My voice cracks.

  “It is sweet, really sweet. I have to give him credit for that. Doesn’t hurt that it’s a necklace from Tiffany’s.”

  “He could have put the photo in a necklace from a gumball machine and it would still bring tears to my eyes.”

  “Yes. But a lovely little blue box from Tiffany’s never hurts.” I love Bryn. She’s always so supportive, always trying to make me laugh.

  I giggle. “I don’t know, Tiffany’s? It’s too much.”

  “I think he can afford it.” Bryn raises her eyebrows at me.

  “Just because he can, doesn’t mean he should.” I say, still admiring the shiny heart in my hand.

  “Now, if you’re going to be a gold-digger, you’re going to have to learn to graciously accept jewelry, especially if it’s from Tiffany’s.”

  “Good point.” I tease. Then we both burst into a fit of giggles.

  Bryn flops on my bed and grabs my laptop. “Let’s just see how much that set Mr. Prescott back.” She is pulling up the Tiffany & Co. website when I snatch my computer out of her hand.

  “No, Bryn! That’s wrong.” I frown.

  “Oh. Okay. I’m going to change, meet me downstairs when you’re ready to head to class.”

  I’m about to put my laptop down and pick up the phone to call Logan when I hear the familiar ping of incoming mail from my computer that’s in my hand.

  Gently I place the locket and the soft pouch that it came in on the dresser near my bed. I sit on my bed and open the email, from Logan.

  From: Logan Prescott

  Subject: Locket

  Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 8:25am

  To: Emilia King

  Dear Emilia,

  I hope you didn’t mind that I took the liberty of borrowing your photo. I thought you would like having your mom close to your heart.

  Have a good day,

  Logan

  I immediately hit “reply.”

  __________

  From: Emilia King

  Subject: Speechless

  Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 9:33am

  To: Logan Prescott

  Dear Logan,

  I was picking up the phone to call you when I received your email. It’s probably best that I’m writing to you rather than talking to you because you have left me utterly speechless. The necklace is simply beautiful although it’s too much and I really wish you hadn’t spent that kind of money. You don’t have to buy me expensive jewelry and honestly I would rather you not. It m
akes me a bit uncomfortable, contrary to what some may think. That said, your gift is without a doubt, the most lovely and thoughtful gift I’ve ever received in all my life.

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

  Emilia

  I scramble out of my running clothes and jump into the shower. The warm, cascading water soothes my tired eyes as I stand under the showerhead and let the water trickle down my face. I reach for the shampoo and massage my head. It smells like coconut and I smile, as thoughts of the beach, surfing, and my dad flash in my mind. After I untangle my hair with conditioner, I wrap the towel around me and climb out of the shower.

  Drying my hair, I’m lost in thought. Logan’s gift is beyond anything I could have dreamed of ever receiving from him, or anyone for that matter, and we’ve only known each other for a short time. This is all so new to me and I have no comparison. I want to be in a relationship with Logan, and he with me. I just don’t know if I’m capable of being in a relationship.

  I find my jeans and a cream, slouchy sweater. I dress quickly and clasp my new necklace around my neck. I carefully open the heart and look at my mom staring back at me. It truly is a lovely gift. With certainty, I close it shut and tenderly press my lips against it. I know I will always wear it and treasure it the rest of my life.

  After grabbing my havaianas. I’m about to run down the stairs to find Bryn when I hear a ping from my laptop. I eagerly check to see if it’s from Logan and I smile when I see it is indeed.

  From: Logan Prescott

  Subject: You’re welcome

  Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 9:50am

  To: Emilia King

  Dear Emilia,

  I’m pleased you like the gift. I know I didn’t have to buy you an expensive necklace but I wanted to. So please don’t give it another thought.

  Logan

  I hit “reply.”

  __________

  From: Emilia King

  Subject: Expensive gifts

  Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 9:53am

  To: Logan Prescott