by S. Moose
"I don't have him over. He invites himself and makes a mess!"
"He's coming over to watch baseball, so," he looks around the house, "spotless house."
"Fine," I groan. "But no mess, please?"
"Sure thing. Where you going?"
I get up from the couch, not able to sleep, even though I really want to. "Zumba class with Karly and Lexi. They made me sign up with them and I think it'll be a good idea. Right?"
"Thatta girl! Go shake it."
"Shake it? Please stop! You're my little brother and I don't want you thinking about me shaking anything."
"We're not biological bro and sis. No wonder Brody loved you so much." He winks, turning to the TV.
Walking into the studio, I notice several people in various groups, laughing and talking. I tug my workout bag closer to my body and try to find a place in the back so I'm not noticed. Settling on the floor, I spread out my legs in front of me and stretch. I've never done Zumba before, but the girls at the hospital rave about it. I'm more of a runner than a "shake it" kind of girl. From the YouTube videos I watched, it seems fun. I just hope I'm coordinated enough to follow the moves.
"Hey!" Karly and Lexi find me and make their way over. "No, you're coming to the front!"
"No! Stop!" I beg. "I am the least coordinated person in this room. I cannot be in the front. I'll embarrass myself."
Before she can respond, the instructor walks in, turns on the stereo, and music fills the room. Looking in the mirror, watching my body move to the music, shaking my ass and raising my arms in the air, I forget about the pain. The dance is numbing the pain and it's really helping me let loose. I watch the instructor in the mirror and mimic her moves. It's easy to pick up on the dances and soon I'm not paying attention to her, but myself. The seductive and high-powered music pumps through the room and I let go.
I let go.
Carefully picking up my bags, I wince in pain and curse myself for doing this damn class. I didn't realize how much moving and shaking there is when it comes to Zumba. Holy son of a…I need ice and lots of ice.
"I'm so sore!" I whine.
"You'll be fine." Lexi waves me off. "We're actually gonna grab something to eat. Wanna join us?"
I don't have anything else to do besides go home and rest. Plus, with Stephen going over to watch the game with Isaac, I feel like girl time is needed. We walk out of the studio to a little café. It's nice outside, so we decide to eat outside.
Ordering a Tuscan Panini and a bottle of water, I take out my phone and turn it on. A picture of Brody and me pops up.
"Ohhhhh, who is that? He is so hot!" Lexi takes my phone and shows it to Karly. "Wow, is he someone you like? Who is this?"
And there's the question I've been dreading. I freeze, not knowing what to say. I've only talked to Isaac about Brody. Keeping my eyes on Karly's hands while she's holding my phone, I think about what I can tell them. My mind doesn't register the question. I can't think or talk.
"Fallyn?" Karly calls for me. "You okay? You're so pale."
My order is called and I take my tray to the table outside. I rip the paper off my straw and stick it in my cup of lemonade. Covering the straw with my lips, I lean back and take a few healthy gulps. I need this moment to be alone before they come to the table and shoot their questions. I don't need anyone's pity or sympathy.
When I look up, they're looking at me, waiting for an answer I'm not sure how to give. "He's someone from my past. I love him, but we can't be together."
"I'm sorry." They reach over and take my hand. "We're here if you need to talk."
"Thanks." I smile. Hearing those words means so much and, hopefully, one day, I can talk about Brody without falling apart. But that'll happen when I'm ready.
Back at home, I'm holed up in my room. Sitting on top of my bed, I look around and pull out my laptop and search for different ways to decorate a bedroom. I want my room to be inviting and warm. I need to do something to get my mind off today.
The mention of Brody sends me into a corner. I'm trying my hardest not to break down. Clicking through some pictures, an idea comes to mind. Getting off my bed, I begin moving around the furniture in my room. Looking at my window, I decide to go outside and get fresh roses from my garden. Picking out a few red roses, I go back inside, grab some ribbon, and tie a knot around the flowers. Bringing a step stool to my room, I hang the bouquet freely by my window and admire the flowers. For some reason, roses bring me peace. Brody loved roses, red roses, so having these in my room feels as though I have a piece of him too.
