Wanderlust

by Lacey Weatherford

  “What?” she exclaimed.

  I laughed hard, her expression priceless. “What’s the matter, honey? You don’t want to date a criminal?”

  “I . . . I . . . ,” she stuttered, obviously searching for a reply.

  I decided to be nice and rescue her. “I’m joking. I’ve never been in prison.”

  Relief flooded her features. “That was mean.”

  “Sorry. It was easier than the truth.”

  “Which is what?”

  “I’m an alien, a Wanderer, actually. Kind of like an angel, but a little different,” I answered her honestly.

  She busted up laughing. “You are such a dork!” Leaning forward she playfully slapped my shoulder.

  A shriek from the direction of the house interrupted us and we both turned to see a teenaged girl come bounding toward the car. Skylar flung the door open and jumped out to greet her, both throwing their arms around each other and giggling together.

  So much for the truth. I knew she wouldn’t believe me when I told her, which was why I had done it. It was out there, but now came the hard part, convincing her to not only believe it—but understand it, too.

  ***

  I’d never been the guy that a girl brought home to meet her parents. This was an entirely new experience for me, but I was pretty sure that as the dishes of food were passed around the table that Skylar’s dad, Jason, never took his eyes off me once. Able to accurately interpret the vibes emanating from him, I knew, without a doubt, he was secretly weighing me, deciding whether or not I was good enough for his daughter. I certainly hoped he decided in the affirmative, because unless Skylar said otherwise, he was stuck with me for the rest of her life.

  “So, Ryder, you should tell us all about your first date with Skylar,” Chrissy said, practically beaming as she stared across the table at me. She was every bit as beautiful as her gorgeous sister. I was pretty certain due to her confidence level, the flirting skills I’d witnessed so far, and the way she held herself, that she had the boys on this planet falling all over themselves to get with her. “Don’t leave out one single detail, either.”

  Skylar blushed to her roots and I was positive she was remembering that first night together on my couch. The memory didn’t make me blush, but it did make certain parts of my body rise to attention, and I was suddenly grateful Skylar’s dad couldn’t see through the table or I was sure he would kick me out.

  “Um, I say let’s not and say we did,” Skylar replied, her flushed skin marking her guiltily.

  “No, I’m totally interested in hearing every part of it, as well,” Jason said gruffly, clearing his throat as he stared pointedly at me. “Why don’t you fill us in?”

  Shit. And another earthly vernacular had found its way into my vocabulary.

  “It was actually pretty casual,” I began. “Skylar and I had literally run into one another earlier that day when she was unloading her car. We seemed to hit it off pretty well, right away, and before I knew it she had charmed me into helping her unpack the rest of her belongings.”

  Skylar laughed. “Whatever. You asked if you could help.”

  “Only because you were charming.” I smiled at her before continuing on. “When it was time for me to go, I decided I wasn’t ready to turn her loose quite yet, so I asked her if I could take her to dinner that night.”

  “You move fast, don’t you?” Jason mumbled, but everyone heard.

  “It was sweet of him,” Skylar said, rushing to my defense. “I didn’t have any food or anything. I didn’t even know where to go shopping. He offered to show me some of the places he liked and introduce me to the area.”

  “That was nice of him,” Sophia, added. “Thanks for helping out our daughter.” She glared across the table at her husband.

  “It was my pleasure,” I replied. “We had a nice dinner, full of good conversation, and then decided to go get ice cream and walk through the park. That was great until someone knocked me into the fountain.” I cast a sidelong glance at Skylar and a giggle escaped her.

  “I got a little excited when he offered me a job. I may have kind of jumped on him, causing both of us to fall in.”

  Chrissy and Sofia laughed, but Jason was still staring.

  “That kind of ended the whole romantic walk in the park plan since we were both drenched and had to go home.” That was the truth. No one had to know we went home together.

  “You’re the research analyst she’s working for?” Jason asked, not missing that part. I nodded.

