“See ya later.” I said before rushing out the door. I hurried over to my door and walked in grabbing my backpack and headed out into the woods. I need some quiet to really think about everything. I knew my reaction had been knee jerk, but I also knew my record with men. They always said they could handle someone who was independent, but in reality, they never could. There were so many things I liked about Luke, but there were also things I saw as issues. Maybe it was just me, maybe I needed to get used to accepting help from someone without strings attached. He mowed the lawn, and he always took care of the outside of the house. He helped me with my bags, or anything else he ever noticed I might need help with. I had to clear my head.
I walked out into the woods and found my meadow, spread out my small blanket, and laid down, looking up at the cloudy sky.
When I checked the forecast that morning, it said the rain was supposed to start around four. But as my luck would have it, it started not long after I had really got settled. I was writing in my notebook when I felt the first drop. I packed up my stuff and started the walk home. By the time I reached the house, I was drenched to the bone. Luckily because I knew how the pacific northwest was, I always carried a bag with me.
I stripped my clothes off and walked up the stairs. I decided to soak in the tub instead of taking my normal quick shower. I needed it after the week I’d had.
Chapter Seventeen
Luke
I didn't regret it, and I would do it again. I wanted to do it again. I wanted my lips on hers. I watched her walk into the woods and thought about following her but thought better of it. I spent the rest of the day piddling around the shop, not really wanting to work on my project because I was so distracted. I gave up and drove into town to see if Ryan needed any help at the office since he was there on a Sunday.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“That seems to be a common question lately.” I laughed and walked over to the desk. “You need some help?”
“Sure, yeah.” He handed me a list of stuff that his father had left for him.
I walked around and spent the next several hours doing inventory.
“Let’s grab some food.” Ryan walked up next to me.
“Okay.”
“Should I call Emmy and see if she wants to join?” he asked.
I wanted to say yes, but I knew we both needed a little space, especially after today.
“She was in the woods when I left. I would assume she’s still there.”
“She better head back soon if she wants to stay dry.”
The rain started to fall just as we sat down in the diner downtown.
“What can I get for you boys?” Ethel asked.
“Hey Ethel, how’s today been?” I asked as she sat down in the seat beside me.
“Well, since you two young men walked in, it got a little brighter,” she smiled at me then over at Ryan.
“You want the usual, Ranie-boy?”
“Absolutely. You know me so well,” Ryan chimed.
“You have ordered the same sandwich for fifteen years. Don't give me that much credit.”
“And you, Lukie-poo?”
“BLT and fries?” I said.
“Is that a question or an order?”
“Order.” I laughed and leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“You always know how to make an old lady feel special.”
“Who’s old?” Ryan asked.