Page 8 of A Christmas Road Trip

Chase: Sure. Why?

Paige: I don’t know. Something seemed weird last night. Just making sure.

Chase: All good with me.

Paige: Ok good.

Chase: Any word from the boyfriend?

Paige: No. He must be busy.

Chase: Uh-huh.

Paige: What does that mean?

Chase: It means uh-huh.

Paige: Do you think it means something bad that I haven’t heard from him yet? I thought I wasn’t supposed to read into every little thing with guys.

Chase: You aren’t. But it kind of sucks that he’s not replying to you.

Paige: He probably forgot I texted. He will soon.

Chase: Ok.

Paige: Chase.

Chase: I said ok.

Paige: I felt vibes from your ok.

Chase: Don’t read into things.

Paige: Ugh. Tell G I said hi.

Chase: Will do.

THE NEXT DAY IS THURSDAY, and I’m back at the coffee shop after work. Usually I stop by my place first to change clothes, make a quick dinner, and do any necessary chores or errands. But I’ve been feeling droopy all day and don’t want to make the effort, so I head right for the coffee shop.

As I’m standing in line, waiting to order a grilled sandwich and green tea, Chase comes out from the back with his cart for busing tables. He gives me a nod when he sees me but doesn’t get detoured from his tasks. I move to the front of the line, put in my order, grab my favorite table by reserving it with my bag since the line is getting longer, and then go up to get my food and drink from the counter.

After I sit down, I pull out my laptop and work on some accounting for my business while I eat.

I make it about twenty minutes, until I’ve finished my sandwich, but after that my mind starts to wander.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I’ve been blah since this morning. Brian never texted back last night, but I know he’s busy with work. A day or two of no communication isn’t reason enough for me to fall into this mood.

Seeking a distraction, my eyes follow Chase, who is standing in wait for more tables to empty so he can bus them. He must be caught up in the kitchen, and there’re few enough tables available now that clearing them immediately is important for turnover.

For some reason, he strikes me as more attractive than normal today. I’m not sure why. His thick hair is its normal tousled mess. His outfit is his typical plain T-shirt and khakis. His face is clean-shaven as usual. He’s always had good shoulders and a lean strength that, when I notice it, is unobtrusively sexy.

The sun through the windows is hitting the corner where he’s standing, and the late sunlight is gilding his light brown hair so it looks gold. His skin looks golden too. He’s squinting slightly as he turns to check out the far side of the room. His broad shoulders and straight back and the tight curve of his ass are silhouetted by his position, and I’m suddenly aware of his physicality, his masculinity.

It gives me the weirdest surge of feeling. Not lust as I understand it, although I do suddenly want to touch him. It’s more like entitlement.

Like I want him to be mine.

Like maybe he already is.