Page 42 of Highest Bidder
Myles:
Hunter, I’ll be there. I would have told you if I didn’t want to or couldn’t.
I sigh with relief. My anxiety about the morning is already beginning to quiet down, knowing he’ll be there with me.
Hunter:
Thank you!
I quickly send him my address so he knows exactly where to get me, and I won’t have to tell him in the morning. I can’t help but smile, knowing I have one good thing to look forward to before this trip. I need to keep my mind busy to avoid picturing my dad lying in a small hospital bed, while my mom is likely snapping at the poor nurses close by. Is it too much to hope that she will be on her best behavior? Heaven forbid this causes her to miss one of her many frilly social events. I can’t remember her putting anything ahead of herself.
Jess knocks on my doorframe, a small smile on her face. I domy best to push all the unwanted memories that flood my brain out and focus on her.
“Hey. Would you want to lounge on the couch, watch a Hallmark movie, and eat a lot of ice cream?” When I don’t jump at her invitation, she says, “I have chocolate.” Holding up a pint of chocolate ice cream, she presents two spoons from behind her back.
Jess knows me so well.
“I would love that. Thanks, Jess.” A small smile stretches across my face, and I get off my bed and head into the living room. We’ve had many a movie night, snuggling on the comfy sectional with our blankets and snacks, letting the stresses of the day fade away. Nickelback jumps up onto the couch with me with the sweetest puppy dog eyes, laying his chin on my stomach and gazing up at me. I pet him and let out a slow breath. Something about him always brings me comfort, especially right now.
My phone dings and seeing Myles’ name flash across the screen brings a smile to my face before I even know what the message says.
Myles:
What’s your favorite color?
“Is that Myles again?” Jess looks over at me, arching her brow as a smirk perks the corners of her lips.
“Yes.” Unable to contain my smile, I look down at my phone as my cheeks warm.
“He seems to have done a complete one-eighty on you. First, he didn’t like you, and now, he can’t seem to get enough. Are you feeling better about him flipping the switch on you?” She knows how to lay it all out there.
“Honestly, yes. But we have talked a lot, so I get why he wasn’t nice in the beginning. He shared with me his reasoning, and he has a lot going on that none of us realize. Like, he’s trying to provide for his mom. He was mad at the situation, and he tookit out on me. I’m not trying to excuse his behavior. I just—I understand it better. He’s trying to make it up to me. He doesn’t have to, but I’ve enjoyed getting to know him better this past week and so far I like what I see.” I can’t help but spill my guts to Jess. She’s heard me rant many times about Myles. It only seems natural I tell her where my head is at right now.
“I want you to be careful, but I will say I like him a lot more than James.” She snickers, and I roll my eyes. “You glow when Myles is around or even when he’s just the topic of conversation.”
“I don’t know what it is about him.” I tuck a stray hair behind my ear. “I want to be in his arms, Jess. Like earlier, I could have stood there with him hugging me for hours. I’ve never wanted anyone to hug me like that, but I felt safe. It felt right. But what does that mean? And now I’m going back home. I don’t know how long I’ll be there.” My eyes fall. Having to leave tears my heart into pieces. I’m scared he’s going to lose interest if I’m gone too long. My dad would tell me I don’t want the type of guy who lets a little distance change the way he feels. Even so, it’s a hard situation. It’s new and something I want to pursue. Having to leave makes the future a little more uncertain.
Jess smiles. “This is what I was talking about.Thisspark is what was missing with James! I have no doubt you’re going to figure this out.”
“He’s picking me up to take me to the airport in the morning,” I tell her and start smiling again.
“Yessss! That makes me so happy. I’m glad he’ll be able to give you a hug and a little extra comfort before you go.” Jess saying that only makes me love her more. “Now, let’s watch this movie.” She takes one of the bowls of ice cream off the coffee table. Before grabbing mine, I text Myles back.
Hunter:
Green. Yours?
Myles:
Last week, I would have said black. But now it’s green.
Hunter:
Why the change?
Myles:
Because it makes me think of you. Your eyes are the most beautiful shade of green I’ve ever seen.
