Page 28 of Tucker
Aydagrins. “You run together?”
“Yeah,he seems to think I’ll get kidnapped if I run in the woods alone.”
“Ofcourse he does.” Ayda chuckles and drops a tip on the table, getting to herfeet.
“Seriously,that’s all it is. Besides, I think he might be seeing someone. He’s gone allday on Saturdays. Although, if that’s what he’s doing, she must piss him off,because he’s always in a terrible mood when he returns.”
“Hmm,I doubt it’s about a woman. I’ve never seen him date anyone. I know Dare andthe others think he may be in the closet.”
Inearly trip over my own feet and laugh aloud. He was definitely into the kiss,hell, he practically mauled me, so I know he’s into women. I guess he could bebi, but it just doesn’t seem to fit with what I know about him.
“Theythink he’s gay?”
Aydaunlocks her car that’s parked beside mine. “They’ve suspected in the past. Noneof the guys care one way or the other, so it’s not like they’d ask.”
“Well,the kiss was very heterosexual,” I reply, and Ayda laughs. I can’t help butpicture Tucker kissing a guy though, and I’m surprised to find the thoughtturns me on. I might be a little freaky.
“Youwant my advice? If you want him, go for it. I doubt he’d be able to resist.Dare and I wasted too much time skirting around what we really wanted. When wefinally got together, I could’ve kicked myself for resisting.” Her handunconsciously travels to her scarred cheek.
Shebears scars down one half of her body from her asshole ex throwing acid on her.I could understand why she thought Derek wouldn’t want her, but she was sowrong. Ayda is beautiful and one of the best people I’ve ever met.
“Youtwo are perfect together. It’s a little sickening.”
“Iknow,” she laughs, climbing in her car. “Now go home and show no mercy. Walkaround the house in your panties.”
Tucker’struck is parked in the drive when I get home and I take a deep breath, preparedto talk to him about our little drunken mishap.
“Hey,kid, have fun?” Tucker calls from his workshop when I hop out of my car.
“Yeah.Ayda sent me home with enough leftovers to feed an elephant,” I reply.
“Soundsgood.”
Hereturns to the workshop, and I head inside. Well, that was anti-climactic. Iguess we’re going to pretend nothing happened, then. I don’t know whether Ifeel disappointed or relieved. A little of both, I guess.
Iwas hoping that things wouldn’t be awkward, but our dinner that nightdefinitely qualifies. He eats as quickly as humanly possible and retreats backinto his workshop until after I return to my room.
Thenext week passes in much the same way. He’s not mean, but he’s not interestedin being around me. After a particularly quiet and tense run, I stop joininghim in the evenings. I hate running when it’s cold anyway. I suppose I shouldlook for a gym in town, but for now, I just settle for doing a workout video whilehe’s out running.
Itry not to take it personally, but I can’t help but feel hurt. I miss hangingout with him, especially in the evenings. I’ve started going to my room earlyso he can watch TV in the living room without me bothering him. It’s hard tolive somewhere you know you aren’t wanted.
Onthe plus side, my mood seems to be working for the book I’m writing. It’s takenan angsty turn, but the story is coming together. Unlike me though, mycharacter will get her happily ever after.
* * * *
Thesky is heavy with dark clouds, a warning of the storm we have coming tonight.Derek is his usual worrywart self, trying to talk me into coming to stay withhim in case the power goes out. Like I’ll be any warmer with no electricity ifhe’s there. I shouldn’t have answered the phone, but I knew he’d just keepcalling.
“Yeah,Tucker’s just pulling in,” I reassure him. “It’s just a little ice. We’ll befine.”
Tuckerwalks through the back door and grabs a flashlight. Without looking up he says,“I need to get the animals ready for the storm.”
“I’llhelp you,” I volunteer. “Derek, we’re good, I swear. I’ve got to go.” I hit theend button before he can argue with me, and grab my coat.
Tucker’sphone buzzes as we make our way across the yard toward the barn. “If you’llfeed the goats, I’ll hook up the heaters,” he tells me before answering.
Wesplit up, but while I’m feeding and watering the temperamental goats, I canhear him on the phone. “Yeah, got gasoline for the generators and plenty offirewood. I’ve got her, man. Stop with the nervous old lady act.”
Damnit, Derek. I hear him laugh and a few more mumbles before it gets quiet again.I can feel the evil goat standing behind me, and this time I move quick enoughnot to get knocked down.
