Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1)

by Stephens, Amy

  I follow Rebecca out the door, hoping she won’t notice me tossing glances towards the parking lot. “Girl, you got it bad don’t you?” She giggles at me.

  “What?”

  “I saw you looking around for his car.”

  “Well, you never know when he might show up again. Have a good night and drive safely.” I tell her as the front door shuts behind her. She knows me all too well.

  I finish the last bit of paperwork and get the front desk ready for check out in the morning. I sit out in the lobby in one of the comfortable chairs and prop my feet up with my literature book in my lap. Every now and then I look out towards the parking lot, but I never see the silver Honda.

  Several hours later, when I can take no more of the story I’ve been reading, I put my books away and begin doing Sylvia’s prep work for breakfast. She arrives right on time as well as the morning front desk clerk.

  Walking out to my car, I can’t help but be saddened that Brian didn’t come by.

  As each day passes for the remainder of the week, I try to push him to the back of my mind. When I’ve pretty much accepted that he’s moved on, on Friday night, I finally see the silver Honda pull into the hotel parking lot.

  Several days have passed since I started working at the oil lube shop. I won’t lie and tell you I love my job, but right now, as long as the weather stays fairly warm, I think I can tolerate it. But, I know once Christmas nears next month, the weather will definitely get cooler, and it will become more difficult to wash the cars in cold weather. I am really surprised at the amount of business Jared has managed to build up, but every one of his customers is satisfied with his work. He is a very likable boss and has actually bought my lunch every day this week.

  On Friday, I ask Jared if he knows of a laundry facility close by that I can use. I have the weekend off so I’m hoping to be able to clean my clothes. I have not been able to shower all week, and it’s beginning to bother me. In the mornings, I stop by the McDonald’s and visit Jared’s mom. She’s so happy I was able to get the job with her son. After eating, I rinse off in the handicap stall in the bathroom. The stall has it’s own sink, so no one will pay much attention to what I’m doing should they walk in.

  When I punch out at the end of my shift on Friday evening, Jared approaches me and hands me an envelope. “Here man, I know things are hard for you right now, and I know you won’t be getting your first check ‘til next Friday, so I wanted to give you a little advance.”

  I glance down at the envelope in my hand. “Man, you shouldn’t have. I made a little bit in tips this week. I can’t take this.” I try handing it back to him.

  “No, take it. Treat yourself to a nice, hot meal. See ‘ya Monday morning.” He pats me on the shoulder and heads back inside the shop. He doesn’t question me about where I’m staying and I don’t volunteer it. When I filled out the application with the lady, I told her I wasn’t certain of the address yet, so she said I could get back with her.

  I don’t open the envelope until I get in the car. Ripping it open, I pull out a hundred dollars. I’m so excited, but I still can’t believe someone would be this generous to me. First Jennifer, and now Jared. Pulling out from the parking lot, I roll down the window and sing to the song that’s blaring on the radio. As I pull up to the red light, I notice the driver in the car beside me is staring and I quickly roll up my window. I don’t have anything special planned for the night, but I pull into the first gas station I come to and quickly change out of my work clothes.

  I locate the Laundromat Jared told me about, but it’s already closed for the day. I will have to come back first thing in the morning to beat the rush. I grab a bite to eat and stick around long enough to watch a football game playing on a big screen television hanging from the ceiling. I finally settle my tab and see it’s nearing ten o’clock.

  I’ve thought about Jennifer often this week. Many nights I wanted to stop by and see her, but I would talk myself out of it at the last minute before pulling in. I don’t really have anything to offer her other than my friendship at the moment.

  I pull through the hotel parking lot and see she’s standing at the front desk checking in a line of people. I admit to myself I really would love to talk to her, but I don’t want to interrupt while she’s busy. I pull into a spot near her car that gives me a view to see inside. When it looks like she’s finished checking everyone in, I plan to go inside and surprise her. I close my eyes for a few moments, with thoughts of everything I’ve been through since arriving in town running through my mind.

