Chapter 4
Twenty seven. That was the number lap I was on, when I heard a loud splash behind me. I turned quickly in the direction that it came from, to see Zoe's head pop up from under the water. Her smile was contagious, so I showed her one of my own.
“I didn't think anyone was home.” I said.
“Jake took the car. He said he needed to get out.”
“You let him drive?” I asked, with genuine surprise.
“Eh, he's my big brother, what can I do?” She shrugged, before diving back into the water, and swimming beneath it to the other side of the pool.
When I did the same, she got a small gleam in her big brown eyes. Even through the darkness, I could see the mischief she was trying to hide behind them. “Wanna race?” She asked, arching her brows in a challenge.
“I'm at least a foot taller than you.” I started.
“That's why I get a head start.” She said, before plunging down into the water.
I laughed, following suit. My eyes were open under the water, but she was just a blur beside me. When I could see the edge of the pool in the distance, I reached for her, intending to pull her back. When my hand caught around her ankle, I gave it a slight tug, slowing her momentum. We reached our hands up to the ledge at the same time, coming to the surface in an exhalation of breaths and laughter. Our faces were so close I could almost taste her. I was in a trance, I couldn't move. I could only stare, with a dopey grin plastered on my face.
“I won.” She whispered, leaning towards me so damn slowly, that I wanted to reach out and pull her against me.
Instead, I took a steadying breath. “You cheated.” I whispered back, taking a cue from her and inching closer myself.
Before she could respond, we were both assaulted by bright flood lights, covering our eyes and swearing under our breaths. When my vision had finally adjusted, I found the source of the assault in the form of Jake. He stood just outside of the french doors, arms crossed, with a shit eating grin on his face.
“Having fun?” He asked, in a teasing voice.
“I was until you damn near blinded me.” I said.
“How's Cole?” He asked, ignoring my complaint.
“I don't know.” I answered honestly.
Jake shook his head knowingly, before stepping back into the house. I glanced around noting that Zoe, had already gotten out of the pool, and had a towel wrapped around her. Whatever was about to happen, hadn't. And it was probably for the best.
I decided to head right upstairs, and after a quick shower, I fell back onto the bed. I crossed my arms behind my head, and stared up at the ceiling. I was wide awake, but a million thoughts were running through my mind. Zoe's face, being the main one. If Jake hadn't come out when he did, who knows what would have happened. He was right, staying here wasn't going to work.
********
The next morning, I pulled out my laptop, and began my house search. There was one good thing about motel hopping, I saved money, and a lot of it. So instead of searching for rentals, I was looking for something that I could make mine. I couldn't remember the last time that I had a place that I could truly call mine. The bedrooms I slept in along the way to where I am were just that. Bedrooms in houses that would never be home. That was going to change now. I found a local realtor, and after chatting her up, agreed to meet with her in an hour so she could show me some properties.
When I made my way down stairs, I found Zoe sitting at the kitchen table. She was sipping from a large coffee mug, scrolling through her smart phone. “Morning” I said, gliding past her to fill a cup of my own.
“Morning.” She said, with a hint of sadness in her voice.
“Everything alright?” I asked.
Sighing, she placed her hand over a sheet of paper, and slid it towards the end of the table. I approached slowly, my curiousity getting the best of me, and picked the paper up. It was written in Jake's handwriting.
Zoe, I know I just came home, but I got a phone call late last night. I'm needed in Iraq, and you know that's where I'm at my best. I'm sorry I won't be able to go to the Gala with you, and for leaving you stuck with Wes. I'll call you as soon as I am able to. I love you hermana, -Jake.
Ps. Weston Granger, you are the brother I never had, but if you fuck with my sister, I will fuck you up. Hooah!
I slid the paper back in her general direction, before taking a seat beside her at the table. “Look, I'm meeting with a realtor today to see some houses. I'll be out of your hair in no time.” I said, hoping to ease her mind.
“Your name's Weston?” She asked with humor, completely ignoring what I'd just said.
“My Mom liked soap operas. I was named after some billionaire philanthropist who spent his days reading to orphaned kids or something like that.” I joked.
“I like Wes better.” She said, standing to put her cup in the sink. “Where are you looking at houses?”
“San Francisco mostly, but there were a few in San Jose that were nice.”
“Can I come?” She asked, in a tone that told me she wasn't ready to be alone with her thoughts just yet.
“Yea, if you want. The cab should be here shortly.”
“Cancel it. I'll drive.” She said snagging her keys from the hook, and spinning the ring around her finger.
I did as she asked, and followed her out to the garage. I could tell she was feeling off about Jake's up and leaving. Maybe it was a good thing that I was here. At least for a little while. I gave her the name of the realtor I was meeting with, and she let out a moan of disgust. “What is it?” I asked. “Is she a bad realtor?”
“No. Just a bitch. She and I have some history.” She said vaguely.
“What kind of history?”
“She was the girl who stole every boyfriend I ever had. Except for David, but she was smart not to want to steal him.”
“She stole boyfriends from You?” I asked, raising my brows. “I find that hard to believe.”
“I didn't always look like this. You know that, you didn't even recognize me in the airport.”
“You noticed that huh?” I asked, with a small smile.
“The years have been good to you too Wes.” She said, as we pulled into the realtors office.
I opened the door, allowing Zoe to walk in ahead of me. It was the gentlemanly thing to do, that, and I wanted to steal a glance at her ass. She wore jean shorts today, with a bright pink tank top, and even though it was scorching, her hair still flowed freely, the beach waves, enhancing the shine on her caramel skin.
“Zoe Cruz!” A voice half yelled from behind a small desk. “I haven't seen you since high school! What brings you in?” The woman asked, glancing just over Zoe's shoulder, and locking her gaze directly on me.
I could tell she was trying to figure out who I was to Zoe, so before she had the chance to dig her claws in, I made a calculated move. “Good Morning Ms. Shaw, I'm Wes Granger, your ten o'clock.” I said, stepping beside Zoe, and placing a protective arm around her shoulders. “I hope you're ready, because the little lady here can be pretty picky.”