Page 58 of You Found Me
Each time he called, I was in the middle of doing something. I’d call back as soon as I saw it but then he wouldn’t answer. Essentially playing a very drawn out game of phone tag. While eating a late lunch, I try him again and am finally able to get a hold of him.
He picks up after the second ring and in lieu of hello, I hear, “Dude, you are the hardest to get a hold of. Been busy going on blind dates?”
“So have you. But no,” I answer with a laugh, “work’s been busy. Haven’t been on a blind date in a while.”
His deep chuckle fills the line. “Is that because you snatched one of them up? And how’s it been since moving there to work with Theo?”
“It’s been good. Just crazy busy. They have so many different projects going on and when I’m not designing some aspect of a build, I’m helping with the manual labor. Did B mention how Theo wants to build a co-op in town?”
“Yeah, he did. I looked into the town and with the new football team being so close, it would make for a good tourist location. It’s already this cute little pitstop people make whiletraveling through, so why not add in a few different businesses. And since you so conveniently ignored the question, I’ll ask again. Are you seeing anyone? Even casually? I mostly ask because I’d like you to come to my game before Halloween since we’re playing against the Cougars. If not, bring Theo. I’m also going to let Beckett know he has a ticket with his name on it and a plus one.”
I don’t want to miss the chance of seeing him play this year. Although, I don’t know if it would be wise to have Emmaline with me.
“I do have a girlfriend. And before you ask, no, my mom doesn’t know yet. I’m trying to save her from all of that for as long as I can. The thing is, I’m not sure if she would want to go because of her ex-fiancé.”
“Oooh, now I’m intrigued. Who is her ex?”
“Um . . . Chance Collins.”
Bastian is quiet for a minute. “So you finally got with Emmaline? If it’s a problem, you don’t need to bring her. However,” he says with so much glee I laugh, “it would mess with Collins’ head, while also providing extreme entertainment for me. He’s a complete asshat.”
“You just want the upper hand at the game,” I joke. “I’ll mention it tonight when I see her but either way, I’ll be there.”
“Maybe, but can you blame me? Alright, I’ll let you go. See ya then.”
***
I’m waiting outside the hospital for Emmaline to get off work.
I’m happy that she wanted to pick these drives up again. Chance has obviously hired someone to keep an eye on her. Which is disgusting and I wish I could deck him just once in the face—I won’t though. Because it’d only upset Emmaline, and I don’t want that.
Besides, I really do enjoy spending time with her, and I didn’t lie when I told her I missed her. I’ve gotten used to seeing hermultiple times a week. Starting off three of my workdays with her is something I don’t want to give up again.
When I see her heading my way, I get out to open her door. She always tells me I don’t need to do that every time she gets in my truck, but she can't hide the soft smile that appears when I continue to do so either.
And I’d do anything to see every version of her smiles.
When she gets closer, she sees me leaning against the passenger side door and stops. I’m about to ask her if everything’s okay when I notice she’s checking me out. And god, does that feel good.
This relationship might be a farce, but we can’t deny we’re attracted to one another. I clear my throat which startles her out of her perusal. Her face and neck flush bright red as she hastily walks up to the truck. Not saying a word as she hops into her seat.
I get behind the wheel but before we leave, I turn to her. “So, I have something I wanna talk to you about.”
“Are you ending this? I know I’ve been a lot more than you bargained for, so I’d understand. Maybe you don’t even need me anymore. No one’s shown up to your door half-naked since we made our debut at the Fall Festival.” She’s rambling at a mile a minute, and I can’t help but laugh. “Wait, why are you laughing?”
“I guess I should have started that differently. I’m not ending this. And you shouldn’t say you’ve been a lot because you haven’t. The ball is in your court for when you want this to be done because there’s more at stake for you. I’m perfectly happy to continue this for as long as you need because I enjoy being with you. I only wanted to ask if you’d like to go to one of Sebastian’s games with me.”
Her cheeks flush again, and it’s the cutest thing. “Oh my god, is that all? Obviously, I’ll go with you.”
“It’s more than that though. His game is against the Cougars—meaning Chance will be there too. And if it’s really too much you don’t have to come. I never want to be the reason you’re uncomfortable.”
“That’s really sweet of you to be concerned, but I can’t let him dictate everything I do anymore. Besides, I enjoy football games. When is it?”
“It’s the night before Halloween. Beckett’s coming and has a plus one.”
“Do you know who he’s bringing?”
“I’m really not sure. He mentioned having issues with his girlfriend and I haven’t talked to him in a bit.”
