Running from Romeo
Page 42
“Is it that obvious?” I gaze up at him as we continue walking together.
“It was obvious Parent’s Weekend…I know I already gave you my two cents about taking it slow. I don’t want to sound like a broken record but I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I know, dad.”
“Is he treating you right?” He asks.
“He’s wonderful…sometimes I think he’s too good to be true. He’s gorgeous, rich, smart, funny, and on top of all of that he’s an amazing cook.”
“Wow, sounds perfect.”
Hmm…he wasn’t perfect not too long ago. How quickly things change?
“I know, right? Maybe that’s the problem. He’s too perfect for someone like me.”
“Emilia, first of all, no one is perfect. But if anyone is as close to perfection…that would be you.”
“You don’t think you’re a bit biased?” I giggle.
“No.”
“Thanks, dad.”
“My guess is he knows you’re pretty perfect too.”
“Maybe you can tell him some day.” I giggle.
“You want to come with me to the beach in the morning like old times or would you rather sleep in?”
“I’m sure I’ll be up.” I say because I know I won’t get much sleep tonight.
“Besides you know I love watching you surf.” I smile.
After our walk and we say our goodnights, I head into my bedroom. It’s just after seven on the west coast, ten in New York. I pull out my laptop to see if Logan has sent me an email. I’m happy and relieved to see he’s arrived safely when I see there’s an email from him in my inbox.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Missing you
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:10pm EST
To: Emilia King
Dear Emilia,
Thank you for your text. I’ve arrived in New York. It’s cold and rainy here…depressing which suits my mood.
I miss the California sun, but more importantly, you.
My only consolation is that you’re missing me.
Incidentally, my parents and Tessa are thrilled with my arrival. You were right about that. Hope you are enjoying your time with your dad.
We just got home from dinner.
I look forward to hearing from you.
xx,
Logan
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Tea bagging
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 7:13pm
To: Logan Prescott
Dear Logan,
Sorry to hear about the weather. I’m glad your family is happy to see you. I am enjoying my time with my dad.
We went for a lovely walk along the Venice canals after dinner. It’s supposed to be sunny and eighty-five tomorrow so we are hitting the beach.
My dad surfs at the crack of dawn and it’s always fun to watch him.
Maybe I’ll even give it a try…but I’d probably just end up tea bagging (my definition, not yours!).
Hope you had a nice dinner.
Sweet dreams.
xx,
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Distractions
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 11:33pm EST
To: Emilia King
Dear Emilia,
Your subject heading alarmed me until I read your email. You better be talking about your definition or I will have to get on the next flight out.
I’m trying to give you time to yourself with your dad but you don’t make that easy when you write things like that. You taunting me with the warm weather and thoughts of you in a bikini are distracting enough.
Dreaming of you.
xx,
Logan
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Sunburn
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 12:33pm
To: Logan Prescott
Logan,
I’m sorry if you think I was teasing you.
What are your plans for today?
I just got back from the beach. I went for a run and it was so hot that I actually went in the water which I hardly ever do. I was thinking of you the whole time because the last time I went swimming was with you in Montecito.
You’ll be pleased to know I didn’t pass out, but I did get a little sunburn.
Enjoy your day.
Missing you,
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: May I soothe your pain?
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 03:35am EST
To: Emilia Prescott
Emilia,
While I’m thrilled to hear you didn’t pass out, I’m wondering where you are sunburn.
It’s still raining here. My mom and Tessa are headed out to do some shopping. My day will be spent in the gym.
Wish I was there applying your lotion.
xx,
Logan
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Please…
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 6:34pm
To: Logan Prescott
Apply all over my body.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Hmm…
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 9:36pm EST
To: Emilia King
You aren’t making it easy to stay away.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Maybe you shouldn’t
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 6:38pm
To: Logan Prescott
I prefer your lips instead of the lotion.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Maybe I won’t
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 9:40pm EST
To: Emilia King
Why aren’t you here with me now?
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: It’s getting hotter…
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 6:42pm
To: Logan Prescott
We plan on heading to the beach again tomorrow.
I hope I can find someone to lather my back.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Stay out of the sun
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 9:44pm EST
To: Emilia King
You are driving me crazy.
