Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) (10 page)

As I wrap my towel around my body, I hear my phone ding, indicating a missed call. I grab it from the table and see it’s from Rebecca. For a brief moment I wish it were from Brian, but then realize I never gave him my number. Sadly, he hadn’t asked for it, either.

I return Rebecca’s call and sense her chattiness coming from the other end. “‘Bout time you decided to get up. I’ve only sent you a dozen text messages.”

“Sorry, I didn’t hear my phone go off. What are you up to?” I feel as though I am still half asleep, despite having a shower.

“I just wanted to see if you might want to grab a quick bite to eat before I head to work tomorrow and you go to class.”

“Sure, my biology class isn’t until three, so why don’t I meet you somewhere for a burger?” I add.

Rebecca doesn’t have to be at work until four, so that will give us plenty of time to talk about Saturday night.

I change into a pair of yoga pants, pull my damp hair back into a ponytail, and throw on some tennis shoes. I don’t have any plans for the afternoon, so I put on a load of laundry and head outside for a run. Hopefully, it will wake me up. 

The next morning, I clean up the apartment and finish putting away the laundry from the previous day. I pretended to be lazy when I got back from my run, and called it an early evening. Since I plan on going to class immediately after meeting with Rebecca, I grab my backpack and toss it over my shoulder before heading out the door.

On my way to meet Rebecca, I decide to ride by the hotel parking lot, hoping to catch a glimpse of Brian’s car. I know I saw him drive somewhere Saturday night, but I can’t help but wonder where he’s been sleeping the last two nights.

For some reason I can’t explain, I am drawn to him. I know he should be somewhat of a turn off to me; a new guy in town with a rocky background and no job, but I feel like he was put in my life for a reason. Oh well, I may never see him again. No sense in getting all worked up over it.

As I pull into the parking lot at the restaurant, I see Rebecca sitting at a table out on the patio. She’s wearing her work polo shirt and khaki pants, ready to begin the evening shift. “I didn’t know what you wanted so I held off on placing our order.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll get a big, juicy hamburger with tater tots and a Cherry Coke.” I tell her.

“That sounds delicious; I want the same.”

We both place our orders with the waitress, and I get the feeling she’s ready to start asking me a million questions about Saturday night. “What?” I ask her.

Looking at me with a grin and curious eyes, she asks, “So, did he ask you out?”

“No, he didn’t.” I reply.  She can tell by the expression on my face that I wish he had asked, though.

“Well, maybe you will run into him. He is supposed to be looking for work around here, right?” she offers encouragingly.

“That’s what he said. Poor guy. I kind of feel sorry for him. First, he gets dumped by his girlfriend, who was difficult to get along with. She kicks him to the curb, and he’s forced to start over with hardly any money and not very good transportation in a new place. I wonder why he chose to come here.”

“Who knows? If he’s not able to find a job, he may have to move on to the next place. He did mention having some friends in the next town over. But, for your sake, I hope he finds something. I loved seeing your face light up when he walked over to the table. By the way, why didn’t you tell me you had invited him?”

“I didn’t want to get myself all worked up for nothing.” I admitted, twisting my hair through my fingers. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll stop by to visit me at work. He knows I work overnight.”
I could only hope, right?

“Well, chick-a-dee, just be careful and don’t rush into anything. I need to be heading off to work right now, or I’m going to be late. Don’t have too much fun at school.” Rebecca dumps our trash before she heads to her car. “See ‘ya at work later tonight.”

“Later, babe.” I give her a slight wave as she pulls away. 

Biology class seems to drag on forever today, and I’m having a hard time paying attention. I’ve got to do a better job of concentrating in class if I’m going to pass my upcoming finals. I continue to take notes, and eventually, the instructor calls for class to end. I rush to the door, eager to get out of there. For once, I’m anxious to get to work, just to see if Brian shows up.

I stop by my apartment to change into my work uniform then head back out the door. The entire way, I keep glancing left, then right, hoping to see a glimpse of the silver Honda. I pull into the parking lot at work and find my usual spot waiting for me, empty. Trying not to look disappointed, I walk into the front office and see Rebecca. 

“It’s been a slow night. Hope you brought a good book to help you pass the time,” she tells me.

“You know me, I always carry one with me. Besides, I could use the time to work on my paper for American Lit. I seem to focus on it better while I’m here. I’m always so tired by the time I get off, I never feel like studying or doing homework. Anything I need to know before you head out?” I asked her. She knows what I’m hinting at.

“No, but I did get an email from Greg earlier. He’s hoping to get leave time the week of Thanksgiving. It’s been months since I’ve been able to wrap my arms around that man. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”

I know how much she misses her boyfriend. I try to do as much as possible with her to help pass the time. So far, she has been able to deal with his being gone fairly well. His frequent emails and phone calls keep her smiling.