  “Yes. She needed a job and I needed an assistant. It seemed like the perfect solution for both of us.”

  “Isn’t that a little unethical?” he questioned. “Dating the girl you hired, I mean?”

  Glancing at Skylar, I stared at her for a moment. “Do you think it’s unethical?” I asked. I’d never even considered how our situation might look to others. I was simply happy for the opportunity to spend more time with her. But, that being said, I was paying her to do a job that, by Earth’s standards, wasn’t real, and I did fully intend to sleep with her—though the pay I was giving her was actually for the work she was doing for me—not for services rendered. I’d never debase a woman in that manner.

  “I don’t think so. I like getting to spend all the time with you that I can.”

  “I like that, too,” I replied, grabbing her hand and squeezing it under the table.

  Chrissy sighed loudly. “It’s all so romantic.” She propped her chin up in the palm of her hand and stared dreamily at the two of us. “I think you two look perfect together. I can’t wait to find a guy who’ll treat me like that.”

  “Let’s pray,” Jason said offering his hands out, one to his wife, one to Skylar.

  I slid my hand across the table, allowing Chrissy to slip her hand in mine and I winked at her before closing my eyes.

  “For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.”

  “Amen.” The word echoed in a soft chorus following Jason’s prayer and I realized it was the first time since being back on Earth that I’d heard someone acknowledge the Creator in a good way. It made something warm flutter inside me. I liked knowing this family believed in God. It would make the things I needed to tell Skylar much easier if she already understood basic principles of the Godhead.

  “Skylar tells me you’re a veterinarian, sir,” I said to Jason. “How do you like that? I’ve always had a healthy respect for people who cared for animals. It usually shows they’re kind-hearted.”

  Okay, so I was sucking up a little—not that I wanted or needed him to like me, but Skylar wanted that. And when it came to Skylar, I was prepared to give her whatever she wanted, as long as it made her happy.

  Jason stared at me momentarily, his eyes narrowing. “You’re an animal fan then?” he asked, still clearly testing the waters.

  “I am.”

  “What’s your favorite?”

  “Oh, I like them all, though I may have a slight affinity for Cocker Spaniels. I used to have one years and years ago.” Yeah, like in the fifteen hundreds, but I safely omitted that part. “He was a friendly pup. I was sad to see him go when he finally died of old age.”

  “What was his name?” Skylar asked, obviously intrigued.

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I laughed as the memories of the dog and his previous owner flooded through my mind.

  “Tell us, please!” Chrissy said exuberantly.

  “Bleu. His name was Bleu, but spelled b-l-e-u.”

  “You’re kidding,” Sophia said, laughing.

  “I’m not. His full name was actually Sacré Bleu which, in French, is an expression of surprise, or exasperation. I took him off the hands of a French chef who was always irritated with the dog because it kept sneaking food from his kitchen. He’d yell, “Sacré Bleu!” every time he saw the dog invading his pantry and it kind of stuck. I asked if I could have the dog one day and he happily gave him to me. From that point on, he was just Bleu. Best dog I ever
had.” I chuckled. “Probably the love of my life.” My heart ached a bit still at losing him. I’d become very attached.

  “That’s a wonderful story,” Sophia said, smiling widely.

  “It is,” Jason agreed, shocking me as his demeanor totally relaxed. “I would’ve liked to have met him.”

  “You know what this means, right?” Chrissy pointed her fork back and forth between Skylar and me.

  “What?” Skylar asked.

  “That dog—he was a sign. This is the Universe’s way of saying the two of you are meant to be together.” She stared directly at me. “Bleu has sent you a new Blue to be the love of your life.”

  And just like that, Skylar’s dad stiffened again.

  Damn.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Skylar

  “You do know that Dad’s going to be up all night with his shotgun ready in case Ryder has any plans of defiling his daughter,” Chrissy joked, accepting the rinsed dinner plate I handed her.

  Her comment made me groan. “You’re not helping. He just needs to get to know Ryder, that’s all.”