My phone buzzes in my jean pocket. Picking up my phone, I see a text from Stephen.
Stephen: I'm starving!
Me: Come over and I'll order pizza.
Stephen: I love you so much!!!!!
I laugh, shake my head, and head out to the living room to call the pizza parlor. A few minutes later, Stephen comes in and sits on the couch with me. He rests his arm on my shoulders and gives me his I'm up to no good smile.
"What did you do?"
"I need a favor."
I groan. Ever since I've met Stephen, he's been a permanent pain in my side. We became close really fast and, even though he's hot and sexy, I look at him as my best friend. We spend a lot of time talking and hanging out. And I usually help him out of these situations, which drives me crazy.
"Do I need to pretend to be your girlfriend?" He nods. "When?"
"Tomorrow night," he firmly says. "She won't leave me the fuck alone."
I cock my head to the side. "Maybe if you didn't fuck women like they were toys, then we wouldn't be here."
The doorbell rings and Stephen jumps up. "Meet me tomorrow at my house. Five p.m. sharp. I'm hungry, so no more crazy girl talk!"
Chapter 5
Lisa
It's been so hard being on my own. Jensen couldn't make it this weekend, and it pisses me off that he's putting work before seeing me. He's the freaking medical director! He can make his own schedule and make other doctors work. I don't care if I'm being selfish. I'm here alone in Rochester while he's back in Wilmington with our family and friends.
Slamming my books closed, I get up and pace around the empty apartment. It's too quiet here and I'm going crazy. I wish I could have a roommate, but I need to stay focused and get through school. I keep telling myself that this is my decision and mine alone. I could have stayed in Wilmington and finished, but I want more. Plus Fisher is my dream school. Even though I have to start at the bottom, again, it's worth it.
I pick up my phone, hoping someone's around and wants to hang out, then I realize that they're in study groups now. I should be there too, but I wouldn't be able to focus. I need to be alone and read in peace; that's why I opted for no roommate.
Settling on the couch, I pick up the remote and scroll through to see what's on. I settle on The Big Bang Theory and try to take my mind off Jensen not being here.
A few hours later, the vibration of my phone wakes me up. It's almost six o'clock when I creep off the couch to get ready for my night class. Glancing at my phone, I see it's a text message from Jensen.
My Love: Hey babe. I'm home now. Sorry that I didn't make it this weekend. I'll do everything I can to make it up to you. I promise. I love you, babe.
I look at the text and decide not to text him back. Feeling hungry, I throw on my black PINK hoodie and head to campus for food before heading to my night class. A few of my friends are at the Fish Bowl when I walk in. We talk for a few moments before I grab my order of chicken fingers and fries and head outside to class. There are only about seven minutes before I have to get to class and if I don't make it on time, my professor will make the biggest scene. He hates it when we're late.
Before walking into class, I hear my name being called. Turning around, I nearly drop everything in my hands.
"Ian!?"
I haven't seen him since we broke up a few years ago. Shit, this is kind of weird.
"Hey!" He rushes over to me and gives me a hug. "Damn
, it's been so long. What are you doing here?"
"I transferred here from UNCW. My grades got better and Fisher accepted me into their nursing program. I've been here for a while, actually." Looking at Ian, something in me wakes up. He looks older, hotter… Oh fuck, what am I doing? Jensen! You're with Jensen! Stop looking into his gorgeous gray eyes or at his sexy sideways smile. Stop, Lisa! You have an amazing boyfriend!
"That's awesome. Hey, I gotta run, but lunch or something soon." He hugs me again, kissing my cheek. "I'll talk to you later." He winks before running off.
Oh, this is not good. Not good at all.
Class goes by so slowly. I'm finding it hard to stay awake, but I also have other things on my mind, like seeing Ian. I can't stop thinking about him. We dated throughout high school, but broke up because, well, I don't really remember why we broke up. I think it was mutual and then we went our separate ways.
