“Not good. Not good for any of us right now,” she sighs wearily, creasing me a ‘thanks for reminding me’ look before she notices the tip I’ve just left.
“Well,you’rewelcome to come in for a meal anytime,” she beams, and I feel like I’ve at least made one business owner’s day.
“I will,” I promise her before heading back to Steve’s workshop just to hang out like old times. And maybe for the last time.
“You’ll be seeing plenty of me around town from now on.”
CHAPTERELEVEN
May
Dad telling me not to dress up is kinda like a red flag to a bull at the moment, and I find myself choosing my graduation dress to wear tonight.
It’s a little defiant but more out of character for me. But I want to wear it for Brandon.
He’s given me more confidence than anything, and knowing it’ll remind him of that day is the least I can do now that it’s all coming full circle. A secret only Brandon and I can share, reminding us both of that day that feels so long ago but rekindled the moment I spotted him at the airport.
It fits a little more snugly than I remember, and without my graduation robe to hide my butt and wide hips, I’m debating whether Icanwear it or not for the tenth time when I hear a car pull up outside.
Thinking it could be Brandon back already, I make a beeline for the door, which I unlock and pull open.
But it’s not Brandon, it’s the real estate guy, taking down the ‘SOLD’ sign from the front of the house next door.
He gives a friendly wave from over the low fence, and I absent-mindedly wave back, still wondering who it is that’s bought the place.
Calling out to the agent, which is unusual for me, I ask the obvious question, kind of expecting small-town gossip to tell me everything I need to know.
“Someone bought the old place, huh?” I observe.
“Yup,” the agent says, and I feel myself hanging out the door, wanting a little more than just a ‘yup.’
“Was he tall, dark, and handsome?” I ask, trying to make it sound funny, but seriously. I need to know now if it’s Brandon who’s bought that place.
I have a sneaking suspicion he has, or maybe I’m just hoping he has.
“Funny you should say that,” the agent replies, chuckling to himself. “But I’m really not supposed to give out any client information,” he adds dryly.
“Maybe pop on over and say hi once they move in,” the agent suggests. Then, with another friendly wave, he stowed the sign in the trunk of his car and drives off, leaving me more curious than ever.
Well, back to dinner thoughts as I still wonder if this dress is gonna be so great to wear after all. It’s getting cold out already, and I know I’m only gonna bloat the already too tight on me seams if I eat a big dinner.
And maybe dressing up, especially in your graduation dress, is drawing a little too much attention to yourself.
Not that a real estate’s opinion really matters, but he did give me a strange look when he saw what I was wearing.
Most folks in town get about in work clothes or just jeans and a sweater. Yes, even when they go out to dinner.
So after changing in and out of a few more outfits and combinations, I really am right back where I started. The same jeans and sweater I had on earlier, and only so I can hug myself and smell Brandon still on me.
Curling up on my bed after feeling my sleepless night catching up to me, I slip into a light sleep.
A smile plays on my lips, and the scent of my man fills my senses. Dreamy thoughts of his body and everything he wants to do to mine flood my mind until the fading daylight and a cold shiver tell me I’ve done more than just doze off.
I slept through the whole afternoon.
Jolting wide awake, I stumble through piles of clothes to find my phone. I check to see if I missed a call from dad or maybe even Brandon, but there’s nothing.
And it’s almost six o’clock.