“You aren’t the only one.” A cute flowery dress catches my eye. The top looks as if it hugs your body, and the skirt flares out a bit. It reminds of something Bianca would wear, only softer. Mentally calculating how much money I have, I pull it down from the display.
“Your mom and I can dream,” she sighs. “Were you looking for anything in particular?”
“No, I just wanted to come by to see you, and see how the shop is holding up without me.”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a mess for a little bit. Things are under control now.” She reaches for the dress in my hands. “Here, let me set that at the counter so you don’t have to carry it while you look around.”
“Thanks.” A headband with a big bow catches my eye, and I know Ihaveto get it for Layla. She hates them with a passion and always pulls them off, but she’ll look adorable for the whole two seconds she’ll wear it.
Grabbing it, I take it to the counter. If I don’t buy my items now, I’ll spend all my money in this store. It was one of the hazards of me working here. My checks almost always went right back to the store.
“Give her the employee discount, Julie.” How in the world did she know I was about to pay? I don’t bother arguing with her. It’s pointless. Sometimes I think Sheila went into the wrong career. She’d make one hell of a lawyer with her talent in arguments.
“Thank you, Sheila,” I yell loud enough for her to hear me in the back room.
“You’re welcome, Hon. Don’t be a stranger.”
I’m almost to my car when I hearhisvoice. “Hey there, hotness. Long time no see.” His group of friends, my friends for a short period of time, snicker behind him.
“What do you want, Andrew?” My voice is clipped. Clearly, I’m not in the mood to deal with him. I knew there was a chance I’d run into him while here. I just didn’t think it would happen within twenty-four hours of me being back.
“Ah,” he sneers. “You didn’t miss me?”
Part of me wants to shrink inside myself and hide from the asshole. Instead, I’m going to channel my inner Cami and not take any shit from him. “You didn’t even cross my mind.” It’s a lie, and he doesn’t need to know that.
“I don’t believe that.” He sticks his chest out like he’s some sort of rooster trying to prove he’s the top bird. He looks ridiculous, and I don’t know why I fell for his charm in the first place.
“Believe what you want,” I wave him off in dismissal. “I’ve got things to do.”
He opens his mouth to say something else, but I don’t hear it. Getting in my car, I put the key in the ignition and start it. The air conditioner is running at full capacity, and I want nothing more than to be riding around with Randall in his car with the windows down.
I may put on an even keeled facade. It’s just that, though, fake. My heart wants the one person I walked away from.
Twenty
Randall
Everything isin place for me to win Amelia back. With a good word from Jake and Tony, I now have an apartment. It also happens to be in the same complex Tonya and Reaf live in. I really hope my plan works well or things could get awkward. It’s a good thing I live on the opposite side of the complex from them, just in case.
Standing in the middle of my new living room, it feels lonely. I don’t have any furniture yet. The only room that has anything in it is my bedroom because it’s filled with all the things that came from my father’s house. Buying new to me furnishings is on my list of things I need to take care of, but it’s not the most pressing item. That spot belongs to one person alone… Amelia. Hopefully she’ll give me a chance to say what I need to before slamming a door in my face.
Keys in hand, I walk out of the front door and lock it behind me. My steps are slow. As excited as I am about seeing Amelia, I’m also nervous and scared. It may be too late for me to salvage the mess I made by not speaking up. First on my agenda is flowers. According to Jake, they help when you’re trying to get in your girl’s good graces. The hard part will be choosing the perfect flower for her. One thing is for sure, roses are out. They don’t fit her personality, and the only way I’m going to wow her is if I put some thought into my selection. It’s not a lot. At least it’s a small gesture to show her I’m in it for the long haul. I’m just happy she enjoys the little things and doesn’t need me to make a big scene. Otherwise, I’d be screwed.
* * *
Amelia’s car isn’t parked at the curb, or in the driveway, when I pull up to her house. I’m equal parts dismayed and relieved. If she’s not here, I don’t have to feel like a complete dumbass when she rejects me. Fear urges me to turn around and go back home. I’m tired of living a life where I’m scared to fall for someone so completely, I give them the ability to hurt me. Or worse… leave me. Amelia already did that, and yet here I am. Not able to let her go.
Pushing aside my doubts, I grab the daisies I bought her and step out of the car. One foot in front of the other, that’s the only way I’m going to know I gaveusmy best shot.
The air outside of my car is cooler than it was inside. Fixing the air conditioner is another top priority. Or, maybe I’m freaking out. Patting my face with my hands, I check to see if I have sweat dripping down my face. When my hands come away dry, I breathe a sigh of relief. There’s nothing worse than showing up to impress someone when you look sweaty and gross.
My heart drums a rapid beat as I advance toward the front door. Feet moving at a slow pace while I try to figure out exactly what I’m going to say. I didn’t think this part through. Maybe I should have so I don’t look like a complete moron.
The door is a mere five feet away. Three feet. One foot. All I have to do is knock. The flowers in my hand are starting to wilt, and I debate hiding them around the corner. They look like such a sad offering now that I’m here. I inhale deeply, then exhale. Raising my closed hand, I knock on the door three times. Tap. Tap. Tap.
A minute passes. Then two minutes. It doesn’t seem like anyone is home, which is a possibility since I didn’t see any of their cars in the driveway. Now the sweat starts beading on my forehead. It’s never taken them this long to answer the door. Do I wait, or go? If I leave it will botch the entire gesture. Another two minutes go by and my forehead isn’t the only thing sweating. My shirt is beginning to stick to me and it’s uncomfortable. I can’t come to her looking like a mess.
The decision is taken out of my hands. As I’m turning to leave, the front door opens. I whip around expecting to see Amelia, but it’s Mrs. Burgess. She doesn’t not look happy to see me. “Did you need something, Randall?”