I force my body to shut down. I have a lot to do tomorrow and can’t focus on anything else. It’s a busy day; that’s where the focus needs to be.
Until the next time I get to have her.
I look over the files that were sent over to me from my client, and I type up a new report. A report I’m sure they won’t be happy with, as it will indicate needing more information, and it’s not going in the direction they were hoping. I’m buying the time needed.
I click Send.
Now, I need to go to Hanna’s and work on the window before she gets home. Brenda let me know she’s working late to help her with payroll. Which is needed. I have dinner tonight with one of my old friends from high school, and if I’m being honest, if she were home or came home while I’m there, I wouldn’t be going anywhere but the nearest flat surface—to fuck her on it.
Grabbing items needed at the hardware store, I’m almost out the door when I see her. Fuck me.
“Theo! Hey, I heard you were back in town.”
Holly, my first girlfriend and last one I ever had. She hasn’t changed much. She’s wearing heavier makeup, but besides that, she still looks like the same girl I broke up with. She’s the woman who made me realize I can’t do monogamy. Do I feel bad? No. But she didn’t do anything when we were together or today to cause me to be a total dick in this moment.
“Hey, Holly. Yep, in town for work.”
She steps closer, now a little too close for my liking. Sensing her intentions the minute she looks me up and down with siren-like eyes, I know I need to end the conversation as fast as possible. There isn’t an ounce of me interested in whatever she is trying to do here.
“That’s great! For how long?”
“Long enough.”
She tries to play off the sting of my obvious indication that I don’t want to talk to her for much longer. A simple hi and bye would have sufficed.
“Oh, well, we should get dinner before you head back. I’d love to hear what it’s like in New York!”
“Not this time, Holly. It was good seeing you.” I walk around her, and she calls after me.
“If you change your mind, Brenda has my number.”
I don’t give her a look over my shoulder, a wave goodbye, nothing.
If Hanna wasn’t in the picture, she would have done for a quick fuck, because I’m only here for a short time.
I finish up the window just in time. Hanna had texted me her response when I asked her what her plans for the upcoming weekend were. She said she was on her way home now to get into some normal clothes and then shopping for a swimsuit. A suit for the lake. The thought of her looking for a suit is the only thing on replay in my mind now. Brenda is dragging her out, and I told Hanna it’s my time after that.
Heading back to my place, I shower and get ready to hang out with one of my old buddies from high school for a casual poker night in. Win for me—it gets a bit old going to the same old place like Dean’s.
I get dressed and leave the house, but knowing that Hanna is out buying some swimsuit for the weekend right now is all I can think about. What will she pick? I should be there helping her choose, as I won’t be at the lake this weekend. Some shit Brenda said about it being a girls-only thing.
Before I start the truck and head off, I text her.
Me: I want you to send me pictures.
Hanna: Of?
Me: Whatever you try on. Each item. Got it?
Hanna: Not gonna happen.
Theo: What was that?
Hanna: You heard me. I’m not sending you pictures of me in swimsuits. I don’t need those landing in someone else’s hands.
Theo: Okay.
Hanna: That was easy. I expected a full-on power trip.
Theo: Nope. Have fun.
I leave the text and go to my contacts. Clicking Dial on a name, I wait as it rings.
“Hey, Fitz. You on your way?” my buddy, James, asks.
“No. Change of plans. I have something I need to do. Raincheck.”
“Man, that sucks. But I get it. Besides, I’m feeling lucky tonight. Don’t want to clean your wallet out.” He laughs, and I back up the truck.
“Bullshit. I always win. But I’ll let you have this one. Catch ya later.”
“Yeah, later.”
My destination is about an hour away, but the drive will be worth the reward.
Pulling up in front of the mall, I enter and head toward the swim shop the nice concierge lady pointed me to. When I walk in, I scan the store and don’t see them…but then I hear Brenda toward the back.