I always believed that hard work brought me success, not gossip. I dated but not because it would get my name in the news. So many beautiful women lived in the city, and becoming wealthy at a fast pace made for an exciting life. I partied through school, and then once business was good, I was seen at all the hot places. Coming from a small Texas town like this, it was new to a guy like me. Weekends used to be about drinking with buddies by the pond or just being with Rebecca somewhere quiet.
I suppose at some point, I missed those times, once I realized how fake some of the people were.
I finished my shower and dried off in the modest bathroom. Looking around, I realized that Mom didn’t change a lot in here. It was like she was keeping it like this for me to come home, something I didn’t have any desire to do. I dried my hair with the towel and let it dry while I shaved. I had no idea why I cared about my appearance. This was not a date like the old days, just a friend coming over for dinner. It was no different than Seth and his dad coming.
So, why was I shaving?
Chapter Twelve
Rebecca
I looked at my red dress in the mirror, smoothing it with my hands. It was cute for a family dinner and not anything I would wear on a date. This wasn’t a date, but the sentimental part of my heart looked at it as though it was.
I went to dinners at Austin’s all the time when we were a couple. It was a regular Sunday thing, and I still loved his parents. We saw each other in town, though it was mostly his mom when she came in for her appointments. That was often shared with some of the other women in town, and the short time we had together revolved around town gossip and whatever was going on at that moment. We didn’t really get to talk about Austin, though I think she sensed that I didn’t want to.
I decided that the loose skirt and sweetheart neckline was perfect with the low heels that I chose for the night. I added a diamond necklace to the ensemble, remembering the night that Austin gave it to me. It was our one-year anniversary, and while the diamond was small and delicate, I’d been thrilled about the gift.
This wasn’t a date, and we weren’t rekindling our romance. I leaned in to check the light makeup I was wearing, pressing my matte nude lips together. I was just having fun getting a little dressed up. I ran a hand through my hair, clipped back from my face tonight.
Austin was going back to New York in a few short weeks. I knew that his life was there, and he knew that my life was here. It was that simple. I’d never entertain a long-distance relationship, but he also didn’t offer that.
It was suspicious that his mom called me last night to invite me to dinner. I suspected she was holding onto a little of the past and trying to keep Austin here. I couldn’t blame her for that. He was her son and he left here so suddenly, without any kind of return until now. She was likely desperate to lock him in his room and throw away the key.
I walked into the living room and made sure everything I needed was in
my purse. My puffy black jacket hung by the door. I could grab that when I left. I walked nervously to the kitchen to sip the glass of wine that I’d poured earlier to calm my nerves. I wasn’t driving tonight, under strict orders that Austin was picking me up like any gentleman should do. I just thought that was part of the ploy that she had going, even though I knew it wouldn’t work. It was cute, though. She was a sweet woman.
Between the dinner tonight and my sister’s potential move, knots twisted in my stomach. Everything seemed uncertain to me at this point. The very thing I loved about North Reed was that it was comfortable and predictable. I didn’t have drama here, no issues. There were no big surprises, but life seemed to be throwing me a curve ball these days. I couldn’t do a thing to change anything that was happening though. All I could do was force my way through it. I finished the wine and heard a knock at the door. My stomach jumped into my throat.
Good grief. This was NOT a date.
I walked over and looked through the peephole to seeing Austin waiting. I opened the door and smiled at him, noting that he was wearing nice black slacks and a blue sweater. Even he looked like this was a date, and I licked my lips as I took him in. “You look good. Let me just get my jacket,” I said as I reached over for it.
I felt his eyes on me as Austin stepped forward to help me with it, just like he used to do. I shivered as his hand brushed against my neck and looked around for my purse. Was it the wine making me feel dizzy or him?
I walked over to get my purse and returned to the door. Austin took my keys and locked it for me before he guided me to the rental car with his hand on my lower back. He hadn’t changed at all in some ways, and I smiled as I looked at the car. “Why did you rent this?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I liked it. I guess I forgot where I was driving.” Austin opened my door. “I have an SUV in New York. I should have gotten one of those at the airport.” He laughed and looked at me for a long moment. “I use Dad’s if the weather is too bad.”
Austin closed the door, and I watched him walk around the front. Warmth rushed through me, and I pressed my lips together. Austin was so handsome, even more than before. Pictures that I’d seen didn’t do him justice. A lump formed in my throat, and I pushed the feelings I had for him down. I hated that he lived in New York, but there was nothing I could do about it.
“I hope you don’t mind, but Mom wanted me to get some stuff at the store for dinner. It will be quick.” Austin looked at me as he started the car.
I frowned. “She had this planned since last night without being prepared? That doesn’t sound like your mom at all.”
His eyes narrowed in the dim light from the street lamp. “Last night?” Austin asked. I nodded. “She suggested it this morning as if it just popped in her head.” He shook his head.
“What’s for dinner?” I asked.
“Steak and potatoes. Does that sound familiar?” Austin glanced over, our eyes locking.
“That’s her specialty, and one of your favorites. Do you miss home-cooked meals living in the city?”
He pulled away from the curb and headed to the local grocery store. “I certainly don’t cook. There’s a wide array of food available at any given time of night in New York, so I’ve expanded my tastes. I don’t think any of it tastes as good as Mom’s food though. There’s just something so comforting about it. Some likes and feelings don’t ever go away, you know?”
I did know. I felt the same way.
Austin parked in the lot and walked around the car to let me out. I loved this little market and the way that everyone greeted us when we walked in.