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BREE
I’ve been left alone in my room for now, so I’ve spent the time unpacking and have exchanged my boots for my favorite thick woolly socks. Sitting on the seat in the window, I look out at the snow, wondering what to do about Gabe.
A couple of times I’ve caught him looking at me with heat in his eyes. There’s no way I’m mistaken. In fact I’m convinced the only thing standing in the way of us being together is my family.
An hour has passed so I decide to head downstairs only to be introduced to Gabe’s friend, Tracy. How I manage to be polite to her I’ll never know. I feel as though my heart’s being ripped out. I want to cry out that he’s mine and to stay away from him. Excusing myself, I head to the guest bathroom and lock myself in. Leaning against the sink, I take some deep breaths to try and stop the tears which are threatening to fall. He could have warned me he had a guest coming for dinner. How could he do this to me?
Finally having myself under control, I head back to the lounge only to have Tracy appear to the side of me and all I want to do is run. “Hi Bree, is this your first trip home for a while? I haven’t met you before.” She asks.
Trying to keep my voice steady, I reply, “Two years. How long have you been in town?” I ask her, while she seems distracted watching every move Gabe makes.
“I moved here about eighteen months ago…. Your brother is so hot.”
I really can’t stay here another minute otherwise I really will be in tears, “If you’ll excuse me a minute.” I rush up to my room to get away and to try to get my emotions in check before someone notices. I can’t keep doing this. I’ve been home just over an hour and I’m already a wreck because Gabe has a girl.
I haven’t been in my room long when I hear someone knocking on my door, “Who is it?”
“Bree, open the door.” Jumping off the bed, I open the door to my sister Beth, who throws her arms around me as we both hug really tight. This is just what I needed.
I pull her into the room and shut the door behind her dragging her over to the bed. “When do I get to meet Simon?”
“He’s downstairs. No hundred and one questions when you meet him sis. Promise?”
“Okay, I promise Beth.”
Frowning, I have to ask, “How long has Gabe been going out with Tracy?”
With a puzzled look, “They aren’t going out. Tracy works at the diner and she’s been after him for ages, but he’s never accepted, until tonight.”
Feeling slightly better, I look at my sister, “Really?”
“Yeah, it’s a bit weird that he invited her here tonight though. Anyway come on, Mom sent me up to look for you, supper’s ready.”
Feeling much better now that I know Gabe isn’t with Tracy, I manage to put a smile back on my face and head downstairs with Beth.
Entering the dining room everyone is already sat waiting for us. I take the seat between my Mom and Travis, across from Gabe. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
“You okay honey?”
“I’m fine Mom.” Feeling Gabe’s eyes on me, I quickly look up, then away, not knowing what he wants from me. He knows me like no other, so he’ll know that I’m upset, whether or not he figures out why, is something else.
“Okay, everyone dig in.” My father announces. The noise level is just as I remember. Loud!
Eating the supper my Mom has worked hard on, probably for my arrival home; I can’t help but keep looking at Gabe. Nearly every time I do, Tracy has her hand on his arm or is touching him in some way. I actually feel like stabbing Tracy’s hand with my fork, telling her to keep her paws off my guy.
I look up again and clash with Gabe’s eyes which are filled with as much longing as I feel for him. How I manage to get through the rest of the meal I’ll never know, but as soon as I can I retreat to my room.
I have a shower and put a nightshirt on along with my robe to keep the chill off and slip my feet into my slippers. I walk over to the window seat and sit watching the snow fall. Unable to hold my tears in, I just let them flow from my eyes down my cheeks, for want of what I can’t have.
If the looks Gabe kept throwing at me during supper mean anything, then he looked to be just as tormented as I am.
Really crying now, I place my head in my hands and let it all out; this has been building for two years. After awhile, I can hear everyone settling in for the night. Looking at the clock, I’m surprised to find its gone midnight.
I go into the bathroom to wash my face then I open the bedroom door and listen for movement downstairs to make sure there’s no one lingering around. Not hearing anyone, I quietly slip down to the kitchen and just pray no one joins me, because I really don’t want to have to explain my puffy eyes.
Chapter 3
GABE