  I jump all of a sudden from the sound of someone knocking on my window. I look over and see Jennifer standing there, all smiles. Shit, the sun is shining, and it’s now morning. I am so mad at myself for falling asleep and missing the opportunity to spend some time with her.

  “Hey stranger,” she says as I roll down my window.

  “Hello yourself. Are you always this cheerful so early in the morning?” I hope that didn’t come across sounding rude.

  “Not exactly. I thought you were long gone from here. How long have you been out here sleeping?” She throws in. I get the impression she thinks I’ve only been here for a little while, not the entire night. “You up for some coffee this morning?”

  “Sure. Where’s the nearest Starbucks?” I ask. I really can’t afford Starbucks, but how can I turn down an invitation from a face like that?

  I decide to fess up to her. “I actually pulled in late last night and had plans to come visit. You had several customers you were waiting on, and I guess I dozed off.”

  “Awww. Well, I hate you had to sleep out here, but I’m glad you waited for me. If you don’t mind, I need to stop by my apartment and change clothes. Or, I could fix us a pot of coffee there and we can sit out on my porch. It’s your call.”

  “Sounds good to me. You want me to follow you?” I’m excited she’s invited me over to her place instead of going to some overpriced coffee shop. If I play my cards right, I might even be able to grab a shower there, something I sorely need.

  “Just follow me, it’s about a ten minute drive from here. When we get there, just park beside me. Each unit is allowed two parking spots.” She quickly runs off to her car. I go ahead and crank mine up, ready to follow her. Maybe this day is going to be better than I ever expected.

  I follow closely behind Jennifer as we drive to her apartment, not wanting to lose sight of her in the early morning traffic. We pull in and drive all the way to a unit in the back. I pull into the spot next to her, just as she instructed me to.

  I help her grab her things from the front seat and hold everything while she unlocks the door. Her apartment is on the bottom facing the back, so there is a little bit of privacy. We walk in together, and I notice how clean the apartment is. Everything is neat and tidy, and there’s not a single thing out of place. Her apartment is not as large as the one Macy and I shared, but it’s still spacious enough.

  “If you don’t mind, go ahead and turn on the coffee pot. I’m just going to change clothes real quick. I always get the coffee ready the night before I leave for work.” She runs off down the narrow hallway and turns to the room on the left, which I assume must be her bedroom.

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Minutes later, she comes back into the kitchen wearing a pair of pajama-like pants and a t-shirt. She looks very relaxed and comfortable, to say the least.

  “Mind if I use your restroom?” I ask her. She doesn’t seem to be the least bit concerned about having me here in her apartment.

  “Not at all. It’s down the hallway to the right.” I swear this girl does nothing but smile, probably even in her sleep. She just has one of those radiating personalities.

  I make my way to the bathroom and notice that it, too, is completely spotless. The countertop is clear of any lotions, hairsprays, or perfumes. The only thing I see is a cute little bottle of hand soap from one of those specialty shops. Everything else, I’m sure, is neatly tucked away in one of the drawers u
nderneath the sink. I always hated having to help Macy clean the apartment when we lived together. I would usually try to come up with some excuse of something I needed to do when she would start instructing me to do different tasks. But, I guess if you maintain everything, it doesn’t take much to stay on top of it. Macy had a bad habit of letting everything go during the week, but then expected me to help her on the weekends. Looking back, I know I probably should have done more to help, especially when I was between jobs and home most of the time, but housework isn’t really my thing.

  Walking back into the kitchen, I notice she has two coffee cups on the counter.

  “How do you like your coffee?” Jennifer asks.

  “Two sugars and cream please.”

  There goes that damn smile again. “Oh, wow, that’s the same way I like mine. Is liquid creamer okay?” She prepares our cups and hands one to me.

