CHAPTER EIGHT
This past week had been the longest in my recent memory and now that it was finally Friday, I couldn’t wait to not have to think about Allegro—or its cute employees—for two whole days. While I’d started to get the hang of the phone system, my computer had crashed three times, forcing me to call IT to send someone to fix it.
And—of course—each time it had been Grant who came to fix it. It was a strange juxtaposition. Each time I saw him and spent time with him—even ten minutes or so—I found myself enjoying our witty conversation and sarcastic banter. Christian never laughed at my jokes like that. He didn’t always get a lot of the literary allusions or historical references I made. It wasn’t that he was stupid, but school was never his thing. Of course, then I’d think of Christian and knots of guilt formed in my gut.
“Are you sure you’re not breaking it just so I can come back out here? ‘Cause if you want to see me, you don’t have to break expensive equipment to get my attention,” Grant said earlier that day. It was the third time I’d had to call IT, and the third time I’d gotten to see the mischievous smile on his face as he walked toward me.
“No, I promise you. I really am this dumb.” I winked playfully, allowing myself to flirt for a minute. It was harmless, right? I’d never actually act on it.
“I’m pretty sure the fact you can say that sentence in several other languages suggests otherwise.”
“Sono davvero questo stupido,” I repeated in Italian.
Grant ran a knuckle down my arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps along the path. “Beautiful,” he said in a whispered breath. My own breathing hitched at his words. “See? Like I said, not a dumb bone in you.”
The all-too-familiar blush crept back onto my face. “You don’t know me that well.”
“I’d like to change that. What are you doing tonight? A bunch of us from work are going to this beach party. I’d love it if you could come.”
For a moment, I pictured myself there. Laughing and having fun around a bonfire and splashing in the ocean. Grant in his board shorts that would hang low, revealing that deep V I was sure was there. But then I snapped out of it, remembering how inappropriate my thoughts were. “I have a boyfriend. I can’t.”
“It’s not a date, Jillian. Just a group of friends hanging out.” He packed up his supplies, but paused before leaving. He stared deeply into my eyes, making my palms sweat. Leaning in close, he whispered in my ear. “If I were asking you out, it wouldn’t be with a group of people. It would be only us—alone—so I wouldn’t have anything from distracting me from admiring every nook and cranny on your beautiful face, Cupcake.”
I swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat. My mouth had gone dry; I was unable to form a thought, let alone words.
“Here.” He reached out and gently took my hand. “I’ll do this old school since you don’t like technology.”
My mouth opened, but I couldn’t respond. I stared at him as he took out a pen. He picked up my tiny hand, which shook slightly, and held it in his own. The contact was slight, but powerful. I was frozen in place as he wrote on my palm. The only movement came from my heart that pounded in my chest. Before he let go, he gently blew on the ink to help it dry, causing me to emit the faintest of moans.
“In case you change your mind,” he whispered, then winked and walked away.
Later that night, as I piled pillows on the floor and popped bags of popcorn for my Twilight movie marathon with Ava and Trish, I found my mind wandering to what Grant had said. I had never wanted to lean in and kiss someone so badly in my entire life. Even though my first kiss with Christian was electric, the anticipation of kissing Grant blew that out of the water.
I rubbed my temples. I cannot think this way! I have a wonderful, supportive, sweet boyfriend who loves me. I can’t keep thinking of Grant. It’s wrong, I chastised myself. I only want him because it’s new and forbidden. The grass is not greener! He’s probably a jerk once you get to know him.
I picked up the phone, needing to hear Christian’s voice to reassure me. I’d tried to ditch my friends to see him tonight, knowing it was his only free night all weekend, but he’d made other plans already with his surfing buddies. They were going to hear some band play in Jacksonville, hoping to open for them on an upcoming tour. Besides, both Ava and Trish would be leaving first thing Monday morning for two weeks of being camp counselors, and it was our last chance to hang out.
Christian picked up on the fourth ring. “Hey, babe. I’m heading out, so I can’t talk.”
I heard a lot of noise in the background, including several giggling girls, making my stomach tighten. “Where are you?”
“We’re backstage at the club meeting the band. There’s a ton of people, so I can’t really hear you. Hold on.” He tried to muffle the sound, but I could still hear him whisper, “Chill for a sec, it’s my girlfriend,” before coming back on the line. “Can we talk later? Now’s not the best time”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just wanted to hear your voice for a few minutes and tell you I love you.”
