“Wait!” Her voice rose in panic. “Will... I ever see you again?”
He touched her cheek in a soft caress. “Yes. I’ll be staying at home for a while. I’ll definitely see you again. You can count on that. I have some unfinished business with you that I can’t wait to finish.” He walked out of the bedroom, and out of the apartment. The only thing on his mind was trying to figure out how to get her away from her deadbeat boyfriend.
SEVEN
Breanna slept untilnoon that Saturday, still feeling exhausted from her party. She had such a hard time getting to sleep after Brad had left that she finally ended up taking a sleeping pill. Guilt was what kept her awake, and she needed something to take the edge off her nerves.
She’d never been one to take medicine while growing up, not even aspirin, but since she’d known Tom, he’d introduced her to a lot of things she wasn’t used to taking – telling her that it was the only thing that could help.
She sighed a ragged breath.Tom.What was she going to tell him? Should she tell him about the party? Of course she would. He’d probably even know that something happened the moment he walked into her place. Would she tell him about Brad? She was sure Brad’s name would be mentioned, but she decided to forget about the kiss.
Now she realized why she’d acted that way with Brad after the party. He was such a sweet talker, saying things to her that he probably didn’t mean. She wasn’t used to being told that she was pretty, lovely, or even beautiful. Tom never said things like that just to please her. Tom was a nice guy and he made her happy enough without saying sweet words, yet it had been a while since she and Tom kissed to their heart’s content.
It wasn’t that Tom didn’t want to, it was just that his job took a lot out of him and all he ever wanted to do anymore was sit around and watch television while he was with her. Sometimes, he would take her out to a movie or out to eat, but that had been quite a while ago, too.
Tom told her that he would find another job that didn’t stress him out as much, then they could go and do fun things together again. But, was a night clerk at a hotel really a stressful job? And why did he have more energy with his friend Kevin than he had with her?
She silently scolded herself. Why was she trying to find Tom’s faults, anyway? So he’d called off their date last night. It wasn’t the first time that had happened, and she was sure it wouldn’t be the last.
She loved Tom and wanted to marry him, no matter what. As soon as he asked her, anyway. Wasn’t it time for her to marry? All of her high school friends were married and had at least two kids. She was nothing but an old maid.
After she showered and dressed, she put on a pair of jeans and an over-sized shirt. On impulse, she gathered the bottom of her shirt and tied it together in a knot, just like last night.
She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror and studied her hair. It had been a while since she cut it, and although she really didn’t want to admit, it had bothered her lately. She was tired of coming up with new ways to keep it out of her face. Maybe she should cut it. She’d have to ask Tom and see what he thought.
As she applied her makeup, she noticed that without her glasses, her face looked prettier. Definitely not as plain as she thought she was. Maybe she would leave her glasses off and wear them when she read, which was the only reason she needed them, anyhow. Or, maybe she would get contacts. She’d have to ask Tom first. He might not like her in contacts.
The day passed slowly, and she hadn’t yet heard from Tom. Some of the girls from the office called and told her how much fun they’d had at the party and how good she looked last night. They also wanted to know if they could have another party tonight at her place. She told them she and Tom were going out. If only he would call her and quit making her wonder.
She’d never received so many compliments in her life than what she’d heard at the party. It made her feel good and gave her more confidence. She would have to seriously think about changing her style of clothes, too. She didn’t know. She would have to ask Tom.
As the miniature grandfather clock in her front room chimed five o’clock, a knock came upon the door. Angrily, she marched to the door and opened it. The look on Tom’s face made her wonder if he even wanted to be here. Usually, she greeted him with open arms and kind words, but right now she was a little upset. He could’ve called earlier this morning or even this afternoon to let her know when he was coming over. Did he think she sat around all day waiting for him like she had nothing better to do? Well, she had a life, and he’d better realize that quickly.
“It’s about time I heard from you,” she spat angrily.
He glared at her as he entered. “Excuse me?” he asked with authority. “Why are you jumping on my case? Is that really necessary?”