  I’m careful not to spill any and walk over towards her sliding glass doors to look out onto the patio. I notice she has a small grill over in the corner, along with a hanging swing. “Nice swing you got there.” I tell her.

  “Yeah, it belonged to my parents. They didn’t want to get rid of it when they sold the house, but they didn’t have room to take it with them in the motor home. My dad got the maintenance man to hang it for me.”

  “I bet you enjoy sitting outside in it.”

  “Sometimes I like to sit out there when I get home in the mornings. It helps me to unwind before heading to sleep. Working the overnight shift makes it hard to immediately go to bed once I get home. There are times I have studying to do or homework to finish, but most of the time I try to do all of that while I am at work. All of my classes are in the evenings, so I try to discipline myself to go to sleep as soon as possible.”

  She opens the sliding doors and we both walk out to the swing. The morning is slightly chilly, indicating the fall weather is approaching, but it’s a perfect morning to be outside.

  “Guess what? I found a job this week.” I share with her.

  “Oh, wow. That’s awesome. I knew you would get lucky and find something. It’s not too hard to find a job around here. New places are being built all the time. It may not be the kind of job you really want but, it will be a paycheck until you can find something else.”

  “Well, it’s a job. I’m not planning on making it permanent, but it will at least give me some money while I continue to look around for something else.” I sort of lower my head, as though I am somewhat embarrassed, when I tell her what the job entails. “I’m washing cars down at the local oil change place. The one in front of Target.”

  “I’ve been there plenty of times. The owner is really nice. My dad actually feels safe with me using them if he’s not in town to service my car. My parents are a little over protective.” She sets her empty coffee cup down on the ground between her feet.

  “That was a pretty good cup of coffee. Thanks for inviting me over this morning.” I tell her. I bend over to pick up her cup and ask if she would like a refill.

  “Sure. I’ll make us one.”

  “No, let me. You sit still.” I go inside and see she’s left the cream and sugar on the counter.

  I walk back out to the swing, and hand her the cup, careful not to spill any of the hot liquid.

  “So, what have you got planned for this gorgeous day?” She asks me.

  “Well, I need to find somewhere I can wash and dry my clothes. I’ve just about run out of clean stuff. Do you know where I can find a place close by?”

  “Why don’t you just do it here? I have my own washer and dryer. Besides, it would save you a little bit of money.”

  Not only do I feel like this is imposing on her, I just can’t bring myself to let her see the little bit of clothing I actually own.

  “Seriously, I insist.” She tells me again. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Not wanting to offend her, “Ok, but just this once. Hopefully, I will have my own place soon and I’ll be able to do it from there.” I’m not exactly sure that’s going to happen soon, since I don’t have any money saved. It’s going to take a month’s worth of paychecks, if not more, to have enough to place a deposit and first month’s rent on a room somewhere. A guy can dream, right? I don’t really want to tell her I’ve actually never had a place of my own by myself. From the time I left my parent’s home, I either lived with my brother, stayed with a few friends, or moved in with a few girlfriends, now exes. Being independent has never been my thing.

  “Have you started narrowing down a place yet?” She asks me. “Every now and then, a unit becomes vacant here. You should stop by the front office and see if anything’s available.”

  I wonder if she even realizes that I have still been sleeping in my car in parking lots for two weeks now. I’ve tried my best to stay out of sight from the cops around town. Not that I have been bothering anyone, but they all frowned upon my living arrangements for some reason.

  “I’m sure a place like this is way out of my budget. I really don’t want to tie up every dollar I’ll make on rent. Your place is really nice, but I may need to actually find a roommate and split the expenses until I’m more financially able to afford a place on my own.”

  She looks over at me. “Well good luck with your search. I’m sure you’ll come up with a place soon. Now, let’s get your laundry started. You grab your clothes and I will get the washer ready.”

  I walk out to my car and retrieve my duffel bag from the back seat. I really hate bringing all my dirty, smelly clothes into her apartment, but she insists. Walking back inside, I hear the washer filling up with water. “Looks like I can probably get them all done in one load.”