“You too. Gotta run, bye!”
I sighed as he hung up and went to add some cheese to the popcorn. I didn’t quite get the reaffirmation of our love I was hoping for, but I knew he loved me. Even if he didn’t always show it.
All night, as I watched the movies and the struggle Bella had choosing between Edward and Jacob, I couldn’t help think about Grant. But by the start of Breaking Dawn, I found myself nodding along and crying as Bella and Edward married. He was her one true love, there from the start and the one she was meant to be with—just like I was supposed to be with Christian.
Tears poured out of my eyes as they were pronounced man and wife, and Trish paused the DVD.
“All right, chica, who peed in your Cheerios? You’ve been distant and emotional all night. This is more than you daydreaming. What’s up? You PMSing?” Ava handed me a tissue to wipe the mascara that had run down my face.
“This isn’t like you. Should we be worried? You’re not preggo are you?”
“No! Jeez, I just had a bad week at work. It’s nothing.”
Ava and Trish held a silent conversation, but both nodded and accepted me at my word. I was sure they knew it wasn’t nothing, but they also knew me well enough to know I wasn’t ready to talk about what bothered me.
Ava got up and put the final DVD into the player, giving me a free minute. I went to the restroom and splashed cold water on my face.
Get a grip, Jill, I admonished myself in the mirror. This whole thing is stupid, and when you’re married happily to Christian, you’ll look back on this, and laugh. I took a deep breath and dried my face before returning to my friends.
As I snuggled up with the teddy bear Christian had won me at the carnival two years ago, I reached into my back pocket, pulled out my phone and texted him.
Me + U nxt wknd? Miss you! Xoxo
He responded back as I was drifting to sleep.
Sure. Still up 4 camping?
I sighed. He knew I hated camping, but at least we’d be alone together. I replied, telling him I’d go, and then, before I could stop myself, I entered Grant’s number into my contacts before scrubbing it off my hand, thankful Ava or Trish hadn’t seen it yet and questioned me. I wasn’t going to call him; I kept it there in case of a technical emergency.
Yeah, even I didn’t buy that lie.
The weekend flew by in a blur. I didn’t get to see Christian at all, and I really missed him. I needed some alone time with him and was already counting down the days until we went camping that weekend.
As I sat down at my desk and pulled on my headset Monday morning, I smiled. There, front and center in front of my monitor, was a beautiful bouquet of white, yellow, and pink daisies arranged in a green vase shaped like a water pitcher. The fragrance emanated to my nose, and I leaned in to inhale deeply. The card attached was so sweet I almost melted.
J—
Even when you’re not around, you make my world a better place. I missed you this weekend. Don’t stress about the job, you’re great at everything.
Love, Christian
I replaced the card in the little envelope and sat, strumming my fingers on the desk. Christian had bought me flowers exactly three times in our relationship: once on our first date, once after prom when I caught him kissing that slut Abbi Morris, and last year after our blowout fight about his recreational drug use. I wanted to believe this was simply a sweet gesture because he felt bad about missing our weekend together, but I just couldn’t.
I sighed, moving the flowers to the side of the desk so I could see the screen. I shook the feeling off and gave him the benefit of the doubt. He’d given me no reason to doubt his sincerity. I leaned in, inhaling their sweet scent once more. They really were beautiful. Christian was home now, so maybe I’d surprise him and head over later tonight with a homemade dessert. Anything I made was from scratch, and Christian could never get enough. Maybe I’d whip up a strawberry rhubarb pie. My Gamma had taught me to bake several of her award-winning pies and cakes over the years, and Christian was her number one fan.
It was then I noticed the piece of green sea glass propped up against my monitor. I picked it up and rubbed the smooth stone between my fingers, wondering where it had come from. It was beautiful, about the size of a half dollar and smooth all around, as if it had spent years tumbling against the harsh sand at the bottom of the ocean just so I didn’t cut my fingers as I held it. It twinkled as I held it to the light—like looking into a kaleidoscope. Stones like this were rare anymore, unless you bought one made in China from a tourist trap. I knew this one was natural, and very special.
I set it down on the desk next to me, wishing I knew where it came from. As soon as I logged on to my computer, it pinged, letting me know I had an email. It was from Grant.
“Thought about you when I found this on Friday. Hope you had a good weekend. Grant.”