It's weird how we're both in the same place. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. So what's the reason for running into Ian? I have a few friends here, so I'm not lacking in that department. I don't have feelings for him anymore. Actually, I haven't thought about him since we broke up. These thoughts plague my head and it's driving me crazy.
When class is over, I head home and text Jensen. I need to get my mind off Ian.
Me: Hi! Whatcha doing?
My Love: Reviewing some paperwork.
Me: Oh man, that sucks.
My Love: How was your day?
I contemplate if I should tell him about Ian. But there's really no reason.
Me: It was good. My three-hour class drained me.
My Love: I'm sorry about that. What else do you have planned for tonight?
Me: Studying my life away! Wish you were here….
My Love: I know, baby. I wish I could be there with you too. I'm sorry for not making it, but know that I'm thinking of you.
Me: I just miss you! I can't wait to see you soon!
Jensen's coming up in a few days and, honestly, this is the perfect time. I think seeing him will push Ian out of my head.
I go through the next few days in a funk. I wake up, get ready, go to class, and come back home to study. Burying myself in homework and watching reruns isn't what I want to do, but call me crazy, it's bringing me comfort. When I'm keeping my mind busy and focusing, I'm not missing Jensen as much.
After finishing my paper, I get up from the chair and decide to go for a run. Throwing on yoga capris and a hoodie, I grab my ear buds and phone. Walking outside, I do a quick stretch and run.
Turning the corner, I see Ian and some of his friends walking towards me. Quickly, I move my eyes somewhere else, so I pretend as if I didn't see him.
"Lisa!" he shouts. I ignore him and continue running. He catches up to me and starts running alongside me. Damn it, Ian. Pulling out my ear buds, I turn my head to him and he smiles. "Mind stopping?"
"Okay." I stop running and turn off my music. "What's up?"
"Well, I tried texting you after we saw each other, but I guess you changed your number?"
"You still have my number from high school?"
"Yeah," he nervously answers. "I do. But like I said, you changed it."
"I did," I let him know. "What did you need?"
"Nothing major. Wanted to see if you wanted to get dinner or something. You know, catch up. We're going to the same school now and we might as well hang out."
He's right. We both go to the same school and it's not like anything's going to happen. We've both changed since high school and I'm happy with Jensen.
"You know what? That sounds really good. I haven't had dinner yet. Wanna grab something?"
"Yeah, for sure."
I smile. "Okay. Lemme go back home and get ready." I rattle off my address to him and give him my new number. "Give me an hour and come over."
"Sounds good. I'll see you soon."
"Okay." I watch him walk back to his friends and I put back in my ear buds and turn around to run back to my apartment.
* * * * *
Spending yesterday with Ian didn't feel weird. We talked and laughed. It felt normal to be near him again. I didn't get a chance to find out a lot about him because he wanted to know what I had been up to since high school. I filled him in and he listened. We were at Next Door Bar and Grill until one a.m. and he took me home and walked me to the front door of my apartment. It was weird when he said goodnight. He watched me walk inside and made me text him when I was inside my apartment.
After spending time with him, he's all I can think about. He texted me this morning around eight, but I haven't responded. I've been inside studying and finishing my paper. Almost five hours later, my brain is dead and I need a pick-me-up.
After I put on my shoes, I grab my keys and head out the door. I haven't been exploring Rochester, so I take the time to walk around campus and hopefully meet some people.
Heading to the Fish Bowl for no reason, I walk in and see Ian. Of course I would see him. Our eyes immediately meet and it's too late to leave. He waves me over and I smile and take a seat next to him.
"Hey, guys, this is an old friend from home. Lisa Presley." I wave and smile at the two other couples at the table. The girls are both blonde and look nice. The guys have athletic builds and it makes me wonder if Ian still plays soccer and if these are his friends from the team.
"So as I was saying," one of the guys says, "tomorrow's game is gonna be crazy."
