Page 9 of Homesick
He answers groggily after a few rings. “Wren? Is everything okay.”
“Yeah! I’m at the Rustic Inn and I’m wondering if you could pick me up. Just like old times?” I feel pathetic after adding that last line. I am not a teenager anymore. This isn’t one of those moments I’ll look back at and laugh. I’m old enough to know better.
“I thought Emma drove?”
“Funny story. I’m an asshole and she left me here,” I chuckle nervously and hope he quits questioning me. Then I hit him with the old, “I can call Dad if you can’t. It’s fine, Chris.”
That does the trick, and he lets me know he’ll be here in fifteen minutes. My buzz is starting to wear off slightly and I’m tempted to go back inside and get another drink, but I stop myself and saunter over to the part of the porch that faces the lake.
Other than a few people smoking, it’s quiet outside and peaceful compared to inside the bar. The lake across the road is calm enough to see the reflection of the sky. The scene is the opposite of the debauchery happening across the road and I can’t help but smile at two opposites existing in harmony.
I don’t know how long I’ve been staring at the lake when I feel someone lean against the railing next to me. I’m expecting it to be the guy from earlier, but I recognize the earthy yet fresh scent with a hint of mint. I bought that cologne for him for Christmas however many years in a row. He used to bathe in the stuff.
“Hello, Blake,” I say, deciding to get the first word in this time.
“Wow, she does speak. I almost forgot how your voice sounded after all these years. I figured you were just going to keep running away from me.”
I take a deep breath and face him, which is a bad idea. He’s so much hotter up close. His jaw line has hardened over the past few years, and it looks like other parts of him have hardened as well.
He’s always been strong, but his clothes used to hang on him not hug him like they are now. I don’t think I’ve ever been angry with someone for being too attractive, but I guess there’s a first for everything.
I almost forget to come back with a smart remark, but I quickly recover.
“It’s hard to run away when you keep stalking me.”
He smiles which in turn makes him even more attractive. My stupid hormones are going crazy, and I need to get rid of him soon or who knows what I’ll do.
“What do you want Blake? I’m not in the mood for a reunion.”
He turns his back toward the railing and leans back with his arms crossed. My stupid weak mind notices his flexed biceps right away.
“Your brother called me. Said you needed a ride?”
This is not happening. I can’t get into an enclosed space with this man right now.
“Nope. There’s no way Chris thought that was a good idea. I’m calling him.”
I pull out my phone and of course, it’s dead. It’s like the universe is finally making me face my problems head on. I weigh my options for a moment and think of an escape plan. This is the perfect karma for being a jerk to Emma a few minutes ago.
“It’s not that big of a deal, Wren. It’s only a ten-minute drive and you can ignore me the entire time,” Blake says.
I wish I could ignore you, I think to myself.
I stay silent for a moment, but ultimately decide he’s my best option for getting home. Chris must think he’s a real comedian.
“Fine,” I say as I turn around. “Let’s go.”
I don’t wait for him to follow; I head out to the parking lot and do my best to locate the black truck I saw earlier.
“This way,” Blake says catching up to me. Yet again, I have a perfect view of his ass. I really hate that I’m still attracted to him after six years.
“You’re practically burning a hole into my ass staring at it like that,” Blake says smugly.
I feel my face heat up and the embarrassment of getting caught checking out my ex is plain as day on my face.
“I—uh. I wasn’t checking you out,” I choke out.
“Well, I wasn’t sure before, but based on your reaction, now I’m certain.”