Page 4 of Storm Bound
Those were all the words we exchanged over the next four hours on our way to Cleveland.
I mean, what kind of conversation were you expected to have with the guy you punched in the nuts, anyway?
“I guess this is it,” I said when the bus arrived at Cleveland a little after noon.
“I guess it is,” he replied.
“If your testicles need help now, you’ll need to call your doctor.”
“Shame,” he said under his breath, and I waved at him as I made my way out of the bus.
I thought about asking him for lunch—I had an hour to spare before my next bus to Washington—but what was the point? I’d be all the way down to Virginia for half of the year and then straight back to Detroit, and he lived in Cleveland. Besides, I was sure as soon as he saw me walking, he’d probably lose any interest he’d had in me, if any.
So, instead of being impulsive and sticking around the bus until he got off to ask him out for lunch, I grabbed my suitcase and walked off the platform and over to the food court to find appropriate sustenance and try to not think of the what-ifs running circles in my head.
I found a taco place and filled my empty stomach, then made my way back to the station to find my next bus.
The first thing I noticed when I got on was the same family from the previous bus having taken the front seats. So, I walked as far away from them as I could.
The second thing I noticed was the dashing man sitting down the middle, and I couldn’t help the somersaults in my stomach.
“Well, what are the chances?” I said when I came up to his seat.
“Are you stalking me?” he asked with a wide grin.
“I swear to God, no,” I replied with a chuckle. “I just wanted to make sure you and your nuts are still doing fine.”
“That’s very nice of you. My nuts and I thank you from the bottom of our heart,” he replied and gestured at the seat beside him. “Will you do me the honors?”
I grinned and tucked my bag above me before sitting down next to him.
Well, maybe this was what serendipity was all about. Maybe it was a sign to be a little more impulsive.
It wasn’t like Washington and Cedarwood were that far away, after all.Ifhe was going to Washington.
“Wait, where are you headed to?” I asked.
The guy smiled and rocked his head from side to side. “This... town in Virginia. New Harlow,” he said with uncertainty.
My heart beat like drums in my chest, but I tried not to let my flustered state show. New Harlow was even better than Washington. That was only a drive to Cedarwood Beach. People did the commute every day. I was sure I could make some time for him if he was interested in getting to know me. Or even just hooking up.
“Same here,” I told him. “I’m Charlie.”
“Adam. Nice to meet you, Charlie.”
The way my name rolled off his tongue made my hairs stand on end. As if his lips were made to say my name.
“I can’t wait to... get to know you over the next ten hours,” he added, and for a minute there, I let my mind go wild with the possibilities.
The possibility a guy like him would ever be interested in a guy like me. And for a moment, I believed it. Thatthiswas how I met my future husband. And our chance encounter had all the makings of a funny, cute story to tell the kids.
Huh! Dream on, Charlie. He’s way too good for you.
Two
Adam
So…
