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“What’s on the menu?” Saxon asks, reaching for a paper bag from Greg’s hands.
Greg reads the derailment loud and clear, but doesn’t make a fuss. “Your mother wanted to make all of your favorites.”
“Of course she does,” he replies sarcastically, curling his lip when he glances over at Kellie, who is dabbing at her lapels with a wet wipe.
If Greg picks up on his sarcasm, he doesn’t show it.
“Right.” I clap my hands. “Who wants coffee?”
Both Saxon and Samuel surprise me when their lips tip up into that same mischievous smile. This was going to be one long night.
* * * * *
October 1st 2004
Dear diary,
Tonight, I met Sam’s parents. They invited me over for dinner and no matter how nervous I was, I knew I had to go.
The Stones are one of Montana’s richest families, as they own one of the biggest wheat and barley farms in the West. I wanted to dress nice, as the few times I’ve been over there, I’ve always felt underdressed. Mom said my floral baby doll dress was pretty and appropriate, so I wore that with my black flats.
When Sam picked me up, I was so nervous. But the moment I met Gregory and Kellie, I instantly felt at home.
We sat down to a feast of every vegetarian dish I could ever wish for. Samuel didn’t appear too pleased by the no meat menu, claiming he’d convert me one day soon. Just as we were about to begin, Saxon, Samuel’s twin brother came home, not hiding his disgust at seeing me in his home.
I should be used to this reaction, as Saxon hardly hides the fact that he hates my guts. The thing is, I don’t know why. I’ve tried on more than one occasion to talk to him, to try to find some common ground, but he doesn’t want anything to do with me.
It upsets me that he feels that way because being Samuel’s twin, I really want to try and get along. But he doesn’t feel the same.
Dinner was pleasant and comfortable, apart from Saxon sitting through the entire evening with his ear buds in. If it weren’t for Sam holding my hand underneath the table, encouraging me to answer his parents’ questions, I think I may have been mute.
The night was fun, even with Saxon scowling at me. Although, when I pulled a funny face at him from across the table in secret and I saw a ghost of a smile touch his lips, I knew underneath his animosity lies something…more.
I don’t know why he hates me, but I’ll make it my mission to find out.
Thirteen
I’ve procrastinated longenough.
Hugging the tattered journal to my chest, I smile when thinking about the last entry I read. I certainly wasn’t smiling when writing it, but now, it highlights how mine and Saxon’s relationship has changed. Grown. It also confirms that what Sam and I had was real. And I’m certain we’ll get it back.
Placing the journal onto my nightstand, I kick off the bed and slip into my flats. I smell a lot better than I did a couple of hours ago, as I took a nice long soak in the claw foot tub, and thanks to the journal entry, I’ve donned a floral babydoll dress. My hair is down and slightly wavy, framing my face.
Let’s hope tonight’s dinner will be just as fun as the first time we broke bread.
As I leave my bedroom, I look down the hall, towards Saxon’s room. For some unexplained reason, I go left instead of right. I don’t question it. Just how I don’t question my strange reaction to him earlier. As I reach the closed door, a soft country song can be heard sounding from within. I can’t help but smile. No matter how much of a badass he is, Saxon’s still a country boy at heart.
Knocking softly, I wait, hoping he doesn’t tell me to go away.
He doesn’t. “Come in.”
When I open the door, a small breath catches in my throat, as Saxon is sitting on the bed, topless. An open journal sits in his lap, while Thunder sleeps at the foot of the bed.
“Hey,” he says, while I stand, admiring the picture perfect moment.
Clearing my throat and brain, I reply, “Hey yourself. How’d you know I wasn’t your mom knocking?”
“She wouldn’t knock,” he playfully counters without missing a beat.
