Page 13 of Invisible String
“You’re right. It was seven years ago. After the kiss we shared, I thought you would at least say goodbye. Like you said, it doesn’t matter.” I shrugged, just as he did.
Upon meeting Max, I felt an inexplicable attraction toward him. Despite his quiet and antisocial nature, I was unfazed. I cherished the fact that he let me touch him, something he seemed to avoid with others. I never questioned the reason behind it.
“My dad got a new job,” he mumbles, looking away.
“Oh, well, sorry to interrupt your game. See you around.” I spin on my heels and run into the house. I’m unsure what I expected from him, but maybe a hello from the beginning. He’s right. I ran faster than a scared chicken. I didn’t know it was him jumping in the freezing water, and before I knew it, I yelled at him and ran when I saw it was him. He makes me lose brain cells.
I peek out the curtain, and he is back to watching a game. Boxing, I think. He’s grown into a handsome man. I wonder if he still hates being touched. Now, it pisses me off. I’m wondering if he’s let others touch him.Oh God, Rainey. Stop. He licks his lip, staring into the screen. It happens in slow motion. He turns toward the window, and I panic, shutting the blinds closed. What a coincidence, he’s here, next door. Have his parents always owned it? It’s been a vacation rental for a while.
I suddenly have the urge to bake. When my nerves are skyrocketing, I need to keep busy. I came here to relax and get away from family drama, but I ended up running into the boy, now a man who’s always drifted on my mind.
Once I’ve kneaded the dough for cinnamon rolls, I set it aside to rise, then proceed to red velvet cookies. In one mixing bowl, I mix the dry ingredients and then the wet ingredients.
“Hello,” I answer my mom’s phone call.
“Honey, I thought you were coming down this summer, then your sister just said you’d be going to the cabin.” Her voice is sweet and soothing.
“Yeah, Mom, sorry for not letting you know.”
The clatter of metal banging means she is at the bakery.
“That’s okay. Can you at least tell me why my daughter didn’t stop by to say hi?”
The apartment is only thirty minutes away from home. I feel guilty that I should have seen her and my sister more often.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I’m going to be real with you.”
“You can tell me anything, honey.”
“After what Dad did to you, I don’t want to see his face. He’s called, and I’ve denied his calls. But, Mom, I’m so angry. I hate that he hurt you.”
She sniffles. “Rainey, baby, I’m hurting, but all wounds heal in time…he’s been begging for another chance. I don’t know if I can. I’m trying to keep the family together.”
I shake my head. “Mom, no one would blame you if you didn’t want to try again. Honestly, you shouldn’t if you don’t want to, but we’re here for you.”
“Thank you, Rainey, and I can come visit, you know. You shouldn’t feel like this is not home anymore.” She clears her throat. “Enough of that. So tell me, how did finals go?”
“Great, passed all my classes.”
“Oh, wonderful. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mom.” I miss her sweet scent.
“So, how’s the cabin?”
My brows rise. If she only knew who my grumpy neighbor is. I’ve never spoken to her about who my first crush and kiss were.
“Cozy. I love being out here. I bought a butt load of books to keep me busy and, you know, unwind. I’m making your famous cinnamon rolls, red velvet cookies, and cupcakes.”
She hums. “Sounds like a great summer break: baking, books, and cozying up while eating treats. Sounds like a great idea. You don’t have a boy with you? Because if you do, remember safe sex?—”
My throat vibrates with a groan. “Mom…no, I don’t have a guy here.” I peek out the window. Max is still out there, sipping on a beer. “Not yet, at least.” Maybe I should be pushy like I was when I was fourteen—very persistent with what I wanted.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Anyway, why are you at the bakery so late?” She’s never stayed past five, and it’s close to seven.
“Marlin has been feeling sick, so I’m prepping for tomorrow morning. It gives me time alone. If I get a chance, I’ll stop by and visit.”
