“I know that. It’s just,” he shrugs, “I would’ve gone with you. I mean,” he clarifies. “If you wanted.”
“Oh.” I pause, unsure of what to do next. But then my thoughts go to Avery and how she loves to make grand, sweeping exits like in the movies. So I take this as an opportunity of sorts and walk away, calling over my shoulder. “I’ll remember that for next time.”
The hairs on the back of my neck tingle because I can feel him watching me—and think maybe Avery has the right idea—and that this dress didn’t go to waste after all.
THE HOT SUN beats down on my back, sweat building under my arms and around my neck. My legs burn as I push myself hard. The irony—I’m not even a fucking runner. But I had to do something. The vision of Ember in that dress has taken over my brain. All gentle curves and smooth skin, my fingers aching to touch. They curl instinctively into fists at my sides, reminding me that it’s a no-go. We’re friends. Anything else isn’t in the cards for me. If it were, then maybe things would be different. Still, I find myself thinking about her more than I should.
I turn the corner that leads to our house and notice Julian’s car in the driveway. It’s unusual for him to be home this early. He’s been working longer hours since he got the promotion and was transferred to the Errol Heights office. I’m still unclear why he wanted to move back in with us when he’s doing well financially. Not that I’m unhappy to have him here. I love having him around. But I question whether his motivation stems from worry about me.
Julian is in the dining room when I walk in, eyeing himself in the mirror. He does a one eighty when he sees me. “Since when do you run?” He laughs at what he perceives to be a joke while I sneer at him. “By the way, the mechanic called about your car and it’s ready. He said one of the guys that works for him lives around here, so they’re going to drop it by later.”
“Did he say what the damage is?” I lumber past him on the way to the kitchen, the heavy scent of cologne hanging in the air.
“Nope. But Dad left some money in an envelope on the table, and I’m sure it’s more than enough.” He makes a sucking sound with his teeth and glares at me. “How’s the job search coming along? Any bites?”
I hesitate. One: Due to my frustration with the job situation. And two: I don’t like taking money from my father. It makes me a total fucking hypocrite. “I got a few messages from recruiters about setting up phone screens, so there’s that. But I just don’t get it. It’s technology, and we’re in Oregon for fuck’s sake. Those jobs are everywhere.” I dig my fingers into the tense muscles at the back of my neck. “Whatever. I’m on it. And I’m sure the changes on the resume will help so thanks again.” Opening the fridge, I take out a bottle of water and twist the top. Sweat continues to drip down my skin making the need for a shower vital.
“You’re welcome.” Julian crosses the living room and grabs his keys from the coffee table. “Remember what I told you after you graduated college? I know you don’t want to hear it again but I’m going to say it. Stop being so stubborn and get something part-time for now, or change your attitude and your salary expectations and you’ll be surprised how quickly you land a job.” I have no smart retort because I chose to ignore his advice the first time around. I won’t make the same mistake again. “On to me. I landed another client today. My new boss is over the moon.”
“Congrats.” I run my palm along my jaw. “Your charm serves you well. So where are you off to?”
“I’ve got a date.” He laughs, correcting himself. “It’s not really a date. More like hanging out at that tavern pool bar in town.”
“Oh yeah?” I consider plucking an apple from the bowl on the kitchen table, but my mind says too healthy and I head for my room instead. “With who?”
“Ember.”
My feet halt on the stairs, fingers tightening in a death grip around the banister. Suddenly I’m off-balance. She said she didn’t find him charming. My mind becomes hazy, jaw set in a hard line. Somehow my words manage not to betray whatever the hell is going on inside my body.
“Ember? I didn’t think she was into the male species that way.”
“I ran into her after my meeting in town this afternoon and asked if she—”
“Hey, Julian.”
“Oh, hey.” His voice sounds off, nervous almost. “I was just coming to get you.”
“I had to drop something off at the Lancaster’s. Figured I’d walk.”
I pin my sights on Ember. That dress she was wearing is gone, back to jeans and a snug t-shirt that encases her small but perfect breasts. Her face is scrubbed free of makeup, save for a bit of lip gloss, hair slicked back in a ponytail. What bothers me the most is she seems excited or something. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
She finally glances up, noticing me, and the air shifts. I wonder if she feels it, or if it’s just me.