I hope one day soon he pops the question to her. She has been in love with Greg since we were all in grade school together. I love seeing her happy. They are so good for each other.

“I got a card in the mail from my parents,” I tell her. “Looks like they aren’t going to be around for Thanksgiving. I called mom to thank her for money they sent me, and she offered to fly me to the closest town near them and have dad pick me up at the airport, but since I’ve got finals coming up the week after, I told them it will be a good time to catch up on some last minute studying. Besides, I know they are planning on being back for Christmas and staying at my brother’s house. A few more weeks without seeing them won’t hurt.” I’ve actually been okay with them being gone. This time alone has taught me responsibility. While I do miss seeing them, we talk regularly enough that sometimes I feel like they are still here. 

I follow Rebecca out the door, hoping she won’t notice me tossing glances towards the parking lot. “Girl, you got it bad don’t you?” She giggles at me.

“What?”

“I saw you looking around for his car.”

“Well, you never know when he might show up again. Have a good night and drive safely.” I tell her as the front door shuts behind her. She knows me all too well.

I finish the last bit of paperwork and get the front desk ready for check out in the morning. I sit out in the lobby in one of the comfortable chairs and prop my feet up with my literature book in my lap. Every now and then I look out towards the parking lot, but I never see the silver Honda.

Several hours later, when I can take no more of the story I’ve been reading, I put my books away and begin doing Sylvia’s prep work for breakfast. She arrives right on time as well as the morning front desk clerk. 

Walking out to my car, I can’t help but be saddened that Brian didn’t come by.

As each day passes for the remainder of the week, I try to push him to the back of my mind. When I’ve pretty much accepted that he’s moved on, on Friday night, I finally see the silver Honda pull into the hotel parking lot.

Several days have passed since I started working at the oil lube shop. I won’t lie and tell you I love my job, but right now, as long as the weather stays fairly warm, I think I can tolerate it. But, I know once Christmas nears next month, the weather will definitely get cooler, and it will become more difficult to wash the cars in cold weather. I am really surprised at the amount of business Jared has managed to build up, but every one of his customers is satisfied with his work. He is a very likable boss and has actually bought my lunch every day this week. 

On Friday, I ask Jared if he knows of a laundry facility close by that I can use. I have the weekend off so I’m hoping to be able to clean my clothes. I have not been able to shower all week, and it’s beginning to bother me. In the mornings, I stop by the McDonald’s and visit Jared’s mom. She’s so happy I was able to get the job with her son. After eating, I rinse off in the handicap stall in the bathroom. The stall has it’s own sink, so no one will pay much attention to what I’m doing should they walk in. 

When I punch out at the end of my shift on Friday evening, Jared approaches me and hands me an envelope. “Here man, I know things are hard for you right now, and I know you won’t be getting your first check ‘til next Friday, so I wanted to give you a little advance.”

I glance down at the envelope in my hand. “Man, you shouldn’t have. I made a little bit in tips this week. I can’t take this.” I try handing it back to him.

“No, take it. Treat yourself to a nice, hot meal. See ‘ya Monday morning.” He pats me on the shoulder and heads back inside the shop. He doesn’t question me about where I’m staying and I don’t volunteer it. When I filled out the application with the lady, I told her I wasn’t certain of the address yet, so she said I could get back with her.

I don’t open the envelope until I get in the car. Ripping it open, I pull out a hundred dollars. I’m so excited, but I still can’t believe someone would be this generous to me. First Jennifer, and now Jared. Pulling out from the parking lot, I roll down the window and sing to the song that’s blaring on the radio. As I pull up to the red light, I notice the driver in the car beside me is staring and I quickly roll up my window. I don’t have anything special planned for the night, but I pull into the first gas station I come to and quickly change out of my work clothes. 

I locate the Laundromat Jared told me about, but it’s already closed for the day. I will have to come back first thing in the morning to beat the rush. I grab a bite to eat and stick around long enough to watch a football game playing on a big screen television hanging from the ceiling. I finally settle my tab and see it’s nearing ten o’clock. 

I’ve thought about Jennifer often this week. Many nights I wanted to stop by and see her, but I would talk myself out of it at the last minute before pulling in. I don’t really have anything to offer her other than my friendship at the moment. 

I pull through the hotel parking lot and see she’s standing at the front desk checking in a line of people. I admit to myself I really would love to talk to her, but I don’t want to interrupt while she’s busy. I pull into a spot near her car that gives me a view to see inside. When it looks like she’s finished checking everyone in, I plan to go inside and surprise her. I close my eyes for a few moments, with thoughts of everything I’ve been through since arriving in town running through my mind.

I jump all of a sudden from the sound of someone knocking on my window. I look over and see Jennifer standing there, all smiles. Shit, the sun is shining, and it’s now morning. I am so mad at myself for falling asleep and missing the opportunity to spend some time with her.