  “I think it’s his getting to know you better that has Dad growling. Just saying.” She shrugged. As much as I’d like to think my sister was over exaggerating, there’d been no mistaking the protective tone that had laced our father’s words during dinner.

  “It’s not like I’ve never brought a boyfriend home before.” Scrubbing extra hard at a stubborn spot, I puffed at the stray strand of hair that fell over my eyes. “Ryder’s important to me. He might even be ‘the one.’”

  That got her attention, her eyebrow rising in surprise. “Really? But you guys have only known each other for a short time.”

  Just thinking about the precious weeks I’d spent getting to know him, of the hours spent talking, laughing—and other things—made me smile. “True, but sometimes you just know. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I’ve known him all my life—it’s that easy to be with him. He brings out the best in me and I’m happy. While I can’t see into the future, I hope it’s spent with him.”

  “And that, right there, is why I’m guessing Dad’s freaked out a little.” Chrissy pointed at my face, knowingly.

  “What?” I laughed, unsure what she meant.

  “Every time you talk about that boyfriend of yours, you get this look. Even though he knew the day would come, you’re still Dad’s little girl in pigtails. I don’t think he’s ready for there to be a guy that makes his daughter glow.”

  Flicking soapsuds at her, I snorted. “I do not!”

  “Oh, dear sister, you do. Your face lights up like a girl completely in love.” Chrissy coughed, clearing her throat while a mischievous gleam twinkled in her eye. “He’s so purrrrfect. Ryder is incredible. I looooooove him.” Her fake impression of me was horrible.

  “You’re just jealous. Admit it.”

  “Of being able to kiss someone who looks like that any time I want? Heck yeah!” Her enthusiastic answer reduced us to a fit of laughter—that, and the way Chrissy turned around, her hands on either side of her back, as she pretended to make out with an imaginary guy.

  “I leave you girls alone for five minutes and this is what happens?” Mom stood in the doorway, her hands resting on her slender hips. As stern as she tried to look, I knew she was thinking back on the countless other nights she’d found us both goofing around instead of doing our chores.

  “Blame Skylar. It’s her fault for bringing Mr. McHottie home. How am I supposed to concentrate knowing he’s just in the other room?” My sister wailed dramatically. She definitely had a career in acting if she chose to pursue it.

  “Knock it off, Chrissy.” I chuckled, elbowing her. “You’d think you’d never seen a guy before.” I didn’t want to admit that knowing Ryder was currently in the living room alone with Dad was distracting me, as well. While I didn’t have to worry about my boyfriend’s manners, I couldn’t say the same for my father’s. Luckily, it seemed like Ryder could hold his own.

  “If one could get past our scowling father, then maybe I would stand a chance of having a boyfriend. Ask Mom. Poor Trenton almost passed out last weekend when he came to pick me up for the movies. Dad interrogated him at the front door, firing question after question about his intentions.”

  “It wasn’t that bad,” Mom answered, laughing and shaking her head in merriment. “He simply wants what’s best for his little girls.”

  “Well, you need to tell him we’re not so ‘little’, anymore. He’s seriously cramping my style.” Pouting, Chrissy wiped the last dish, putting it away in the cupboard.

  Her response didn’t impress our mother. “You’re way too young to have any style, young lady!”

  This was something I missed—the crazy family bickering. We were such a close family, the love between us evident. A slight pang of homesickness struck, making me yearn for more of this; but then I remembered Arista and the joy I’d found there.

  I was creating a new life for myself—one I absolutely adored.

  “So, tell me, does Dad really hate Ryder or is he just being impossible?” I asked, curious.

  “Oh, honey, he doesn’t. I think it’s just caught him off guard. He knew you’d met someone, but it’s one thing to hear about it and then another to see it in action. Ryder likes you a lot, and your Dad can see that. In fact, I think it’s a relief to know you have someone looking out for you when he can’t.”