Next time, I will kidnap you and make you come with me to New York.
“Are you ready, Emilia?” My dad calls from downstairs.
“I’ll be down in a minute.”
From: Emilia King
Subject: Wish you were here
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 6:46pm
To: Logan Prescott
Sorry but I have to go.
Headed to dinner with my dad…La Cabana.
They have the best margaritas!
xx,
Emilia
“You need to relax and stop working.” My dad says as I come down the stairs.
“What do you mean?” I say, confused.
“You’re up there typing away on that laptop. Can’t you at least put off your work until the weekend?”
I giggle.
“I wasn’t actually doing work.” I say, honestly and blush. “Logan emailed me so I was just writing back.”
“Oh.” He smiles. “I hope I didn’t interrupt you.”
“No. Not at all.” I smile.
“Everything okay?” He asks.
“Yes. He’s just complaining about the weather. It’s cold and raining there.”
“That’s a shame. Did you rub it in and tell him you went to the beach and got sunburn?” He chuckles.
“Of course.” I giggle.
IT’S AFTER TEN when we arrive back home. After dinner and a few margaritas, we head out for another walk along the canals. The weather is a little cooler tonight b
ut it’s still pretty mild. I change into my sweatpants and a tank top then throw myself on my bed. I’m eager to see if I have another email from Logan. There’s one that he sent right after my dad and I left for dinner.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: So do I
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 9:48pm EST
To: Emilia King
Hope you have a nice dinner…try not to drink too many margaritas.
xx,
Logan
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Still wishing…
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 2:48am
To: Logan Prescott
Dinner was good. I was well-behaved and only had a couple margaritas.
This time difference makes me miss you even more.
Hope you have a nice night.
xx,
Emilia
I clamber out of bed and decide to check my emails before heading downstairs. It’s only after five in the morning east coast time so I don’t expect to catch Logan but I’m curious to see if he sent an email last night. I smile when I see there’s an email from him. I immediately notice the time it was sent. He just got home a couple hours ago. I can’t help but wonder who he was out with that late.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: As am I
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 2:48am EST
To: Emilia King
Emilia,
It sounds like you are having a good time with your dad. You know how much I love your company when you’ve had a few margaritas. That reminds me… I miss your lovely giggle.
My night was pleasant enough. I got to see some old friends from school.
I look forward to your next email. I hope the marine layer keeps you off the beach and away from lathering hands.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
xx,
Logan
I sit back on my bed and think about Logan’s email. Then I re-read it. I’m annoyed with myself for feeling jealous but I am and it’s my own fault. I probably should have taken Logan up on his offer. Then I’d be in New York or soon headed there and I doubt I would be so bugged by the fact that he went out with old friends.
My mind starts to wander and I try to remember if Logan ever mentioned that Seraphina is from New York. Is Sebastian from New York? I’m being silly. Logan went to several different schools maybe he was just meeting up with some of those old friends. I’m sure that’s it. Everyone always goes out the night before Thanksgiving with former school buddies. My subconscious tries to reassure me.
After I read the email a third time, the word love pops out at me like a flashing neon sign. Okay, so he didn’t say he loves me but he did say he loves my company. Well, my company when I’m smashed out of my mind on margaritas. I laugh. Well, that counts for something. Doesn’t it? I look out my bedroom window. It’s another perfect beach day. I write a quick reply to Logan and then head down the stairs.
From: Emilia King
Subject: Old friends and habits
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 8:15am
To: Logan Prescott
Logan,
I’m lying on my bed in my bikini while I write you this email. Sorry but no marine layer. It’s another beautiful, sunny day, here in La La Land. I’m glad you had a pleasant night. I hope it wasn’t too pleasant.
I see you and your old friends partied late into the evening or should I say the morning.
Old habits die hard.
Hope you don’t sleep through your Thanksgiving.
Emilia
I read it a couple times, hesitating to send it. I wonder if he will see the humor in it…probably not. But I’m irritated and honestly, if he put himself in my shoes he would be just as annoyed. Maybe even more. If I wrote that I was out with old friends, I’m sure he’d be on his private jet at this moment. Maybe that’s his game. He’s hoping to get under my skin just so I get on the next flight. No, that can’t be it. Surely, he knows I wouldn’t just drop my Thanksgiving Day plans with my dad to spend the day on a plane just to check up on him. Should I send my email or just completely ignore his email and never respond? I can’t do that. I did that before and if I’m being truthful with myself, we are beyond that. Before my mind comes up with another crazy scenario, I hit send.
