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“So, we on for today? Where shall I pick you up?”
“I will meet you at Crystal’s café in ten minutes.”
Rolling my eyes, I sighed. My day was already not going as I planned it to. I did a U-Turn and headed back into town, where I left my car outside Crystal’s café. And now to wait for the awkward conversation that would ensue for the next hours’ drive.
CHAPTER 7
Samuel
Throwing a fist in the air as I quickly leaped from the bed and threw on a pair of jeans, gray t-shirt, and a brown cozy sweater, as it looked a bit chilly outside. I was finally going to speak to Kim without any interruptions and without any distractions, or her friends making it awkward.
I had already planned the day once Emily had called me back, having secured the store. Now if I could get Kim to try on a dress or two, and assuming she liked one, I would buy it for her in an instant. I had made reservations for a little café on the high street for later on in the day. I felt like a schoolboy, I was so excited to spend some time with her.
Rushing out of the B&B and jumping to my car, it was only a short drive toward Crystal’s café. Pulling into the parking lot, I instantly saw Kim. She was leaning against the trunk of her car with her arms crossed and she didn’t seem at all impressed.
Maybe I should have taken her lead and waited. I was just used to getting my way and getting things done as soon as I wanted them. I didn’t really know how to hold back and wait.
As I undid my seatbelt, readying to get out to open the passenger door, she opened it with a bit of force and fell into her seat. Silently and forcefully doing her seatbelt up, she went back to looking at her phone. Something was occupying her brain, but I wasn’t too sure if I should ask.
“Thanks for coming today, you know.”
She made a ‘hmm’ noise and started typing back pretty quietly, seemingly to be having an argument via text with someone. It was hard for me not to ask her what was up as I hated seeing her in any way upset.
“Honestly though, it’s nice that we can maybe spend some time together. I know you don’t think I’ve changed, but I really have Kim. I’m not that same guy from high school.”
I was rambling as I took the BC-99 from Cleveland Ave. Trying to stop myself, I waited for her to reply, but she seemed too busy on her phone. Great, this was going to be a fun car ride. Turning up the radio a little as my playlist started belting out Ed Sheeran – "Fall". Wanting to sing along,I had to stop myself, I didn't want to annoy her any more.
Finally, after what felt like hours she tossed her phone into her handbag. Sighing deeply, she rubbed her forehead, and took a few deep breaths. Clearly a trick to maybe calm herself down. She looked just as beautiful as the day at the rink, in a pair of tight black leggings, black ankle boots and an orange sweater with dogs dressed up as ghosts.
“You alright?” I dared to ask.
She looked at me with an annoyed side eye then looked out the window, clearly contemplating if she should even answer me.
“My brother. I called him after I spoke to you and asked him about colors, and I mentioned that I was bringing a date to the wedding and he ignored me. So, while I was waiting for you I texted him asking if he had heard me.”
She paused, and as I quickly glanced back at her I could see in the reflection of the window she was biting her bottom lip. Huh, so she still did that when she was anxious.
“I told him you were going to be my date and he’s not impressed, but he’s calmed down now and suggested we all go out to watch the school’s football match next weekend. Clear the air.”
“And are you alright with that?”
“Honestly, not really. Sam, you came here and managed to turn my little, small life upside down and I was just starting to get it back.”
“I’m sorry for the poor timing.”
That was all I could say, I didn’t want her to see me as a bad guy or the enemy. I wanted to at least be friends again. Just as we were once, a lifetime ago. I knew she got married and I knew she was building her life, even when I didn’t want to know. My mom insisted I knew what everyone was doing in town, more so after I stopped visiting.
“It’s not your fault,” she said looking back at me with a small attempt of a smile. “When Luke died last year, I didn’t really want to do anything. The year was a blur, his last few days, and the funeral all mashed together. That day at the rink, it was my first day back and well, I didn’t expect to see you.”
Was this her opening up a little? I didn’t want to press, I just wanted her to know I was listening as we continued on our way. The journey was going to take around forty-five minutes which would give us plenty of time to chat, or not chat, whatever she wanted.
“I would never have taken you as a Swiftie.”
She surprised me as she turned up the volume as Taylor Swift – "Shake It Off" started to play. It made me chuckle a little as she had started to dance a little in her seat and mumbling some of the words.
“Why wouldn’t I be? She’s awesome.”
Tapping the steering wheel as this song always made me a little happy, even when the world felt as if it was closing in.