  “As long as it’s the right kind of looking after, right?” Chrissy wiggled her eyebrows, turning the sweet sentiment into something more lewd. The way my sister bounced between different emotions made my head spin.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter!” I exclaimed, blushing hard.

  “Yours was already there!” she fired back, poking her tongue out. “Should I tell mom about some of our recent phone conversations? About how amazing Ryder kisses? About how—.”

  “For the sake of my sanity, knowing you’ll both be sleeping under my roof, I’m going to ask that you don’t. There are some things a mother doesn’t need to know.” Turning to me, Mom gently placed her hand on my arm. “If I don’t get a chance to tell you before you go home, Ryder seems like a wonderful young man. He’s definitely someone I can envision you with.”

  “He really is, Mom. He’s perfect.” Wrapping my arms around her waist, I returned her warm hug.

  “Having said that, make wise choices, okay?”

  “I will. I promise.” It meant a lot that she’d seen the good in Ryder and approved. I never wanted to disappoint my parents.

  “I know you will,” she whispered, kissing the side of my head before letting me go. “You’re all grown up, now.”

  “You’re kidding me, right? That’s it? She brings someone home and that’s the sex talk you give her? Make wise choices?” Chrissy’s eyes were wide as saucers, filled with disbelief. I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter, again.

  Mom smiled, softly touching my sister’s cheek. “I’m saving all my good material for you.”

  “I think this is my cue to go rescue Ryder from Dad,” I interrupted, seeing Chrissy’s mouth drop open before she launched into another impassionate speech about her being the good girl in the family.

  As much as she liked to pretend she was the innocent one, there were a lot of crazy antics my parents weren’t privy to. If they knew, they’d never sleep another wink. Chrissy was definitely more reckless than me—some of the stories she’d confided in me proving it.

  While we both loved experiencing new things, I liked keeping things relatively safe—well, as safe as possible. Strange enough, being with Ryder was the riskiest thing I’d ever done. Trusting my heart to someone else, with the hope it wouldn’t be mistreated, always was.

  The moment I entered the living room, the overwhelming gratitude in Ryder’s eyes told me I’d come in just the nick of time. Apparently, while I’d been helping clean up, my father had taken it upon himself to move into phase two of Operation Test Ryder.

  “What a
re you guys up to?” I asked innocently, fully aware of my dad’s tactics.

  “Hey, sweetheart, you’re just in time. Your beau and I were just discussing the finer points of college football.” Glancing at the screen, I saw it was an older game my father had previously recorded. “Can you believe he’s never played before?”

  “The world doesn’t revolve around sports, Dad,” I scolded. “Be nice!”

  “Maybe you can take me to a game when the season starts.” I loved that Ryder wanted to find some common ground with my father.

  “Absolutely. We’ll see when the 49ers are playing at home.”

  That earned us a grunt of annoyance. “As long as you root for the Seahawks, we’ll get along just fine.” By Dad’s standards, that was another way he measured the worth of a person. Their choice of NFL team spoke volumes about their personality and character.

  “I’ll make sure to educate him on your beloved Seahawks. Trust me, he’ll bleed blue and green before I’m done with him.” Laughing, I motioned behind me. “Let’s go sit on the porch.” Ryder needed a break from the constant scrutiny and honestly, I was craving some serious alone time with him.

  “Don’t be out there too long,” Dad called over his shoulder. “I’m taking your boyfriend fishing tomorrow morning. We’ll be leaving early.”

  Ahhh. He’d already planned phase three—hunting and all things wild. “No worries, we’ll be up and ready to go at the crack of dawn.”

  His answer was yet another grunt and the volume on the television increased.

  “Wow, he’s kind of intense,” Ryder whispered, dragging his fingers through his hair.

  “He’s harmless.”

  There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. “So you say. I’ve met a lot of people in my life, but he was, by far, one of the scariest.”

  “Just give him time. If you haven’t won him over by the time we go home tomorrow afternoon, then . . . ,” I dragged the last word out as I tried to think of something good. “You win a prize.”