Page 39 of Accidental Attraction

Once I had the dress on, I went to do my hair. Not wanting to look like I was trying too hard, I quickly blew dry my blonde hair and left it in its slightly wavy state. With a little bit of mascara to make my green eyes pop and a small amount of foundation, I looked in the mirror. I swiped on some pale pink lipstick and smiled at myself. I looked good, actually.

Seeing as I packed only a pair of tall black high heels, I slid them on, hoping they matched. I glanced at my phone and, seeing it was fifteen minutes to eight, I quickly grabbed my bag and my ring and left the room. Not really knowing where I was going, I followed the signs that were on the walls leading to the lobby.

When I finally made it to the lobby, I noticed I was actually overdressed. Families moved around me wearing bathing suits or just casual jean shorts and tank tops. I even saw a few men wearing those ugly bright flower button-up shirts. Typical dad look. As I made my way to the restaurant where I was meeting Liam, I looked around the hotel. It was gorgeous inside. It had a friendly, family feel about it, even though it looked expensive.

“Uh, hi,” I said, coming up to the front desk of the restaurant. A girl about my age or maybe a few years older looked up at me, wearing a friendly smile.

“Hello. Are you here to eat?” she asked, reaching for one menu.

“I’m actually here to meet someone. I’m Jenna Howard.” I remembered Liam saying to tell them my name.

“Oh! Mr. Stanford said you would be here. Follow me. We have a table set up for you already,” the girl said upon hearing my name. Following after her, I saw the place was pretty packed. I thought it would be a very expensive place to eat and that you had to wear fancy clothing, but it was the opposite. People were dressed in all different kinds of attire, and little kids were talking loud. I smiled at a little girl who was staring at me as we passed.

“Here you are, Ms. Howard,” the girl said, coming to a stop in front of a booth that was kind of in the back.

“Thank you,” I said gratefully.

“Mr. Stanford should be here shortly.” With a smile, she left. The booth was sitting in front of a large window that overlooked the ocean. The sun was starting to go down, and I noticed our table would have a great view.

A waiter brought a glass of water for me before leaving. Not wanting to look like a loser, I took out my phone and texted Sophia, Candy, and Lennon. Since I didn’t get a reply from any of them for a few minutes, I went through my Facebook.

Ten minutes had passed, and I was still sitting in the booth by myself. The only person to reply to me was Sophia, but she could only text me for a minute because she was at work. Putting my phone on the table, I looked out the window. Any minute the sun would set, bathing the restaurant a pretty color.

After another twenty minutes had passed, I started to get worried. It had been over half an hour since I was supposed to meet Liam here. Shouldn’t he be here by now? I wondered. I twirled my phone in my hands, pondering if I should text him. His meeting could just be longer than he thought. Deciding I should, I sent Liam a quick text.

Jenna: Hey. Um, I’m at the restaurant. Your meeting probably went long. I’m just getting a little worried. Let me know when you are coming.

I hit “Send,” biting my bottom lip. Setting my phone back on the table, I looked out the window that was now dark. The sun had set a little bit away, and it was beautiful. It was a gorgeous pink and orange color.

“Hello, miss, would you like to order something?” The waiter came over to ask for the second time.

“Oh no, I’m okay. He should be here in just a moment.” I sent him a smile as he left. My stomach was growling since I hadn’t eaten since this morning. But I didn’t want to eat without Liam. He should be here any moment.

I watched as many people came and went from the restaurant. People came, got their meals, and left as I sat in the same seat. It had been now over an hour since our meeting time. I kept checking my phone to make sure I didn’t miss a call or text from Liam. The waiter had been over at my table four times, and I was starting to think he was feeling bad for me.

The look he sent me was like he had seen this before. The sinking feeling of Liam standing me up was getting worse. He probably did this all the time with girls. Got them here, then left them waiting for him like a chump. The idea that he was off making out or having sex with someone else popped into my head multiple times. Deciding on waiting another few minutes for him, I drank my third glass of water.

I felt like an idiot still sitting here, waiting for Liam. He said he would be here at eight, and it was nine-fifteen. His meeting is probably late, I kept telling myself, but I was starting to not believe it anymore. Sitting there, I felt all the wait staff’s pity. I sunk lower in the booth. I had gotten dressed up for nothing. Here I thought Liam would actually come and we could have a date. The stupid hope that he would admit he liked me and that our deal was off was shattered. I was probably just a thing to keep him busy when he didn’t have a girl.

My heart sunk as even more time passed. My love for him was the only reason I was staying. I wanted to believe he would show up any minute and apologize that his meeting went long, but I knew I was holding onto a thin line of hope. Feelings tears burning my eyes, I swallowed the lump in my throat. Knowing he wasn’t coming, I grabbed my phone and bag before sliding out of the booth.

I grabbed a few dollars from my bag and set them on the table and made my way out of the restaurant. I kept my head down as the same hostess shot me a sad smile. I didn’t know which one was worse, the looks of pity or the look that I was just another girl who had fallen for this.

I was angry and hurt as I walked back toward the room. I had actually thought he would show. Stupid Jenna. I was stupid for even thinking that. Bringing my hands up, I brushed away the tears that were starting to leak out. When I arrived at our room, I stared at the door. I didn’t have a key. I didn’t think about looking for one before I left. I thought since I was coming back with Liam, I could get back in.

Dropping my bag with my phone in it at the door, I turned and headed for the beach. Once I hit sand I slipped off my heels and held them, walking barefoot. Images of Liam pressing some random girl against a wall, kissing her, came to mind. One after another the images appeared, almost mocking me for believing that Liam could maybe like me.

Coming to the water’s edge, I stared out at the dark ocean, which was lit by the moon. Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, ruining my makeup. Not even the slight chill of the water hitting my toes registered in my head. All the words I have been called—worthless, will always be alone, not loved—echoed in my mind. Just another fantasy of mine, broken.

With shoes in hand, I walked down the waterline. Sand squished between my toes, and I breathed in deeply. The tears were stopping and drying on my cheeks. The fresh air made me feel a little better.

“Hello,” a random voice said, making me jump. “Sorry! I thought you heard me,” the same person said. Turning, I saw a guy around Liam’s age standing a few feet away from me, his hands out. I put a hand to my chest to stop my heart from racing.

“That’s okay,” I said, but my voice sounded weird.

“Are you okay?” He took a few steps closer but didn’t come too close.

“I’m fine.” The moon hit his face and showed that he was handsome. It was still too dark to make out finer details, but I could tell he was shirtless and had a nice body.

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