Page 36 of Damien
Mara thinks I should let her say something, but I want things to get better between Damien and me, not make things worse.
After placing the order for the pizza delivery, I read the confirmation to Jake. “It says delivery will be in about twenty minutes. Do you want to continue watching this?”
“Sure. Sounds great.” He nods his head as my stomach lets out a loud growl. “I’ll go grab plates and drinks, so when the pizza gets here, we don’t have to wait.”
He chuckles and grabs the plates and two bottles of soda before returning to the couch.
“Thanks.” I grab the soda from him and press the play button on the remote.
We sit in silence as we watch the show, laughing occasionally. The doorbell rings and Jake gets up to grab the pizza. I hear him thank the driver and give him a tip.
“I left a tip when I placed the order, but I’m sure the delivery guy appreciates the extra cash.”
Jake places the hot pizza on the coffee table. “It was one of my buddies, so I didn’t mind.”
My stomach growls in anticipation as the rich aromas of the roasted tomatoes, Italian sausage, and jalapeno peppers fill the surrounding air.
“It smells great.” Jake says, opening the lid of the box. “Do you want me to get your pizza for you?”
“Sure, that would be great.”
I find it odd that he is asking because normally whoever opens the box will put a couple of slices on each plate.
It’s never been an issue before.
Maybe Mara said something to him? Or maybe I am just reading too much into things.
My mind wanders to Damien as the show displays the main characters breaking up after her boyfriend leaves town and completely ignores her.
“I think I am going to go outside for a bit.” I unwrap the ice pack from my ankle and stand up.
Jake turns to look at me. His pizza hovers in front of his lips. “Do you need help? Is everything okay?”
I nod my head. “I’m good. I just want to get some fresh air before the temperatures drop now that the sun has set.”
I make my way outside, hobbling and using the furniture to keep my full weight off of my ankle. Plopping down on one of the armless lounge chairs, I watch as students walk along the sidewalk and hurry home from a busy day of classes.
On a whim, with little thought into my action, I grab my phone and dial Damien’s number.
Of course, it goes to voicemail, but I listen to his deep voice, letting it wash over me.
Oh, what I would give to have him talk to me again. That night in his classroom seems so long ago.
Does he regret it?
Obviously.
Why else would he be ignoring me? Maybe he is dating the tall blonde teacher. After all, I did see him place his hand on top of hers at the cafe.
My heart refuses to believe what we had over spring break wasn’t real.
He is probably just confused.
Neither one of us expected to fall in love over spring break, especially as fast as we did. We left our real lives back home and just let the Cape surround us in a love bubble.
The sound of the front door opening draws my attention to Jake’s figure standing in the doorway.
“Do you mind if I sit out here with you?” His voice is barely over a whisper.