10
HATTIE
Lately, all I think of is Bastion.
I shouldn’t. It’s stupid. Maybe it’s just a girlish crush on an older man. I don’t know. He hasn’t even given me any indication that he sees me as anything other than someone he enjoys conversing with when he’s away from home.
But it’s the first exciting thing that’s happened to me in a long time, even if by most people’s standards, it’s just casual conversation.
Still, I can hardly sit still as I wait for his arrival at the coffee shop Tuesday evening.
Tuesday has become my favorite day because of our meetups. Every time, I have to remind myself that these rendezvous are finite. I try to tell myself that I’m fine knowing these meetings will eventually come to an end. I mean, Bastion has to finish his business in Wisconsin at some point, right? And then he’ll have no other reason to come back to town.
I push that thought from my mind, determined to enjoy the time I do have with him. I haven’t even told Taylor about him, and I’m not sure why.
Maybe because there’s nothing to tell.
And there isn’t really. I mean, we share one drink together, talk a little, and part ways. It’s not as if we’re having an illicit affair.
I feel guilty for even having the thought. I shouldn’t think of Bastion like that.
I’m here at the café ten minutes early, and this time, I made sure to buy Bastion’s drink. I felt awful last week when I realized I couldn’t order his coffee because I didn’t know how he took it, when he’d remembered my order after our brief meeting the time before.
He walks in five minutes early, sparing me from having to wonder whether he’s going to show up or not. I smile and wave with my free hand, holding up his coffee with the other.
He grins and makes his way toward me. He looks as if he just got out of the shower—his hair is half damp and has more wave to it than usual. He’s wearing a pair of dark gray jeans and a black T-shirt that fits him perfectly. As usual.
Bastion’s never said outright that he has a lot of money, but I can tell by the way his clothes fit him that they’re better than anything I could ever afford. Not to mention his expensive watch and just the way he carries himself.
“You remembered.” His ocean blue eyes twinkle with mirth.
“I did.”
He stands in front of me, and I pass him his coffee. Our fingers brush in the exchange, and I inhale a swift intake of air. It’s an innocent touch, nothing more, but it still makes me feel… things.
We catch up on what we’ve both been up to this week. Me—work, spending time with my parents, attending church and a few of the groups I joined through church. Him—putting out some fires at work and dealing with some employee issues.
Whenever I ask exactly what business he’s in, Bastion just says the entertainment industry. I’ve wondered if maybe he deals with celebrity clients or something, but I’ve never asked outright since it seems like he doesn’t want to talk about it. I figure he must want to preserve their privacy.
Bastion’s just finished telling me a story about how he once jumped off a roof into a pool when I shake my head. “I could never do that.”
“Sure, you could.” He sips his coffee.
I give him a look as if he’s crazy. “No way. I’d be too afraid I’d get hurt.”
He studies me for a moment. “I think if you did it, you’d probably love it. It’s a rush taking risks once in a while.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
He takes another sip and sets the empty cup on the table. “I’ll get you to break free from your chains at some point.” He winks at me, and I smile. I’m really starting to love that wink. Bastion sets his hands on the armrests of his chair and pushes himself to his feet. “Unfortunately, I have to be going. I have an early flight out in the morning.”
His abrupt departure takes me by surprise. He usually spends longer.
“Of course.” I stand too, collecting our cups.
“I have some more news.” His lips turn down to a frown, and I brace myself for whatever it is he’s going to say, but I think I already know. “Next week will be the last time I can meet you. My business in Wisconsin will all be concluded the next day.”
“Oh.” A wave of nausea courses through me.
