I happen to like the way I live my life. I don’t like the bar scene. Or partying. If I’m gonna kick back and have a drink, I want to do it in a calm, laid-back type of atmosphere. Truth be told, I’m kind of boring, but I like myself that way.
“Don’t you have any hobbies, Duchess?” he inquires.
“No.” Well, I take that back. “Yes.”
“And they are?”
There’s a fire of vehemence growing in the pit of my stomach. I swallow hard dousing the flames in saliva, putting them out. “I play the guitar.” Not that that is a great accomplishment yet. I suck at it.
His eyebrows shoot up. “You do?” His voice goes up an octave.
“I do.” I lean back in my seat. “I didn’t say I was very good, but I’m learning.”
“I think that’s awesome.”
“I think it will be awesome when I can play multiple songs all the way through without messing them up,” I comment with a laugh. The only one I can play all the way through is Achy Breaky Heart. The chord transitions are really easy and on top of that, I have an App on my phone that breaks it down for you so you can play along with the song.
“Hey,” he shrugs, “everybody has got to start somewhere.”
“This is true.” Bright red flashing tail-lights distract me and I peer at the car in front of me. “Well would you look at that.”
Ray follows my gaze then opens the passenger side door. He quirks me a grin. “Looks like you’re going to make it home after all.”
A smile pulls on my lips. I want to scream finally! Instead I keep my voice level. “Sure am.” I glance at the clock and we’ve been stuck in traffic for over four hours. “About damn time too.”
I close my eyes and I can practically feel the softness of my pillow as my face sinks into it. Feel the warmth from my down comforter spread from my toes to my fingers as I cocoon it around my body. This entire day has been exhausting and I can’t wait to welcome the deep sleep I so desperately need. I’m a firm believer that time, travel, and intense situations can wear a person down. Like a piece of uncarved wood before a carpenter has begun to whittle it.
I’ve hit my quota of intensity for the day.
My muscles hurt.
My joints ache.
My eyelids are starting to get heavy.
Now I’m thinking about the sweet, sweet dreams my mind will welcome when I hit the sack.
Ray steps out of my car, places a hand on the roof and hangs down into the open door, facing me. “Well Duchess,” he says in a light-hearted tone. “Safe travels.”
I beam back at him. “You too, Ray.” He turns to leave, but I halt him with an adamant tone. “Wait!” He stops and hangs through the door again. “Thank you for the hot chocolate,” I tell him. “And thank you for helping me. You’re an awesome guy. I’m sure you’ll make some lucky lady really happy one day.”
“Not a problem.” He smirks. “And thanks. I’m pretty sure we’ll cross paths again someday.”
“Huh?” I scrunch my nose, giving him a confused look.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Never mind, Duchess. Never mind.”
“Okay. One more thing, though.” I beckon him closer with my fingertip. He leans all the way into my car across the passenger seat and I strategically place a soft kiss on his cheek. He backs away still holding his cheek, wearing a quirky grin and I whisper, “You wouldn’t take any money, so…”
He cuts me off, “Are you kidding?” He straightens his stance outside of my car. “That was the best form of payment I’ve ever received.”
Redness spreads taking up residence in my cheeks. “Be safe now.”
“You too, Sadie.”
After he closes my door and I can’t wash away the smile from my lips. I can’t help but think that maybe loosening up every once in a great while isn’t such a bad thing after all. And I can’t keep my eyes off of Ray as I watch him walk back to his truck through my rearview mirror.
Chapter Eight