  “Don’t be silly. You don’t want to overload the washer and you surely don’t want to mix your whites with colors.” She tells me this with a smirk. “Here, let me.” She reaches out to take them from me, but I manage to pull back.

  “No, they are my dirty clothes.”

  “You act like I’ve never seen dirty clothes before. Remember, I grew up with two older brothers. I had to pitch in and help mom around the house.” I can tell she has had a happy upbringing just by the way she always mentions her parents. I’m sure she misses them a great deal, too. I have mentioned very little to her about mine.

  I really hate to ask this of her, but I do it anyway. “Do you think while my clothes are washing I could maybe take a hot shower?”

  Before she even says yes, she’s already walking down the hallway towards the bathroom. “Please, be my guest. The towels are under the sink. If you need anything, there’re plenty of body washes and shampoos over there. I’m going to hang out in the kitchen and put together a shopping list of some things I need around here. Maybe you would like to join me for a little shopping after lunch. That is, if you don’t have any other plans today.”

  I laugh silently to myself as I turn to shut the door behind her. What kind of plans could I possibly have? Let’s see. I’ve visited the Wal-mart and Target; I’ve taken in several movies; and I have eighty bucks to my name, thanks to my new boss, Jared. Since I have nothing better to do, I might as well hang out with Jennifer and get to know her better. I already like the direction this is heading.

  I like being friendly and accommodating for Brian, but is it really safe to have this guy who I’ve only known for a short period of time, in my apartment, using my shower? I push the thought from my mind and try to convince myself I’m helping someone out who’s had a run of bad luck. Besides, we have both enjoyed each other’s company, so far. If nothing else, I’ve made a new friend.

  I still hear the water from the shower running as the washing machine turns off. Rather than have his clothes sit, I go ahead and toss them in the dryer. The sooner his clothes are finished drying, the sooner we will be able to head out and do a little grocery shopping.

  Minutes later, Brian walks out from the bathroom and is standing in the hallway with a towel wrapped around him. I try to refrain from letting my mouth hang wide open a
nd staring at him. Sweet Baby Jesus, what do I have standing in front of me? Wow.

  I can see his cheeks turning red. I only hope it’s from his recent hot shower, and not from the gaze I have locked on his gorgeous body.

  As he stands there with me taking all of him in, he finally speaks, causing me to quickly break my stare. “Man, that was one of the best showers I’ve had in a long time.”

  What I wouldn’t give for that towel to slip and fall to the floor.

  Turning away from him and facing the dryer to hide my embarrassment, I tell him, “I went ahead and tossed your clothes in the dryer. Hope you didn’t mind.”

  “Oh, thanks. I, uh, sort of forgot to leave out any clothes to change in to. Looks like I’m going to have to hang out in this towel until they are dry.” He must know he’s driving me crazy. I’m barely able to look at him without being flushed and flustered.

  “Why don’t you see what you can find to watch on television?” I suggest. “I’ve got some homework I need to do, and when I’m done, maybe we can go grab a bite to eat. Then you can accompany me to the grocery store.” I feel exactly like a little girl, wanting to cross my fingers and hoping he’s going to say yes.

  “Sure, if you don’t mind the company. I’ve got the weekend off and don’t have anything planned.”

  And with that, I head down the hallway towards my bedroom. I pull out my Biology Lab book and study guide, spreading everything across my desk. I can hear the TV tuned to a sports channel. Each time a commercial comes on, Brian changes the channels from one game to another. Typical male characteristic, for sure.

  I have been stuck on the same question in my study guide for the last ten minutes. I have flipped through the chapter repeatedly, looking for the answer, but my concentration is completely shot. My mind keeps bringing up images of Brian standing in my hallway, wearing nothing but his towel. I hear the bathroom door shut and figure he must be changing in to his clean clothes. I swear, I don’t think I could have sat in the same room with him, towel and all.