My door is open but my dad knocks on it lightly to get my attention. I’m so focused on my laptop that I nervously jump.
“Sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He says.
“Oh, no. I’m okay.” I smile. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving.” He pauses a second. “Another email from Logan?” He asks.
“Yes.”
“You two really like to write. Is he an English major, too?”
I giggle. “No, but he probably should be. He’s very well-read.”
“Looks like you’re ready to head to the beach.”
“I will be in just a minute.” I power off my laptop and close the lid.
“Okay, I’ll meet you downstairs. You want to surf with your old man today?”
“I think I’ll stick to my running, but if it’s as warm as yesterday I’ll definitely see you in the water after my run.” I smile.
The weather is beyond perfect. Our morning at the beach turns into a full day. After my morning run on the beach, I spend the rest of the day in the ocean with my dad and his surfing buddies. With everyone’s positive yet relentless encouragement, I even attempt to surf. Sure, only on the small, close waves, but I actually manage to stand up and ride a couple waves all the way to shore.
“Now, I see what all the fuss is about.” I say to my dad as we walk back to the house.
“I’m really proud of you, Emilia.” He pauses briefly and then continues.
“You know what I think?”
I look up at him, waiting for his answer.
“Logan is having quite a positive effect on you.” He smiles.
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re different.”
I look at him and furrow my brows.
“Different in a good way. You stand a bit taller, you’re more confident, and you have a bit of a glow. I don’t really know how to explain it but I mean it in a good way. I’ve wanted you to try surfing for years and now you finally gave it a go. I think that has to do with Logan.”
I giggle. “I think you’re giving him too much credit.”
He shrugs. “That’s how I see it. By the way, you are a natural at surfing.”
I laugh. “I don’t know about that but I can see why it is so addictive. You sure we have to head in?”
He laughs. “I felt the same way. After my first ride I didn’t want to do anything else but surf every chance I could get. But it’s getting late and we have a bird to cook.”
It’s close to midnight when I finally throw myself on my bed. The earlier adrenaline rush from my first surfing experience has waned and the tryptophan from the turkey has kicked in.
I am utterly spent. I’m sure Logan has emailed me, and I’m anxious to check. First I pick up my phone. There are six missed calls, two voice mails and a text. The calls are all from Logan. I listen to my voicemails. The messages are from Bryn and Rosemary. They both are wishing my dad and I, a Happy Thanksgiving. Bryn’s message also mentions she plans on picking me up Saturday morning. She and Josh have plans for Saturday night. The text is also from Logan.
< Call me>
I quickly power up my laptop. I can’t gauge his reaction to my email from his text. If he sent a reply, maybe that will give me a better idea of what he’s thinking and why he called so many times.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Oh, ye of little faith
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:18am EST
To: Emilia King
Emilia,
Have you really lost your faith in me only after a couple days?
I thought we had mo
ved past all of that. I know I have.
I miss you…
“All days are nights to see till I see thee, And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.”
xx,
Logan
He sure knows how to lay a guilt trip on me. I hesitate but then pick up my phone to call him. It’s only after nine at night on the east coast but no one answers. It goes to voicemail but I decide not to leave a message. Maybe it’s better if I write back to him then at least I can get my thoughts in order.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Literate showoff
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 6:10pm
To: Logan Prescott
Logan,
You really know how to make a girl feel guilty.
While I haven’t lost my faith in you, I do worry about the company you might be keeping while you are three thousand miles away from me.
I apologize if I annoyed you with my bad habits comment and my teasing about the suntan lotion.
I never thought it would be this hard to be away from you.
And, that’s what brings me back to my fear of getting hurt by you. It worries me, really worries me how much I care about you in such a short time. I’ve had so much pain and hurt in my life that I’ve happily avoided being in a relationship.
I honestly thought the distance might make me feel less enamored by you, but it has actually just made me realize how deeply I care about you.