Chapter Eight
Ellie
“What is your deal? Ever since that guy left you have been all sunshine, rainbows and that whipped cream crap in the middle of those tasty little snack cakes.” Rain calls me out on my sudden mood change.
I try my best to avoid her interrogation. “I have no clue what you are talking about.”
“Just give me his name and stats if you have them,” she persists.
I give in. “Lee Scott, he’s twenty-four, works in construction, and lives with his grandmother, whom he calls Grans.” I stop there, trying to recall what else I know, but the rest seems too personal to share with Rain.
“Sweet. He’s young, hot and can work with his hands.” She snorts. “That’s doable.” She smacks her hand against the bar. “Get it? Doable?”
“Yeah, you perv.” I point my finger in her direction. “I swear you are a horny thirteen- year-old boy, trapped in a twenty-something’s body.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” She waggles her brows at me.
“You are something else.” I shake my head and try to focus on work. One more hour is all that’s separating me from a night of what-ifs. What if he would have stayed? What if he would have asked me out again?
Shit!
I slap my forehead. “I’m so stupid.”
I’ve been so caught up in my own little world for the past two weeks that I haven’t even realized that I don’t have a car.
“What?” Rain stands like she is about to come around the bar.
“Car.” I throw my hands up. “I told Lee I would meet him at Java Talk and that is all the way across town.”
“Ohhhhh!” She settles back down.
“Can I borrow yours?” I fold my hands together and begin to plead with my friend. If I can’t borrow it, she will surely drop me off and Lee can bring me back and if he doesn’t, then obviously there won’t be a date number two.
“Actually, I have to head home in five minutes. Can you leave now and I’ll just drop you off on the way?”
“I have to help Cindy clean up before the next shift arrives.” I sigh, ready to just throw in the towel. “Where you going?”
“Big Jer and Cher asked if I could come home to prepare for tonight’s festivities.” Rain rolls her eyes. “It’s like a huge deal to them. Tonight the moon is supposed to be at its fullest. Like some kind of harvest moon, or maybe it’s a blue one. Hell, I don’t know, but it’s a
big ball of glowing shit in the sky. So they insist on feasting on a meal
full of superfoods that help with fertility then head out to kneel in front
of the garden of gods and pray to the man on the moon to someday give me a child,” she rambles.
“Umm, am I the only one who sees an issue with this?” I throw my head back, not being able to contain it anymore. Some of the things the Bowens do are downright crazy.
“I know! I’ve been living a life feasting on cows and snack cakes. If this is what it takes to have a family, I’m screwed.” She tilts her cup in my direction. “Can I get a cherry coke to go? Half the ice, double the cherries?”
As much as she claims to be different, there are times where I wonder how much of an influence her parents’ lifestyle has on her.
“Dude, you aren’t even married.” I reach for a cup and begin layering cherries and ice, the way Rain likes it.
“Now, Eloise Hawthorne.” She puts her hands on her hips. “I know your parents taught you the birds and the bees. You don’t’ have to be married to get knocked up.”
Narrowing my eyes, I fill her cup, topping it off with a few more cherries. “Yes, Rain. I know where babies come from, but come on now—”
“You should see your face. Lord, El, I know this shit is crazy. My parents have lost their ever-loving minds, but they are still my parents and if me eating from our magical garden outside makes them happy,
then hell, I’ll do it.” She laughs. “But seriously, can’t you call an Uber or something?”
“No phone and no bank,” I reply.“I would let you use mine, but I’m one taco away from overdrafting my account.” Her mood begins to change. “Real life sucks, yo.”
“Tell me about it.” I hand her the foam cup.
“Thanks. I just have one more year of school and if I get this internship at the local brewery I will be set.” She pushes her card toward me. “But that is neither here nor there. I have to get going so let’s focus on the ride situation.”
“Rain, you just told me you barely have enough to pay for a taco. I’ll get this.” I take the check to settle it up after my shift.
“Thanks, doll. I owe you one.” Rain stands. “I’ll text Jake. I bet he will let you borrow his ride when he gets in.”
“Really?” I ask hopefully.
“Yeah. He’s totally cool like that.” She punches out a quick text. “Now we wait or, well, you will. I have to get going.” She blows me a kiss. “Peace, love and moon babies.” She winks before she turns to walk out the door.
“Thanks for everything, Rain,” I shout loud enough for her to hear, but not enough to disturb the rest of the lingering lunch crowd.
Turning around, she yells loud enough the whole club can hear. “Jake said yes!” and turns back around and walks out the door.
Score!
Each and every day ends up being better than the last and today
feels great!
I’m not sure why I’m nervous. It’s only coffee or in my case tea, but still. It’s a couple hours of conversation and talking to Lee is easy.
So, why so nervous?
“Who are you?” A girl walks in wearing a little too much makeup and a dress that is a tad too short and way too tight.
“Hi!” I hold out my hand. “I’m Ellie. We haven’t met yet.”
Ignoring my hand, she puts her personal items in her locker then walks over to the mirror to check her lipstick. “You work dayshift?” She looks at me through the reflection.
“Yeah, I’m just waiting around for Jake.”
“Jake?” She spins around.
“What’s up?” Jake rounds the corner with helmet in hand.
“Ellie here was just explaining that she was waiting for you.” She shoots him a look.
“Dammit.” He sets his helmet down and slides his sling pack off over his head, pulling his dress shirt tight, every lean inch of muscle on full display. I knew Jake was hot, but I wasn’t sure how fit he was until now. “Ellie, I forgot to bring the car. It was a nice day when I stepped out, so I decided to ride.”
“Oh.” I’m sure my disappointment shows. “It’s okay, I can walk.”
“Chloe? Can Ellie take your car for a couple hours? She has to be back tonight to perform so she won’t be gone long.” Jake sets his helmet down and heads to the restroom tucked away in the corner.
“No,” she blurts.
My eyes widen in surprise and Jake peeks his head out. “No?” he asks.
“I just had it detailed. Sorry, Ellie.” Chloe turns and walks out, leaving Jake and I standing here wondering what the hell just happened.
“I’m sorry, Ellie. Can you wait until tomorrow and I’ll just let you
borrow my car for a couple days till you figure out your situation?” he says as he runs his hands through his hair, securing every wild hair back in place.
“Thanks Jake, but I don’t want to put you out.” I lean against the lockers. “Rain will be able to help out tomorrow.”
“It’s really not a problem.” He straightens his tie.
“Let’s just see what tomorrow brings.” I force a smile. Not because I’m not thankful, because I am. His generosity is genuine and refreshing, but now I have to figure out how I’m going to get to Java Talk so Lee isn’t left sitting there, stood up.
“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He flashes his sexy smirk. “My number, it’s posted over there.” He points to the bulletin board. “And feel free to use any of the phones.”
“Sounds good. Thank you.” I push off the lockers and head toward the door. “I better get going. See you tonight.”
There are a couple of things I can do right now. I could use one of the phones and call Java Talk and pass along the message once he gets there or I can head out on foot and hope when it’s time to leave, he will bring me back.
My feet don’t give me time to make the rational decision. I find myself pushing open the back door and pounding the pavement. Mentally, I calculate how long it will take me to get there. Normally, I would punch this info into my GPS, but since I’m at a technical disadvantage, I have no choice but to math.
Fifteen minutes via car. That’s with stoplights and traffic. So, by hoofing it on foot, that’s what? Maybe double the time? Maybe less if I
speed-walk? I got this.
Lee, don’t leave…again.