I picked the glass up again smiled, watching as the fissures made it sparkle in the light. It reminded me of Grant’s eyes. They were almost the same color, just like mine. I touched it to my cheek, enjoying its cool touch against my flushed skin.
Suddenly, I dropped it when I saw the flowers out of the corner of my eye. No, I should not be rubbing this stone against my skin imagining it was Grant’s touch. That was wrong. How would I feel if some girl gave Christian a present? I started to throw it in the trash but couldn’t do it. I settled for the back of the desk drawer instead and moved the flowers closer to me. I’d hoped the physical gesture would be repeated in my thoughts and place Grant in the background. That was the right thing to do, right?
After tucking the stone safely away, I pulled out my phone and texted Christian.
Thank U for the beautiful flowers!! Can U meet me 4 lunch? I miss U!
My phone buzzed within a minute.
Christian: UR Welcome. But no, sry. I’m not even in town.
I groaned.
Me: Where RU?
Christian: Jax. Band got a gig. Left 1st thing this morning. We’ll B here all week.
Well, there went my plans for having a romantic night to say thank you.
Me: What about this weekend?
Christian: Not sure we’ll B back. I’ll let U know L8R
I sighed and resisted the urge to throw my phone. I knew this gig was important to him, but I also really wanted time alone with him to remind me of how great we were together and how much I loved him. We’d barely seen each other since the summer started.
I sat for a few minutes and realized I was being clingy. This wasn’t his problem. It was mine. After almost four years together, it was silly of me to expect to spend every minute with him. And I couldn’t take it out on him. It wasn’t fair. I texted him back.
K. Luv U babe. Call me 2nite
I needed to be in charge of my own emotions. I was finished with the “woe is me” whining. We’d been together for almost four years. We were good. We were strong. We could get through a stupid crush that meant nothing.
At lunch that afternoon, I sat in the break room with Temperance and a few other girls from a different department. They were all at least in their mid-to-late twenties. I didn’t know their names, but I’d waved hello every morning as we passed by. I really didn’t feel like eating alone today.
“I still think I’m hung over from Friday,” the shorter redhead started. She stirred her instant soup and laid her head on the table.
“I told you to stop drinking so much, Tonya. I don’t know what you were trying to prove,” the other chided.
“I needed some liquid courage. I thought it was a perfect chance to finally get Grant to notice me.”
My eyes shot up at the mention of his name, and I stopped breathing. Damn it! I had just told myself to knock this off, and not a few hours later I was at it again.
“And how’d that work out for you?” the other girl laughed.
“Ugh, it was terrible. He was moody and sullen all night. Kept going for walks, picking up stupid shells. I asked him if he wanted company and tried to go with him, but he turned me down. Said he needed to be alone.” Tonya sipped some of the broth and sighed.
“You weren’t the only one he turned down. I don’t know what was up with him. He hasn’t gone to one of these things in weeks, finally says yes, and then sulks the whole night. I swear, it was like he had PMS or something. Maybe he’ll be in a better mood tomorrow for bowling.”
I couldn’t keep silent any longer. “Bowling?”
Tonya nodded at me. “Yeah, we have a company team. We play every Wednesday over at Pinned. Get it? You should join us sometime.”
“Yeah, sure,” I agreed, biting the insides of my cheeks trying hard to hide my smile. “Sounds like fun.”
Tonya finished her soup and tossed the cardboard carton in the trash. “Starts at seven, but we usually go at six to get a few drinks first. You’re twenty-one, right?”
I frowned and shook my head. “No, I turn twenty next month.”
Tonya shrugged. “Eh, you can still come. They don’t ID at the door or anything.”
“Great, see you then!” I waved as we headed back to our desks.
For the rest of the afternoon, I paid no attention to actual work and instead convinced myself that bowling with Grant was no big deal. It wasn’t a date, and lots of other people would be there. It was only a company bonding thing. After all, I did have to work with these people for several more months. Might as well get to know them. Right?
Before I left for the afternoon, I opened my drawer and picked up the stone again. I ran my fingers over its smooth, cool surface, turning it round and round to watch it reflect the light. Did he really spend Friday night combing the beach to find this for me? Why would he do that? He knew I had a boyfriend. He knew I was only here for the summer.
I didn’t analyze it anymore, just replaced it safely in the drawer before logging off for the night and heading home.