“I put an offer on another place that’s real close to her. I should know soon if it got accepted.”
“That’s great news. As much as I’m going to miss having you here, I know how much it means to you to have your own place, to build your own life.”
“Thanks, Dad. Listen, I just stopped by to grab some clothes. I have to get to the gym.”
“Sounds good. Are you having dinner with your mom and I tonight?”
“Yeah,” I tell him and go through the front door. Lately, every time I come home it kills me that my mom isn’t here. I wish she were. I’m so used to having her around. Now knowing she’s in a rehab center, for God knows how long, is a hard pill to swallow. But, I suppress the negative thoughts and hold out hope that she will get better.
Quickly, I change my clothes. And get a text from Elania. I’m on the phone with the realtor for the Lands End place, the sellers want another five thousand. Will you give that and possibly pay their closing costs?
Give them whatever they want. I just want the place.
I say goodbye to my dad and make my way across town, checking my phone repeatedly, but still there is no word from Elania. My mind begins to drift, thinking back to our workout. I love how outgoing she is, and that she’s willing to give anything a try. And her smile, and her laugh, and Jesus, her ass. I want to do so much more with her. Especially after that kiss. After lunch yesterday, I’m not really sure where we stand, since we didn’t exactly spell it out. Obviously, she likes me, but I’m not sure I can give her what she needs. My mind is still so damaged from Arion, and I don’t know if I’m ready to put myself out there again. I’d like to think I am.
My phone rings. It’s her and I answer. “Please tell me you have good news.”
“Of course I have good news. Did you ever doubt me?”
“No, of course not,” I laugh.
“Good, well, I just called to say congratulations. You got the house and for only three thousand more.”
“No way, El! Holy shit, that’s awesome! You are such a miracle worker.”
“No, no, no, none of that,” she insists. “It’s all a part of my job and why I do what I do.”
“I totally owe you.”
“Well, I need you to sign some more paperwork. Can I bring it to you?”
“Sure, I’m just heading to the gym.”
“Great, I’ll see you there soon.
I can’t wait to tell my mom, so I call her first. The news almost brings her to tears. She is really happy for me, but I also know that it hurts her too, that she can’t help me in the way she always dreamed of when I’d finally move out. But I hold out hope that she will get to enjoy my new home one day.
Heading into the gym, I look for Amanda, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I check the calendar to see if she’s working today, and sure enough, she’s teaching a class. I need to talk to her about Elania and the kiss.
While I wait for her to finish, I log into the computer system and check the daily sales which look pretty damn good, then I look at the email inbox for the gym. Nothing important there. Checking the time, Amanda should be done with her class soon, and like clockwork, she comes walking into the office.
Her shoulders are slumped and she looks down. “What the fuck’s wrong with you?” I ask.
“I need to get laid.”
“What the fuck?” I ask her, caught off guard by this. That was not what I expected her to say.
She glares at me and I sense she’s serious.
“I don’t even want to know how that works for you. What happened?”
“Savannah’s new girlfriend was just in my class.”
“What happened to her wanting to get back together with you?”
“I don’t know, I guess she found someone else.” Her eyes well with tears, and it kills me to see her this upset. Pulling her close to me, I hug her tightly, as if I can make anything better. I know I can’t, but I at least try.
With my chin atop her hair, I just hold her. Then walks in Elania. My senses awaken seeing her. She’s in a tight blue dress, her hair is up today, and Christ, do I love it. I realize I haven’t even let go of Amanda as her beauty has me immobile.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” she says a little coolly.
Amanda pulls away and looks at her. “No, you weren’t interrupting.”
“I just…” she trails off uncertainly and hands me the contract.
I can see the pain in her face, and I immediately realize she thinks that there is more going on than there is. Taking the paperwork from her I want to put her at ease, saying, “El, this is Amanda, my best friend, and Amanda, this is Elania.”
Amanda steps to her. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. Nate has told me so much about you.”
“He has?” she asks, looking at me warily.