by Hope, Amity
The café was crowded. Most likely because the air was hot and muggy outside. Everyone was piling in to enjoy the double allure of the air conditioning and ice-cream.
A plate of loaded chili cheese fries landed in front of Jake and me.
“What is this?”
“Our signature dish, on the house,” Clarissa said. “Actually, not on the house. On me. As a thank you.”
“For…?” Jake asked.
She looked at me, her expression downright giddy. “For the other night. Having dinner with you guys? After you left we just stayed and talked and talked. Jarrett and I went out last night. Like, on a date. It was…amazing. I mean, we just went out for pizza and then saw a movie. But I had so much fun. We have so much in common! So thank you, Lanna. I’ve had a crush on him for such a long time. Probably since the first time I saw him and I’ve never worked up the nerve to talk to him. Well, I mean, I’ve talked to him. But only ever to take his order. Not like a real conversation.”
“Glad I could help,” I said as I cut into her rambling. “But you really didn’t need to do this.” I motioned to the fries.
“Sure I did,” she argued.
I smiled. “Okay, then thank you.”
“What else can I get you?” she asked.
“I’ll have a lemonade,” I said.
“Same for me,” Jake tacked on.
“Be right back!” Clarissa scampered away.
Jake smiled at me as he eyed up the line to the ice-cream counter. “We can get dessert,” I offered, assuming that was where his mind had wandered to.
He laughed. “Actually, that line makes me think of the first time I saw you.”
“Oh, really?” I leaned back in my seat, curious. “You actually remember the first time you saw me?”
“Definitely. The line was long, just about like that, and I spotted you working behind the counter. You were so busy you barely looked my way,” he said. “I, on the other hand, kept my eyes on you the whole time I was standing in line. I had a hard time looking away.”
I wanted to argue with him, but I couldn’t. I didn’t remember that day at all.
“Ironically, the first time I saw you, you were waiting for ice-cream. But I was over there,” I pointed to my favorite booth at the back of the café. “I was with Holly and you were talking to Max.”
He smiled. “Maybe that’s the day I figured out who you were. Because the next time I saw you, you were here with them.”
“Funny,” I said, “because I always got the impression that you never noticed me at all.”
He shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Oh, trust me, I noticed.”
“Here you go,” Clarissa said as she placed the drinks on the table. “Need anything else?”
“We’re good,” I assured her.
She smiled and hurried away to a table that was flagging her down.
“You know what I think?” Jake asked.
“What?” I asked, suspicious of his blasé tone.
“I think we should go golfing for real.”
“Do you now?” It wasn’t a terrible idea. I mean, it wasn’t as if he was asking me to go sky diving or rock climbing. It was golf, for heaven’s sake. On the other hand, he’d been golfing since preschool. It was hardly fair for me to be expected to compete against him. “Tell ya what,” I said as I leaned across the table. “How about if you give me lessons?” I had no idea how long it would take to learn to golf well. A week? A month? Ten years? Regardless, time on the golf course with Jake sounded like something to look forward to.
“Deal. So,” he started, “if sports aren’t your thing, what are you interested in?”
“In high school I was in band.” His eyebrows lifted in question as he chewed on a mouthful of fries. “I played clarinet. I sang in the choir. I had tiny parts in the spring musical both junior and senior year.” I shrugged. “Sports have never interested me. Oh, I was also on the yearbook committee. Mostly because Holly asked me to be. But it was fun.” I frowned. “All of that was great but none of that is really anything that has carried over into the adult world.”
He nodded sagely. “See. You should’ve taken up golf.”
“Guess I should have,” I admitted. “What about you. What else did you do?”
“I played football. That’s how I got to know Max so well. I studied a lot. It was important to Frederic that I make the honor roll.” He made a bland face. “Guess I can’t really fault him for that. As much as I don’t like the guy, I can probably thank him for the fact that I have pretty good study habits.”
“You always were a smart one.”
Jake flinched at the sound of the feminine voice. Judging by the immediate way his jaw tensed, it was clear that he knew exactly who had snuck up on us.
“Darby,” he said flatly. “What are you doing here?”
“I stopped for…some ice-cream. And here you are. Looks like it’s my lucky day.”
“Are you sure you didn’t stop because you saw my car parked out front?” Jake asked. He used that same, flat tone. He stared Darby directly in the eye. “Last I heard, you didn’t eat ice-cream. Or anything even remotely caloric. Not to mention, the one time I brought you here, you complained about it for a week after the fact.”
“Oh, don’t be silly.” From where I was sitting, it looked like she batted her eyes at him. Her tone was light, flirty, completely the opposite of his. Her eyes were trained on him, like a predator, yet she completely ignored me. I felt a surge of relief. “We all choose to…indulge now and then.” She chose that moment to flick her gaze my way before refocusing on Jake. “Then we come to our senses and figure out what’s best for us in the long run.”
He tilted his head to the side and gave her a puzzled look. I was fairly certain he understood her veiled admonition but was choosing to pretend he didn’t. I smiled as I pulled a fry through some chili and popped it in my mouth.
“Could you spare a moment or two?” she asked, still ignoring me.
