Page 7 of Somewhere We Belong

Getting back into the truck I started backing out and headed towards her. She was walking quickly and by the time I caught up to her she was almost at the rec center. I rolled my window down as I pulled over.

“Ride?”

Nova looked at me, defeated. Her eyes were rimmed red, her cheeks were pink from the heat, a loose strand curled around her face, and she looked sad. I thought Nova was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. For years I thought I only liked men, occasionally appreciating the woman’s form, but Nova was the exception. Not only was she gorgeous, she worked hard for her daughter, and I admired her greatly for it, but she was also as stubborn as a mule. Nova hated to ask for or accept help.

“I’m sorry.” Her lip trembled. “My car didn’t start.”

“Why…” I took a deep breath. “Why didn’t you go across the street?”

She looked away. “I had to come get Sol and I knew they were going to tell me it was something expensive and I really didn’t want to hear the price.”

I nodded, I had seen the financial burden to raise one child alone. She worked her ass off to give Sol everything, except life was cruel sometimes.

“Get in, let’s get Sol,” I said, leaning over and opening the door. “Then think about the car.”

She took a deep breath. “Thank you,” she murmured.

“Any time,” I nodded, realizing this was the most I had talked to her in one sitting, immediately making me uncomfortable that maybe I was being too pushy or blunt.

She put her bags on the floor of the truck, hopped in as I rolled up the windows, turning the A/C higher. Her flowery scent filled the cabin as I put the truck into drive. She leaned forward into the vents enjoying the cool air with her eyes closed. I stole a few glances at her, admiring her beauty without interruption.

I turned into the rec center parking lot, stopping at the entrance.

“I’ll be back,” she said, rushing out of the car and into the building.

I took out my cell to text Colt when I noticed a text in our group chat.

Atlas: I’m so excited. I can’t wait to be home with you guys.

Colt: You better stretch before we see you, I don’t think we will be leaving the bed at all on the first night.

I blushed as all the dirty thoughts entered my brain.

Me: I’ll get Gatorade and protein bars for easy replenishment.

Atlas: I’ve been doing yoga out here, you guys better be stretched and limber when I get there.

Colt: Please tell me you have those sexy yoga pants.

Atlas: Maybe, I guess you will see soon.

Colt: *A drooling emoji*

I laughed as I opened the chat for Colt and I.

Me: Nova’s car isn’t working. Do you think you can look at it?

Three dots appeared and reappeared several times before they stopped. I sighed, Colt did not like Nova at all, even though he never gave me a reason why. He was rude and mean to her like he was with everyone else.

I started to type when he responded.

Colt: Ok

My nose wrinkled as I wondered why he hated her so much. Ever since meeting her, he would go out of his way to avoid her, but one good thing was he was nice to Sol. The door abruptly opened, startling me.

“Teddy Bear!” Sol said, hopping into the truck with the help of Nova.

“Hi,” I said, smiling at her.

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