Page 16 of Invisible String
He devours the burger in three big bites. I toss him some of my fries. It seems he’s hungry. A big, muscular guy like him probably consumes a lot of food.
We stay silent while eating. Although I don’t really know Max, I feel like I do. I would like to get to know him personally.
“So, what have you been up to all these years? How long have you lived here?” I ask, taking a sip of iced tea. I’m curious as to why I haven’t run into him. He gazes at the busy streets.
“I live in Vegas. I’m just visiting for a few weeks.”
I frown, and his forehead creases in response to my expression.
Disappointment sinks into the pit of my gut. “Oh, okay. So, is that your parents’ cabin? I know it gets rented out, but I’ve never seen you around. Not that I come often.”
“Yeah.” He stands and pulls out a wallet. “I better go.” A low mumble vibrates out of him as he tosses a fifty-dollar bill on the table.
“Here.” I take the money and wave it at him. “This is my lunch. You’re not paying.”
“It’s cool. I better go. Drive safe going home.” He’s gone.
My gaze follows his every move. His answers were bland. Maybe I asked the wrong questions, or I was talking too much, or the disappointed look on my face scared him off.
The waitress comes with the bill, and I hand her my debit card instead.
Walking to the parking lot, the noise of the busy street and people fades. So, he’s lived in Vegas all this time. Pressing the key fob, I unlock the car. I had hoped he lived here. I’m unsure why I feel so drawn to him, yearn to be in his space, breathe the air he breathes.Jeez, Rainey, you sound like a creep.No wonder he ran off. It’s only been three days, and I’m acting as if we are lovers.
My heart does somersaults when I see his car parked in our shared parking space. I take out the three bags of sweaters I bought. I’m addicted to sweaters. It’s hot, but I’m the girl who cranks the AC up and puts a sweater on.
The house has five bedrooms. My parents made sure we each had our own room when we came to the cabin. It’s beautiful, with wide windows. You can see the lake from here. I fold my sweaters and put them in the drawer.
My phone rings, andDaddylights up the screen. My father has called, texted, and left voicemails, all of which I have ignored.
“Hello.”
“Hey, honey. Can we talk?”
“No, Dad, we can’t talk. I’m busy.”
He sighs. “I’m sorry, Rainey.”
“Say that to your wife. You brought that woman into our home and still kept her as your secretary.” My voice cracks.
“I’m sorry I ruined our family. I’m trying to piece us together?—”
“Then you need to understand Mom’s hurting!” I hold the phone down while taking out a paper plate from the cabinet, and then lay a napkin on it.
“I understand. I’m giving her space while trying.”
“Okay, I better go.”
“Okay, I—” I hang up the line without letting him finish.
Under the napkin, I slip the fifty-dollar bill, then add six cookies on top and red velvet cupcakes. Swallowing the pain that lives in my chest, I walk out and knock on Max’s door.
The palms of my hands sweat underneath the plate. I have never been so nervous in my life.Max, what are you doing to me?The door swings open, leaving me gulping for air.
CHAPTER FIVE
MAX
Working out has always served as a distraction from my personal life. This morning, I went for a jog, then spent time fixing and cleaning my car until Rainey nearly ran me over. Later, I headed downtown; I sat to chill. A crazy chick came to sit with me. I had noticed Rainey when I heard her voice. Her sweet voice hums like a golden harp. One thing I had not expected was to feel something strange when the guy came to sit next to her. The need to strangle him was there. Not sure why I care so much still. “Because it’s Rainey,” a little voice says in my head.