“Sure. What do you need?” Jake asked with a sigh.
She nodded toward the door. “I meant outside. I’d like to speak with you…in private.”
“Oh, yeah. That I can’t do,” Jake said. “I’m sure you’re completely aware that I’m on a date. I’m also sure—since you know that I haven’t been taking your calls—that you are aware that I don’t particularly care to speak with you.”
“Jake.” I cringed at the whiney tone of her voice. “Don’t be this way.”
“Then don’t track me down when I’m out on a date!” His tone shot up as she finally sparked some emotion in him.
“As you said, you’re not taking my calls. You don’t answer your door. What am I supposed to do?” She shifted from one foot to the other.
His door? I cringed. She must’ve been stopping by his apartment. Apparently no one had enlightened her to the fact that he’d been gone all week. She surely had no idea that he and I were technically living together. I was not about to point that out.
“Give up?” Jake suggested. “Take a hint? Get a clue?” He shook his head. “Do you honestly think I have anything left to say to you?”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just need you to listen.” Her voice dropped several octaves. She tossed a quick glare my way. “I would like to apologize. I am sorry for how I handled things. But this isn’t really the time or place to discuss it. Could you please meet with me later? Just call. Or text. Something.”
He turned away from her and looked at me. His expression was a mixture of frustration and apology.
I gave him what I hoped was a look of sympathy in return.
Because yes. This was awkward. Very, very awkward.
For all of us.
“Have you even listened to my messages?” Her tone was suddenly pleading.
Her question piqued my interest. For the first time I realized maybe it would be polite of me to…take a bathroom break or something. But I wasn’t sure that was what Jake wanted so I stayed
put.
“I haven’t listened to a single one,” Jake candidly answered. “I delete them as soon as they come in.”
“I see.” Her chin tilted up, a defiant gesture, but the sudden glistening in her eyes gave way to how she was really feeling.
“Fine. I’ll call you later,” Jake said through clenched teeth. He glanced around the crowded café.
A few curious people were watching us as Darby took up space in the aisle. Or perhaps it wasn’t because she was taking up space. Probably it was because she looked like she was dressed for dinner at the country club, not a burger joint. Her cream blouse, black pencil skirt and shiny black heels made her look completely out of place. I didn’t have to glance down to know that my hot pink shorts, white ruffled tank top and wedge sandals were drab in comparison. Yet, I really didn’t care.
I fit in here, she didn’t.
I noticed Clarissa taking a table’s order but her eyes were darting back and forth between her notepad and our table. She was from Harmony Bay so of course she knew both Darby and Jake. And probably their history and she was probably waiting for some big blowout. In all honesty, I was too. The longer Darby hovered over us, the more agitated Jake was becoming. She had to have noticed it as well, but she didn’t back down.
“Can you please just leave?” Jake urged her.
“Tonight?” she pressed. “Will you call me tonight?” Her eyes flicked to me yet again, this time with blatant annoyance.
“Fine.”
She reached over and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll be waiting.” With that, she twisted around on an extremely high heel and sashayed out of the café.
“Huh,” I said. “Looks like she forgot her ice-cream.”
Jake gave me a wry look because we both knew she hadn’t really come in for ice-cream.
“Maybe I should’ve listened to her messages,” he said glumly. “Then I’d have a better idea of what she wants.”
I laughed as I shook my head. “Oh, Jake. I think it’s perfectly clear what Darby wants. She wants you. She wants you bad.”
He opened his mouth to protest. He snapped it shut again, deciding not to bother.
I forced a smile but really, I didn’t like this situation. Not at all.
Chapter 14
Jake dropped me off at the beach house. He left again, claiming he wanted to check on his apartment. I thought probably he wanted some privacy as he talked to Darby. I was sure he didn’t want me to overhear any more of their conversation. I was fine with that. I’d already heard enough.
The moment I walked through the front door I realized the house was reminiscent of a sauna. We’d left the windows closed because the hazy sky had threatened rain. The rain never came, but the heat of the day had lingered. We’d left the air conditioner off because it seemed like a waste to run it when we were going to be gone all day.
I slipped out of my sandals and then went straight to the thermostat. I knew from experience that it would take awhile for the house to cool down enough to be bearable. Sweat trickled down my temple. I went to the bathroom and scrubbed my face free of make-up. The cool water felt good. Calming.
I twisted my hair into a tight knot, restraining all of the strands that had worked their way free throughout the day. My clothes felt sticky so I changed into my bikini and tugged on a lightweight sundress.
I felt a bit better but the temp in the house remained almost suffocating.
I was listless after he dropped me off. My perfect day with Jake had been marred by Darby’s appearance.
I wanted to talk to Holly but I knew she was enjoying her time with Max at the wedding reception. I knew she’d take the time to talk to me, but I didn’t want to be that friend. The one that was suddenly over the top needy. I could’ve called Paige, too. She knew Jake far better than either Holly or me. I didn’t feel it was right to bother her, either.
I tried to fight the feeling of restlessness but it was a losing battle. I managed to stay inside the beach house for all of fifteen minutes. I pulled open the fridge, contemplated a chilled glass of chardonnay, and decided on ice water instead. I poured myself an oversized glass and then walked down to the beach.
