Page 14 of Wait For You

Just as I was about to jog out to my car to pull my laptop out of its bag, my phone vibrated on the counter. I spun it around, and my heart started kicking hard against my ribs as soon as I saw the text.

Tessa: Can I see you tonight?

* * *

I didn’t even hesitate. I lifted the phone, tapping the screen to slide open her text and reply.

Me: Absolutely. Should I pick you up?

Tessa: Please.

I jogged out to my car seconds later, calling the restaurant to change my order to a pick-up. I called Tessa a moment later. “I already ordered takeout. Do you want anything?”

“Uh, sure,” she said, sounding a little surprised.

“What would you like?”

“Um, what did you get?”

“The chicken curry special.”

“I’ll take the same. I love that one.”

“You got it.”

“I’ll get you first, and then we’ll go pick up the food together.”

When Tessa hesitated, I shifted gears. “Or I’ll get the food and come get you.”

“That would be great,” she said quickly.

“See you in a few.”

I called the restaurant to add to my order. I waited impatiently when I got to the restaurant.

Tessa had texted me her address, which, uncharacteristically for me, I hadn’t even thought to ask for. I didn’t know where she lived because, well, I hadn’t paid much attention to Tessa until a week ago. And now, she was practically all I thought about.

Anticipation sizzled through me like little streaks of lightning across the sky before a storm. Tessa had specifically instructed me to come around the back with a follow-up text.

I suspected I knew why but didn’t want to contemplate it tonight. Her house was a small A-frame-style home. I recognized it as one rented through our family’s property management company. I suspected her ex had fought to keep whatever house they had shared in the divorce.

She was opening the back door before I even got out of my SUV. I watched as she turned and checked to make sure the door was locked behind her.

“Your lights are on,” I commented as she jogged down the stairs.

She didn’t even look back over her shoulder. “I know.”

When she stopped in front of me, I wanted to kiss her. A light, giddy sense was inside me as if a warm breeze gusted through my heart.

I shackled the urge. I noticed her glancing around as if she were worried someone was watching.

Once we were in the SUV and I was driving, I slid my gaze to hers. “How are you?”

“Better than when you saw me this afternoon.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, and I remembered the feel of her trembling in my arms. “I mean, the bar is low.” Her tone was dry, and the laugh that rustled in her throat contained a bitter tinge.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean falling apart after meeting with my lawyer and having a breakdown in public. That’s all. Can we not talk about that? I shouldn’t have even said anything.”

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