"Playing Elmira College is gonna be tough," Ian adds. "But we'll get 'em."
"Are you coming tomorrow, Lisa?" one of the blondes ask. "We have room in the car if you wanna ride with us."
I look at her, then at Ian. He smiles and nods his head like he wants me to go. "Sure. Thanks for letting me tag along."
"I'm rude." Ian laughs. "Lisa, that's Brenda and Emmy and the guys, Chris and Eric. I play soccer with these two and they're dating these beauties."
"It's nice to meet you all."
During the next few hours, we have dinner and talk more. I like Brenda and Emmy. They have an apartment on Park Avenue and this is their last semester before student teaching. Part of me is envious. I'm supposed to be a senior too. Hopefully, I can convince my professors to give me letters of recommendations and I can be a second semester junior; even that'll make me happy.
I look at the time and see it's almost ten p.m. "I gotta get going, Ian. I have an early class tomorrow." I grab my purse and jacket. "It was nice meeting everyone again. I'll see you tomorrow." They wave and say bye.
Ian follows me, and when I turn around, he's inches from my face. "What are you doing?"
"Walking you to your car," he states. "It's late and I don't want you walking alone."
"Oh." I blush. He places his hand on my back and leads me down the slight hill to my car. "Thanks again, Ian. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sounds good. Have a good night and sweet dreams." I raise my hand and wave, getting in my car and starting it. When I look up, Ian's still standing in the same spot. We hold our stare for a few moments before I put the car in reverse and leave.
Ian is on my mind during my drive back to my apartment and when I walk inside. My phone rings, alerting me of a text. When I pull it out, there's a text from Ian.
Ian: Good seeing you again, Lisa =)
Chapter 6
Jensen
It's been a long day and I'm ready to kick back and relax. Parking my car, I head inside to The Harp. I'm seated in a booth and look through the menu, waiting for Stephen to get here.
"What can I get ya?"
I look at the server and smile. "I need a few minutes. Meeting someone here."
"Gotcha." She winks, turning around to go to her next table.
Putting my attention back to the menu, I make my decision for dinner and pull out my phone.
Me: Where the hell are you?
Stephen: Walking in, sweetie pie. You miss me ;)
Stephen slides into the booth with Fallyn. I kink my brow and
look at Stephen.
"Hey, Jensen," she says.
"Hey. What's up?"
I don't mind having Fallyn here. She's nice and comes around to hang with us every now and then. Besides knowing that she's one of my nurses at the hospital and best friends with Karly and Lexi, and she's Stephen's neighbor, I don't know too much more about her.
We've been in a few meetings together at the hospital. Other than that, we haven't talked too much since she's been in Wilmington. When Lexi brought her to one of our get-togethers, she kept to herself most of the night. I wasn't an asshole by any means, but I didn't take the time to get to know her.
"Nothing. Stephen dragged me out. Apparently, I'm not getting out enough."
"You aren't," Stephen answers, putting down his menu. "All you do is work and go home. You hardly hang out with us and it's a little upsetting. We see Isaac more than you."
"I have to agree with my man over here. I barely know you, besides knowing a few things like you're a nurse, your best friends with the girls, and you unfortunately live next door to idiot over there."
"Do you wanna break up with me or something?" Stephen says, holding his chest. "I'm hurt with all of this verbal abuse."
"Shut up, asshole." We laugh. "But on a serious note, why don't you come out?"
"I do," she stammers. "I'm busy with work. I've been pulling sixteen-hour shifts and I have a house to take care of. I don't know what else to tell you."
"But we don't need you to do that." There's slight irritation in my tone. I make sure that each department is adequately staffed so none of my employees are overworked. "What I mean is there's enough staff on your floor. You don't need to pull doubles and overwork yourself. It's important that you get enough rest so when you come back for your next shift you aren't overtired."
"Well, I've been taking people's shifts when they can't make it. It's fine, Jensen. I like working. And I know what I'm doing." She glares at me with a pointed look. "Trust me. I know."