It wasn’t late, but the sun had already set. Shadows and silhouettes floated lazily in the distance. Though it was still hot and muggy, the breeze coming off the ocean was refreshing.
An achy feeling took up residence in my stomach when I thought about Jake leaving me to call his ex. I liked him more than I cared to admit. I had for a while. It was easier when the feelings were unrequited, but thinking maybe he liked me too, that changed things. But now it felt like maybe they were about to change again. He had a history with Darby. A long one.
What if he did more than call her?
I took a few gulps of my water.
What if…what if he didn’t come back to the beach house tonight?
It wasn’t like he owed me anything. Not really. We’d gone on two dates. Did today even count as a date? Sure we’d laughed, held hands, even shared a kiss or two. But we were hardly exclusive.
We were just starting to really get to know each other.
Knowing he had a history with Darby? It sucked.
I released an aggravated sigh and let my head crash against the back of the Adirondack chair. It wasn’t my smartest move and I probably would’ve groaned in pain if not for the distraction.
“Rough night?”
My head swiveled around in time to see Jake settling into the matching chair. I hadn’t heard his footsteps, muffled by the sand and drowned out by the crashing waves. He leaned forward, arms crossed and elbows resting on his knees as he eyed me up.
“What are you doing here?” I squirmed into a more upright position.
“Well, last I checked, I live here. At least temporarily.”
“Right,” I said with a sharp nod. “I just wasn’t expecting you.”
“At all?” His eyebrows shot up. “Did you think I was going to stay at my apartment? It’s not quite done.”
I realized I should stop talking while I was ahead. No sense in admitting to him that I’d feared he would end up with Darby. Now that he was sitting beside me the thought seemed preposterous.
I decided a subject change was a much wiser move.
“How is the apartment looking?”
“The new flooring is in. So that’s good. It’s probably the cheapest vinyl he could find. But it’s new and the place is one step closer to being ready to move back into.” He wistfully looked over his shoulder at the beach house. “It’s going to be hard going back to that dump after staying here.”
I nodded and wondered if it was awful…growing up with a silver spoon in your mouth and then ending up with rusty cans at your feet, catching water that streamed in through your leaky roof.
“It won’t be forever,” I said. “In fact, from what you’ve told me, it sounds like it might not be long at all. Once you have your internship behind you…” I left the sentence hanging because the possibilities for him were endless.
“Right. I should have an actual paycheck. After everything I’ve been through, I can definitely handle a few more months.”
He leaned back, looking relaxed. His fingers strummed against the armrest of the wooden chair.
I glanced out at the ocean. The air out here had grown nearly as oppressive as the air inside the house. Though it wasn’t terribly late, the night was uncharacteristically dark. The sky was dappled with full, heavy looking clouds that blocked out the stars.
“I’m really sorry about earlier,” Jake said.
I turned to look at him once again. “What?”
“Darby,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry she showed up. I should’ve figured she would eventually. She can be pretty tenacious. It should’ve occurred to me that she would hunt me down.”
“So,” I began hesitantly, “can I ask how your phone call went? Did you get everything worked out? Do you think she’ll leave you alone now?”
“I didn’t actually
call her,” Jake admitted.
For a moment I wondered if he was telling me the truth.
“I contemplated it. I finally decided I don’t have much to say to her. I did, however, send her a text,” he admitted. “I told her to give back the ring, then we’ll talk.”
“You told her you’d call,” I reminded. “At the café? You told her you would call her. Tonight.”
He shrugged. “I had to say something to get her out of there.”
“You lied,” I said lightly.
He shrugged again. “And she dumped me barely a week after I almost died. Guess I’m not feeling a whole lot of remorse.”
“Even though you have such a long history with her?”
He shook his head. “That almost makes it worse. It makes me wonder how I was so blind for so long. I mean sure, I knew that she wasn’t the most compassionate girl, but I didn’t realize she had it in her to be heartless.”
“So there’s no going back?” Despite everything he’d already said, I needed the assurance.
“No,” he said firmly. “No going back. I could never be with someone that I can’t trust. I wouldn’t trust her to not break my heart again. You know, how could I trust her not to bail when things got tough? Or when something simply didn’t go her way?” He scoffed, a disgusted sort of scoff. “She left me over money. She said that wasn’t it but she couldn’t offer me a better explanation. Everything was okay up until she found out I no longer had an inheritance. Then I was nothing to her.” He shook his head. “It’s hard to say what she’s up to now. It could be because Braden broke things off. Maybe she’s just bored.”
“Maybe she really does miss you,” I suggested.
“Whatever the reason is,” Jake said, “I have to say that I really don’t care. I’ve moved on. And,” he said as he stood from his chair, “I think you and I should move on from this conversation.”
He reached for my hands and tugged me to my feet. I smiled as I lightly crashed into his chest.
“What do you think we should do instead?” I asked.
He smiled at me, his face vaguely illuminated by a distant porch light. He pressed a quick kiss to my lips. My skin stuck to his where we touched. The mugginess in the air clung to our bodies.
