Page 10 of Rekindled Heat

Once she's gone, I take a shower and rub one out. It's going to be torture living with Brandy in my home. I put on some jeans and a blue Henley and go search for her. She's waiting for me in the living room, quiet as a mouse. That's definitely not like her, so I wonder if she's up to something. Brandy is great, but she could come up with the craziest schemes sometimes. I had to be careful not to get involved. Hopefully, she's grown out of that, but showing up on my doorstep with all her bags is certainly crazy.

"Come on, there's this great little cafe that I think you're going to love."

She follows me out of the house, and we get in my car. It's a normal sedan, nothing flashy like the cars Max and Theo got when the club hit it big. I don't like to call attention to myself like that. A part of me would have liked to impress Brandy with one of those vehicles, but I'd rather she see the real me.

What am I even thinking? She's not here to hook up with me or rekindle our romance. And I'd do well to remember that she loves living in that cursed small town, and I've made myself a city guy. I have everything I need whenever I need it right here. Besides, our old town is stifling. The only thing I miss is my family. Okay, I'll be honest, I miss being with Brandy as well.

It's early enough in the morning that I find a parking spot right in front of the cafe. A Cuban couple that I met through work owns it. I got to know them because they offer catering services for when we have meetings in-house. Plus, their food is fantastic.

I turn off the car and look at Brandy. She's curiously assessing everything around her, and she has a big smile on her face. I forgot how happy she always is. She's a joy to be around because she sees the best in everything. I can’t take my eyes off her. Boy, am I in trouble.

"Stay there," I tell her.

I get out of the car and then go to the passenger side to open her door. When she looks up at me, I offer her my hand, and she takes it. It's the gentlemanly thing to do but also an innocent way to touch her without it meaning too much. I reluctantly release her hand, and we walk side by side to the open area of the restaurant. Today, the weather is pretty nice, and it will be good to sit outside.

The server sees us and brings us a couple of menus.

"What's good here?" She asks.

"Well, there's the huevos enchilados. They have a mean tortilla Española, and be prepared—the coffee is really strong."

"Why don't you order your favorite and I'll have that as well."

She puts the menu down and sits back. She's got her attention on me, and I feel like the luckiest man alive. Our server returns, and I order for both of us. I want to know more about her, but all I can do is ask about things back in Woodland Falls.

"How are your parents?"

"Beth and Jim Lennon are still the power couple they've always been. They want to retire soon, though and are grooming my brother Scott to take over the landscaping business. But it's a two-person job and they are hoping he settles down with someone that can be his partner in the business. It worked for them beautifully so they are pressing the issue. Scott is not too happy about that, let me tell you."

"Your parents are so sweet together. They were high school sweethearts, right?"

"Yup, yup, yup."

"Your brother doesn't want to get married?"

"It's more Mom's issue than his. He's forty now, and she thinks he'll never get married. Inheriting the company is an incentive."

"Wow, I'm glad my mom is not as involved in my life as that."

"Your Mom is great. She takes every quilting class I give at the community center."

"Oh yeah? She's never told me."

"She misses you."

I lower my eyes because I'm ashamed of how I've treated my mother. I know someday I'll regret not making time for her. That's the thing about being with Brandy. She brings in all her shiny and joyful personality, but she's also a big reminder of what I left behind.

"Did she tell you that?"

"In her own way. But she's very proud of you and will stop people on the street to tell them about her successful son."

"That's so embarrassing."

"I do the same thing whenever your name is brought up in conversation. I mean, you made it. You left your small town for bigger and better things."

"I don't know what to say." I look away.

"Just know that the whole town is proud of you and all you have achieved."

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