I went into work early that morning so that I could develop some photos I had taken earlier. I didn’t sleep well the previous mind because I had so much on my mind. Well, basically, two things: Nick and AJ. What was I going to do?
It was almost 12 and I was about to go out for lunch when there was a knock on the studio door. I tucked a piece of my long blonde hair behind my ear and catiously made my way to the door.
“Delivery for Miss McKenzie,” a middle aged man announced, standing at the door, holding a bouquet of flowers.
I smiled at the sight and accepted them. I thanked the man and waited until he was gone before I read the note attached.
Hello gorgeous! I just wanted to send you flowers to tell how much I enjoyed being with you last night. I would like to go out for lunch today, so meet me at McD’s at 12:30. Can’t wait to see you!
Yours Truly,
AJ
I stood there a bit stunned. For some reason, I had expected the flowers to be from Nick. My heart sank a bit as I thought of his angelic face and how sweet he was when he took care of my sprained ankle. Then my mind wandered back to AJ…well, hey, it’s just lunch. What harm could that do?? I reasoned to myself. I quickly grabbed my purse and headed to McDonald’s in my BMW.
I walked into the restaurant, searching for AJ’s familiar face.
“Hey, Kel, over here!” he yelled, standing up from the booth we sat in the previous night.
“Oh hi!” I said, suddenly becoming at bit nervous at his presence.
“I see that you got my flowers…” he said, taking my hand into his as we slid into the booth.
“Yeah, the delivery guy brought them to me. Thanks!” I said looking around the restaurant.
“Anything for my lady,” he smiled, taking his sunglasses off.
Something about his sweet talk and prince charming ways was making me nauseous.
“You alright?” he asked concerning, placing his free arm around my shoulder.
“Um, actually no, I just remembered that I left some photos in the dark room undeveloped,” I lied to him.
“Oh, well can’t you just get them after lunch?” he questioned.
“No, I can’t…um, maybe we can eat some other time. I’ve got to go. Bye!” I said, slipping out of his grasp and heading out of the McDonald’s. I didn’t even turn around to see if he was watching me leave, I just left.
I got into my car and drove as fast as I could back to my house and walked down to the beach. I was so confused…I mean on one there was Nick and on the other there was AJ. I sat down in the sand, pulling my knees to my chest, and resting my head on my knees. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes…
I suddenly jerked my head up as something cold and wet touched my arm.
“What the…??” I yelled, jumping to my feet.
I looked down to find Houston’s big brown puppy dog eyes staring up at me. I laughed at how silly I must have looked, jumping up from him.
“Hey Houston!!!” I screamed, bending down to pick him up. He licked my face furiously until finally I sat him down and watched him romp in the sand.
“Hey Kelly!” a familiar voice filled my ears.
I turned around to see Nick making his way toward me in a pair of jeans and a jersey.
“Hey,” I smiled. “I knew wherever Houston was, you had to be around somewhere!”
“Yeah, he sorta slipped away from me,” he laughed, while we both looked over at Houston who was now digging a hole.
“It’s a nice night out,” Nick interrupted the silence, staring up at the stars.
“Yeah, it is. I came down here to get some air and to think,” I stated.
“Think? What about?” he questioned.
“Just about my life. Yeah, you could say that,” I said, trying to avoid telling him the entire truth.
“C’mon now. I spilled my life history to you last night. You can tell me anything,” he assured, staring at me.
I looked into his crystal blue eyes and knew that he was being honest with me. I wanted nothing more at that moment than for him to just hold me in his protective arms.
