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“He told me about what happened to her. I didn’t want to ask questions, didn’t want to pressure him into telling me something he wasn’t ready to. I couldn’t imagine going through a pain like that.”
She fiddles with her keys before she walks up onto the curb beside me.
“He was devastated. That loss broke his heart. He thinks by not opening his heart to someone that it will keep him from ever experiencing a loss like that. But I see the way he looks at you, watches you. He cares about you already, and if you are not into him in that way, then back off. I don’t want to see my friend hurt, again.”
I take a moment to soak up her words. I would never want to intentionally hurt Caleb. I care about him, even though I haven’t known him long, but some indescribable feelings are there, somewhere. I can feel a pull between us, but I try to ignore it half the time because I too am afraid. I’m afraid that if I fall in love again that the rug beneath me will be pulled and I will slam face first into the ground. Love shouldn’t hurt so much, but it does and I’m terrified to love again.
“Julia Harrington, you look stunning.”
My new hair stylist, Dia, gawks at my shining blonde hair as she twirls me around in the chair. She deep conditioned my hair, trimmed and curled my golden locks.
“It’s a no wonder she is the talk of the town.” A bystander chimes in as she sits under the hairdryer.
“Yes, She talked about you a lot. My book club has read your books. We made Declan our book boyfriend of the year.”
I giggle as the old ladies bicker back and forth about their favorite character’s.
“I had no idea this town even knew about my writing.” I blush.
I have never been good at receiving compliments. It feels almost like they lie to me to make me feel good, that’s how I take compliments. Daniel used to compliment me, but that was all a lie too.
“Well of course, your grandmother even hosted a book event in your honor. She ordered copies of your book and handed them out to the guest. She was extremely proud of you.” Dia states as she fingers my curls before she taps me to follow her to the color wall.
Dia is a young woman. She reminds me of the girl who stars in the movie, ‘Through My Window’. She has this way about her that makes talking to her easy. She can connect with you within seconds of meeting. She sets down the color pallet on the table and points.
“Go with red. Red is definitely your color. Bold. Dangerous. Fierce.” She smiles.
“Hot.” Madison adds.
I laugh and agree, Red will look amazing with my outfit for the red carpet tomorrow. I am not getting all dolled up for dinner, although it is perfect timing, I have obligations tomorrow, so I have to look my best.
My dining room is gorgeous, the wood round table in the middle of the room, surrounded by large glass windows, a black chandelier dangling from the ceiling, tan rug beneath the legs and eucalyptus plants in vases on the wall. I set the table with two white plates on top of black placemats, add two wine glasses, and utensils. Flicking on the lighter, I light the candles at the center of the table. The glow from the flame casting against the walls.
“This does look too romantic.” I say to myself as I take in the room.
Ding, dong. The doorbell chimes before I have time to make adjustments. I fix my maxi dress and check my hair in the mirror before I open the door.
It’s just two friends having dinner, stop smiling so much.
But maybe I want it to be more than friends. Shit, Madison is getting in my head. The nerves creep up as I open the door and the air is taken from my lungs.
“Daniel.”
CALEB
BROKEN BY ISAK DANIELSON
Igrab a dozen fresh roses from my garden, clipping the thorns and rubber band them together. I had placed roses on her doorstep earlier but a couple more won’t hurt. I have this sudden need to impress her and show her my caring side. Something about her is pulling the old me out and making my heartbeat pound faster.
I fix my black long sleeve sweater and comb my fingers through my hair. I check myself over in the mirror, I want to look my best for her. She is an amazing woman, and I can’t get her out of my head no matter how hard I try. So, I decided to stop fighting it and open myself up to the possibility of loving someone again. My therapist said nothing in life is easy, there will always be obstacles that you have to overcome, but the reward at the end is worth every ounce of pain you experienced to get there.
I put on my jacket before I head out the door, winter weather is rolling in. Soon the mountains will be casted with snow and what better to have someone to snuggle up with during the cold months. I walk up the sidewalk towards Julia’s. A cab rolls past me and I notice the brake lights beam as the cab pulls up to the house I am headed to. I quirk a brow as I continue walking forward. A man, I don’t recognize steps out of the car, waves to the cab driver and approaches her door. I stop my steps as I shield myself behind a tree.
I look like a stalker now, hiding behind a tree and peering out from behind it. I texted Julia thirty minutes ago that I was heading over soon, so she is probably expecting it to be me at her doorstep. He rings the doorbell, and she opens the door with an abrupt shock displayed across her face.
“Daniel.”
Oh hell no. Her ex-husband?
